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.