Walking Together into the Future: The First Message of Sr Roxanne Schares

25/08/2025

News

Sr Roxanne Schares Appointed as New Executive Secretary of UISG

On September 1st, Sister Roxanne Schares, SSND, will begin her mission as Executive Secretary of the UISG.
Here is the message she addresses to all UISG members:

It is with humility and readiness to serve that I accept the call to be the next Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), trusting in the strength of our communion as we journey together into the future.

First of all, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Board of Directors for their faith and confidence and for their leadership along with that of Sister Patricia Murray, ibvm and her more than eleven years of dedication and generous service. Through such commitment, UISG has grown as a global sisterhood, expanded networking and collaboration, and strengthened the witness of the charismatic identity of consecrated life.

This Jubilee Year of Hope and the 60th Anniversary of the UISG mark a significant moment for us women religious. In a world marked by great discord, violence, and war, we recognize the tremendous need for us to be bearers of hope that transforms, prophetic witnesses of the Gospel, and experts in communion (cf. Pope Francis, the Year of Consecrated Life). Pope Leo XIV echoed this call during his Inaugural Mass in May. “This is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters,” that makes us all one.

In a synodal spirit, the UISG Calls and Priorities for 2025-2031: Walking into the Future Together will guide our going forward as we embrace both continuity and change, “to support religious life, enrich the Church, be a prophetic voice, align for mission, and undertake all that it does in a discerning, synodal and spiritually grounded way.”

May we do so with courage for “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rm 5:5).

30/08/2025

Agnes Nyoni

Greetings from Zimbabwe! On behalf of the Society of our Lady of Africa we welcome you Sr Roxanne.We pray for the success of your vision for women religious.Best wishes .

27/08/2025

Deirdre Bannon

Excellent spirit filled humble words...

27/08/2025

sr Sabrina Pianta

Buon lavoro e buon cammino insieme sr Roxanne!

26/08/2025

Deirdre Bannon

Excellent vision for the future continuity of the work into the future.

26/08/2025

SR.GIUSEPPINA)KATARINA ) ZAMMIT

AUGURI PER IL NUOVO INCARICO E PE LA SUA DISONIBILIA'

26/08/2025

Sr Nazha El Khoury

Sr. Roxanne, Merci d'avoir accepté de servir la UISG en tant que secrétaire exécutive. Que Dieu vous vienne en aide pour marcher avec toutes les superieures comme toujours dans un esprit de synodalité avec courage et amour, comme vous le souhaiteriez. En union d'espérance

26/08/2025

Sr. Judith DONOVAN, CSJ

On behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, welcome to your new chapter with the UISG! We look forward to learning from and walking with you as you continue your service to global religious life in this new role.

26/08/2025

Murnilam Warasi (Sr. Sofiani Warasi SCMM)

Dear Sr. Roxanne Schares, welcome and thank you for your availability to help the UISG. God bless you. * I am Indonesian and staying in the Netherlands until the General chapter 2029 and ? I am still learn English.

25/08/2025

Micheline KENDA

Mille Mercis à Soeur Patricia. Votre présence a été une joie et une gràce pour la vie religieuse qui s'est sentie en marche ensemble en partant des différents coins du monde, Toutes les différentes Congrégations rassemblées dans le coeur du Christ dans la recherche d'une réponse toujours plus significative pour aujourd'hui. CONGRATULATIONS ! May God be blessed . MERCI, GRAZIE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH SR. PATRICIA MURAY.

25/08/2025

Cardenal Aquilino Bocos Merino, cmf

Agradezco a la Hna Roxanne Shares que haya aceptado ser Secretaria General de la UISG. ¡Enhorabuena! Como también gracias a la Hna. Patricia Murray por su generosa entrega. Es un gran servicio eclesial a través de la UISG. Sigo de cerca lo que van haciendo y sólo tengo palabras de gratitud y apoyo. Doy testimonio de tan gran servicio desde 1972, año en que empecé a tener relaciones con la Secretaría de la UISG, como director de la Revista VIDA RELIGIOSA, de Madrid. Trabajé con mucha ilusión, siendo miembro de la USG, por lograr un trabajo conjunto de ambas Uniones. Y aunque no aparezca en los Annales de la UISG ni de la USG el gran Congreso "Pasión por Cristo, pasión por la humanidad" fue el primer esfuerzo conjunto sobresaliente de un trabajo que ahora se hace más común. La M. Rita Burley tuvo mucho que ver en esto. Enhorabuena y "caminamos juntos". Cordialmente y que el Año del Jubileo de la Esperanza siga dando frutos. Aquilino, Card. Bocos Merino, cmf. Si puedo, iré con gusto al jubileo. Todo depende de que me dejen ir.

25/08/2025

Irene Balzan

Hearty congratulations Sr.Roxanne!! I remember you with fondness when you were the Novice Directress in Kenya in the late 1990s. That's when our paths crossed as I was a novice with the MMMs at the time and currently I am serving in MMM leadership in Ireland. I am sure that your kindness, compassion and wisdom will enrich and carry the UISG forward. Thank you for accepting to serve in this ministry. I see you have an Irish pendant!! Welcome to Ireland!

25/08/2025

Maureen P Cusick

Congratulations Roxanne….. Blessings on this new ministry Past member of UISG and past Congregational Leader Notre Dame deSion and passed president of UISG Maureen NDS

25/08/2025

Imelda Maurer, CDP

Welcome, Sister Roxanne! I know I speak for so many in this sentiment and in offering support in the noted UISG Calls and Priorities, espeically in the call to "be a propetic voice". Blessings!

25/08/2025

Maria D'Mello

I thank Sr. Patricia Murray for the services rendered with love to us all. God bless you abundantly. I congratulate Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, the Executive Secretary of the UISG who will begin her mission from 1st September. May God be with you. Our prayers and good wishes to you dear Sr. Roxanne Schares.

25/08/2025

Claire bonneau

As a School Sister of Notre Dame I congratulate Roxanne and promise prayerful support for you as a continue a marvelous and effective ministry! Peace on the journey!!

25/08/2025

Maria D'Mello