The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) is to conclude its 23rd Plenary Assembly tomorrow after five days of intense work and discernment under the theme "Consecrated Life: A Hope That Transforms." Around 900 Superiors General from 80 countries addressed the current challenges of women religious communities, sharing experiences and strengthening international collaboration.

Today, the last but one day of the Assembly, the Plenary Declaration was finalized, which reaffirms the role of consecrated women as "bearers of a hope that transforms" in a complex global context.

• Women of peace, resilient, standing at the foot of the Cross, who dare to weep over the sufferings of the world and to commit themselves, sometimes to the point of giving their lives.
• Women who offer their lives for free by being present at frontier places, who refuse exclusion and discrimination and who give consolation and attention to those who are rejected.
• Women who keep watch in the night and who, like the moon, reflect the light and let the stars sparkle around them. 
• Synodal Women who engender evangelical and inclusive communities; women who weave, for our common home, a harmonious garment that makes the beauty of creation shine forth. 
• Women prophets who, in old age, illness or wounds suffered, remain signs of hope, waiting and praying."

"In this 60th anniversary of the UISG and in the Jubilee Year, we want to make our specific contribution as consecrated women," the Declaration states. "With 'strings of hope' that we stretch to one another, we have created an international network that connects us with all peoples and with the whole of creation."

Among the most notable outcomes at the Assembly is the launch of the new Foundation "The Anna Trust", an initiative to support the care of elderly sisters which is a growing concern for many religious congregations.

In her closing message, Sr. Mary Barron, President of the UISG, emphasized the importance of "standing as resilient women of peace, who dare to stand at the frontiers and give comfort to those who are rejected."

She also highlighted that this Assembly "has strengthened our practice of conversation in the Spirit as a tool to promote a synodal culture in our Congregations, in tune with the current journey of the Church."

The XXIII Plenary Assembly officially concluded on May 9th with a Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where participants paid homage to Pope Francis at his tomb, recognizing his contribution to the dynamism of Consecrated Life.