Transition in the Service of the Executive Secretary

25/08/2025

News

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you ... to give you a future of hope.” (Jer 29:11)

The President of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), Sr Oonah O’Shea NDS, announces an important transition in the life of the Union, in continuity with what was shared during the UISG Plenary Assembly 2025.

After years of generous and dedicated service, Sr Patricia Murray IBVM is completing her mission as Executive Secretary of the UISG.
Throughout her mandate, she has offered a significant contribution to the life of the Union, supporting the Superiors General with passion and vision in their journeys of discernment and leadership.

With her competence, professionalism and ecclesial sensitivity, Sr Pat has fostered processes of communion and collaboration among Congregations, encouraging a renewed spirit of synodality. She has promoted ongoing dialogue with the wider Church and international organisations, ensuring that the voice of religious women is heard in contexts where their presence and commitment are a prophetic witness.

All Superiors General express their deep gratitude to her for the vision, dedication and tireless commitment with which she has sustained and promoted the mission of UISG, guiding it with spiritual depth and organisational clarity in a time of major challenges and transformation for consecrated life.

The Board of Directors has appointed Sr Roxanne Schares SSND, who until now has served as Associate Executive Secretary of UISG, as the new Executive Secretary. She will officially begin her new service on 1 September 2025. UISG welcomes Sr Roxanne with confidence and renewed enthusiasm, certain that she will carry forward with creativity and Gospel courage the paths already begun, while animating and coordinating the service of the Superiors General worldwide.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, UISG President Sr Oonah O’Shea expressed both gratitude and hope for this time of transition:
We warmly thank Sr Patricia Murray for the generous gift of her service, and we welcome Sr Roxanne with gratitude, entrusting this new beginning to the Spirit who leads us and opens us to a future of hope. Together we continue our journey, with faith and trust, at the service of consecrated life in the world.

This transition, a sign of renewal and continuity, is entrusted to the action of the Spirit, who accompanies history and constantly opens new pathways for the mission of women religious in the Church and in the world.

03/09/2025

Barbara Paleczny

THANK-YOU, PAT MURRAY!! I am filled with heartfelt gratitude for you . . . as you led us so wonderfully in Solidarity with South Sudan for so many years and then as Exec Sec for USIG. You use your many talents so grace-fully for all. Blessings for the months and years ahead! Love and blessings! Barb

31/08/2025

Sister Bonnie MacLellan, CSJSSM (Canada)

Dear Sisters Pat and Roxanne, With grateful hearts, we surround you both in prayer. Sister Pat, we thank God for your faithful service and the many ways you have guided UISG with wisdom, compassion, and courage. Your ministry has been a blessing to religious life across the world, and we hold you in deep gratitude. Sister Roxanne, as you now assume this important responsibility, know that our prayers rise with you—that the Spirit may strengthen and console you, and that you may be graced with joy, courage, and clarity of vision in this new chapter of service. Please know that you are not alone. If there is any way we can walk beside you or support you in this sacred ministry, we are only a phone call away. With prayerful affection and solidarity, **Sister Bonnie MacLellan, CSJ** General Superior The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie

27/08/2025

Mère Daphrose KIRANIGUYE

Le Seigneur qui conduit les Congrégations religieuses du monde entier soit éternellement loué pour l'apostolat fructueux de Mère Patricie Murray. Qu'Il accompagne la Nouvelle pour la plus haute gloire de Dieu. Dieu soit loué. A l'écoute du Saint-Esprit, marchons avec elle dans l'espérance.

26/08/2025

Teresa R. Dagdag

Congratulations to Roxanne Schares! I know she will be creative in this ministry. And my gratitude to Pat Murray for leading, coordinating, and bringing UISG to new heights. My best wishes to both, Teresa Dagdag MM

25/08/2025

María Elena Novelo Heredia

Entre tantas noticias mundiales de guerra y violencia, es estimulante conocer algo de lo que las religiosas podemos hacer en distintos campos de las necesidades de nuestros hermanos ,