The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) held a reception of gratitude on September 8th. Diplomats, superiors general, friends, and partners in mission gathered to honor Sr. Patricia Murray IBVM for her more than eleven years of service as Executive Secretary and to warmly welcome her successor, Sr. Roxanne Schares SSND.

Sr. Mary Barron: “Two Women Passionate about Christ”

Former UISG President Sr. Mary Barron OLA summed up her message in two words: gratitude and hope. She recalled that her own service on the UISG board began in 2019, at the same time as Sr. Roxanne’s, and they had both worked closely with Sr. Pat.
“Pat and Roxanne are two remarkable women, different in their origins and charisms, but united by a profound passion for Christ, for consecrated life, and by a clear vision of what we are called to be as consecrated women today,” she said.
Addressing Sr. Pat, she wished her a fruitful new chapter, convinced that she would remain committed to consecrated life. Quoting Pope Francis, she encouraged Sr. Roxanne to “stay close to God. The true protagonist of our lives is the Holy Spirit. Then everything else will fall into place.”

Sr. Pat Murray: “Under Each Other’s Shelter, We Live”

Sr. Pat reflected on her years of service at UISG, marked by countless encounters with superiors general, religious members, Church leaders, diplomats, and collaborators. “Nothing is possible alone. Everything we have accomplished, we have done together,” she underlined, paying tribute to the importance of collaboration and communion.
She expressed deep gratitude for the global network of relationships built over the years, which broadened her horizon and strengthened her faith. Quoting an Irish proverb, “It is under each other’s shelter that people survive,” she concluded: “Thank you for the shade and shelter you have offered me, not only for myself but also for all the people with whom you live, work, and serve.”

Sr. Oonah O’Shea: “An Organization that Has Blossomed”

UISG President Sr. Oonah O’Shea NDS praised Sr. Pat’s achievements. “Since she assumed the role of Executive Secretary, UISG has truly blossomed. The number of programs and projects has grown significantly, serving not only superiors general and their congregations, but also the universal Church.” She recalled Sr. Pat’s active role in the Synod, in Vatican commissions, and in numerous international initiatives. Thanks to her leadership, UISG is now a dynamic and recognized organization. “Following in her footsteps is a challenge,” she admitted, “but we know that Sr. Roxanne, with her gifts and her own leadership style, will continue this path with the support of the board and the committed UISG staff.”

Sr. Roxanne Schares: “Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life”

Taking the floor, Sr. Roxanne recalled an African proverb, drawn from her many years of missionary service: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.  She placed her mandate under the sign of collaboration and discernment: “Today we continue the journey, going forth together, embracing both continuity and change, discerning and responding to “the more,” to which God is calling us. In closing, she shared this insight of Melody Beattie, Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life ... It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

A Fraternal and Spiritual Passing On

More than a formal occasion, this reception celebrated a true fraternal and spiritual transmission, reminding us that the future of consecrated life is built on gratitude, collaboration, and hope.