“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a 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.
Under her leadership, UISG strengthened its commitment to crucial areas such as care for creation, justice and peace, protection of the most vulnerable, and the formation of new generations of leaders in consecrated life.
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 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.