New Consultors of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life: A Significant Presence of Consecrated Women

08/08/2026

Vatican News

On 6 August 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed the new Consultors of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life for the five-year term 2026–2031.

UISG welcomes these appointments with joy and, in particular, the presence among the new Consultors of several consecrated women, including Superiors General of congregations that are members of UISG, together with Sr Patricia Murray, CJ, former Executive Secretary of UISG.

Among the women religious appointed are:

Sr Patricia Murray, CJ, former Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General;
Sr Chiara Lorenzato, Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation;
Sr Maria Nirmalini, Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel;
Sr María Rosaura González Casas, STJ, Pro-Director of the Institute of Psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome;
Sr Mary (Makamatine) Lembo, Vicar General of the Sisters of St Catherine Virgin and Martyr;
Sr Maria do Disterro Rocha Santos, FCIM, President of the Conference of Religious of Brazil.

The presence of these consecrated women, coming from different geographical, cultural and charismatic contexts, represents a significant contribution to the Church’s reflection on consecrated life. Their diverse experience in leadership, formation, theology, psychology and the accompaniment of religious life will enrich the discernment of the Dicastery.

A Service of Expertise, Listening and Discernment

The Consultors are called to place their expertise and experience at the service of the Dicastery, contributing to its reflection on matters concerning Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

The diversity of their backgrounds and ecclesial experiences reflects the charismatic richness of consecrated life and the universal dimension of the Church. Their service is particularly important at a time when consecrated life is called to discern new forms of presence and mission and to respond, with creativity and fidelity to the Gospel, to the transformations taking place within the Church and society.

For UISG, the appointment of Superiors General belonging to its network and of Sr Patricia Murray, CJ, who served the Union for many years as Executive Secretary, is a particular source of joy. It also recognises the contribution that consecrated women continue to make to the life and mission of the Church through their experience, expertise, and capacity for listening and discernment.

UISG extends its warmest congratulations to all the new Consultors and accompanies them with prayer as they begin this new responsibility, that their service may contribute to fostering a consecrated life that is ever more evangelical, synodal and able to respond to the challenges of our time.

27/08/2026

Andrée Caron

Je suis très heureuse de ces nominations qui vont donner l'occasion à ces femmes d'apporter leur contribution et leur expertise comme Supérieures générales. Elles apportent aussi la couleur féminne non négligeable à ce Dicastère.

26/08/2026

Diane Smyth

This is wonderful and very hopeful as we undrgo so many changes. Congratulations to Sr Patricia Murray, CJ, ;Sr Chiara Lorenzato, Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist ;Sr Maria Nirmalini, ;Sr María Rosaura González Casas, STJ, ;Sr Mary (Makamatine) Lembo, ;Sr Maria do Disterro Rocha Santos, FCIM. Thank you for your generosity and service to religious across the world. Many blessings. Sr. Diane Smyth rsm.

26/08/2026

Laura Donovan, RDC

Congratulations to Sr Patricia Murray and to the new Consultants to the Dicastery of Consecrated Life. We are proud to have you sharing your gifts with the Church and blessings on Pope Leo. With prayers and Thanks,

26/08/2026

Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood CPS - General Council - Sr. Walburga Ballhausen CPS SecGen/ GenCouncilor

Congratulations to Sr. Pat Murray, CJ With great joy and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sr. Pat Murray, CJ, on her appointment by Pope Leo XIV as a Consultor of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on 6 August 2026 This appointment is a fitting recognition of Sr. Pat's outstanding service to consecrated life and to the universal Church. For many years, she served with wisdom, dedication, and remarkable generosity as Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), accompanying religious congregations throughout the world with vision, competence, and an unwavering spirit of service. Her readiness to listen, support, and encourage others has touched countless religious women and Church leaders across diverse cultures and continents. Those who have had the privilege of working with Sr. Pat know her as a woman of deep faith, broad experience, and genuine compassion. Her leadership, commitment to dialogue, and passion for fostering collaboration in the Church will undoubtedly enrich the work of the Dicastery and contribute significantly to the ongoing discernment of consecrated life in our time. We also offer our sincere congratulations to all the consultants appointed by Pope Leo XIV for the 2026-2031 term. May each of them bring their unique gifts, experience, and wisdom to this important ministry in service of the Church and of consecrated life throughout the world. May the Holy Spirit guide Sr. Pat and all the newly appointed consultants, granting them wisdom, courage, and joy as they undertake this significant responsibility. Ad multos annos! May God abundantly bless their service to the People of God.

26/08/2026

Zuster Margriet van der Vliet

Een hartelijke gelukwens zuster Patricia en de andere leden van het Dicasterie. Gods zegen wensen wij u toe in in werkzaamheden.

26/08/2026

Barbara L McMullen, CDP

This wonderful and welcome news for the Dicastery and for all of us women religious. Congratulations to all!

26/08/2026

Barbara Linen SHCJ

Congratulations Pat and all the sisters undertaking this service

26/08/2026

Sr Mary Whelan SMG

I am so delighted to welcome the new Consultors and t congratulate them on their appointment. I assure them of my prayer and support. I am particularly happy to congratulate an old friend, Sr Patricia Murray and to wish her God’s choicest blessings as she continues to serve the church in such a big hearted way. Sent with my love and prayers Mary SMG

26/08/2026

Andrea Nenzel, CSJP

Truly speaks to the growing recognition of the wisdom and grace that our women religious will bring to this work. Congratulations to all and blessings on their work in the Dicastery.

26/08/2026

Ivana Zacchello

Le mie più vive congratulazioni alle nuove consultrici al DIVCSVA, una presenza sostanziosa di donne chiamate ad ascoltare e discernere per sostenere e orientare una vita consacrata che risponda sempre più e meglio al progetto di salvezza di Dio per l'oggi di questa nostra umanità.

26/08/2026

Chaplain Donna Zuroweste rBCC

Auguri! Speak truth to power as Catherine of Siena did!

26/08/2026

Yolanda Tobar

Me alegra mucho todo el proceso sinodales de la Iglesia soy de vida Contemplativa me gusta como dice discernir nuevas presencias y forma de vivir la misión aunque seamos contemplativas es iluminar la forma de vivir más en apertura a los contextos para nuevos miembros y realidades. Yolanda Tobar Religiosa de la Cruz del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

11/08/2026

Ríonach Donlon CJ

It is good news to see the appointment of these sisters to the Dicastery for Consecrated life. Special congratulations to Sr. Patricia Murray.

11/08/2026

Margo Mulvey

Congratulations Pat and all the new members of the Discatery. We women of the Church are proud of your achievements and grateful that the Church has engaged your skills to move into a more inclusive apostolate. I pray for your continued courage and expertise for the growth of Catholicism in our fractured world today.

11/08/2026

Deirdre Bannon

This is wonderful news.