Christmas greetings from the President & Executive Secretary

In the holy season of Christmas, the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) wishes to extend its greetings to all Superiors General, to all consecrated women, and to all those who share the journey of consecrated life throughout the world.

The mystery of the Incarnation invites us to pause, to contemplate God who draws near, God-with-us, and to renew our hope in a time marked by challenges, fragility, and profound changes.

In this spirit, we share the Christmas messages of the Executive Secretary and the President of the UISG, words that accompany us in prayer and commitment.

Bearers of the light of Christ in the world
Message from Sr. Oonah O’Shea, NDS
President of the UISG

“I want to greet you in the name of the Board of the Union far this Christmas and New Year season.
As we approach the feast of the birth of Jesus - God coming to dwell in our midst in a human manner, not in a glorious triumphant manner but as a vulnerable new born child - born in humble circumstances - I cannot but reflect on our world at this moment, where so many are living in vulnerable and life threatening situation,­ children and families in war zones, the children abducted in the Ukraine as well as the recent abduction of children and teachers in Nigeria.

How will this season offer them hope?

At the first Christmas the shepherds and the wise men were led by the light to find the Christ child - this light of Christ continues to shine in our world, now through the actions and commitment of countless people including religious women and men who are committed to work for peace and justice witnessing that there is hope for a better world.
May each of us in our own way bring the light of Christ to those we live, minister and work among and may our prayers offer hope and light far those children and families who are currently living in vulnerable situations.

As bearers of the light of Christ may each of us have a blessed Christmas and New Year.

A time of gratitude and hope
Message from Sr. Roxanne Shares, SSND
Executive Secretary of the UISG

Christmas invites us to a time of gratitude, gratitude for the light of Christ shining among us, gratitude for the journey we have shared during this Jubilee Year of Hope and the 60th Anniversary of UISG.
lt has been, it is a Kairos moment. Through God's grace, the witness of one another and of the lives of those with whom live and minister, we experience a transforming hope, even during the most difficult times and challenging situations.
"This hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rm 5:5), and as Pope Leo noted in the homily during his inaugural Mass, "this is the hour for love!" Love dwells among us as God continues to live out this promise of being with us, of Emmanuel.

During this Christmas season and the coming New Year, may we give thanks; may we celebrate this unending promise of Love dwelling among us; and may we share in living this promise, making God's love visible and real through our lives. 

Christmas Blessings of gratitude, of hope, of joy, of love!