The UISG third group of Women Religious Theologians met again to continue the preparation of the Third International Symposium, which will consider some of the key challenges and opportunities in consecrated life today. Across the morning and afternoon sessions, participants engaged in prayer, small group discussion, and later practical and methodological planning.

The sessions opened with a moment of prayer for Christian unity and for women who, often unnoticeably, work for unity in the Church and in the world. This initial spiritual moment set the tone for the sessions, which were marked by attentive listening and sharing.

A significant part of the sessions was dedicated to theological conversation in small group sharing on key themes of today’s world and the ecclesial panorama that will have a central role in the Symposium, always in relationship with Consecrated Life and its mission in the world. 

The conversations were enriched by the sisters’ different cultural contexts, including situations marked by social conflict and violence. Participants reflected on the prophetic role of consecrated life in witnessing to communion, peace, and justice, even where synodality seems difficult to implement. 

Participants noted both the opportunities offered by digital tools for formation and communication, and the ethical and anthropological questions they raise. Concerns were expressed about the risk of weakening human relationships, alongside a shared call for discernment and theological grounding in the use of these technologies. 

Participants also emphasized the need to understand authority in the light of baptismal dignity, communion, synodality and the Gospel model of service. Dialogue, accountability, and a renewed vision of authority were seen as essential for preventing abuse and fostering healthier communities.

At the conclusion of both sessions, there was a shared conviction that the Symposium should intentionally adopt different methodologies that foster deeper interaction and mutual sharing. The desire is to encourage generative theological thinking, allowing for deep and transformative conversations among the participants. In this way, the Symposium aims to foster theological ,interdisciplinary and intercultural reflection and offer meaningful service to consecrated life and to the Church as a whole. 

The journey will continue with the next online sessions. Overall, the gathering strengthened relationship and networks among the participants and a shared commitment to collaborative theological work, inclusive listening, and ongoing discernment in service of consecrated life theology in a changing world.