From 19 to 26 July 2026, the VI International Meeting of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena took place in Angola. It brought together religious sisters from different Provinces, communities and countries in an event marked by prayer, reflection, formation, mission and deep fraternal communion. Throughout the week, the theme “Sowers of Hope that Transforms” inspired every conference, every dialogue and every shared experience, strengthening the Congregational identity and renewing the commitment to mission.

A Beginning Marked by Faith and Communion

The meeting opened with the Eucharistic Celebration at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, Km 9 – Viana, in an atmosphere of great participation by the local community. As Father Benvindo recalled: “It was this Congregation that donated the space where the Parish was built.”

In the afternoon, the host Provincial Superior, Sister Maria Manuela Nacandumbo, welcomed the participants with words of gratitude and joy, highlighting the commitment of the Superior General, Sister Rosilene Linares, “for her wisdom, tireless and far-reaching dedication, and the refinement with which she prepared and helped us prepare this International Meeting.”

The Superior General officially opened the meeting, placing it under the light of the Word: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). She emphasized that this is a holy time of grateful remembrance, mutual listening and renewed dedication to mission.

Integral Formation: Hope that Transforms

The following days were devoted to a profound reflection on mission and formation through conferences addressing various themes.

First and foremost, Father Alberto Sissimo emphasized that being sowers requires skills, methods and goals, but above all “a life rooted in the Word of God, in following Christ and in the humanization that generates humanity.”

Father Basílio Nuno Calundo, SJ, instead presented formation as an ongoing process integrating the human, spiritual, communal and missionary dimensions. He recalled that hope heals, strengthens and opens paths towards reconciliation.

The young women in formation — aspirants, postulants, novices and juniors — shared their challenges, dreams and proposals for the future of the Congregation, demonstrating maturity, commitment and enthusiasm.

Guidelines for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

One of the most significant moments of the meeting was the official presentation of the Guidelines for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, a normative document that will henceforth guide the entire institutional life of the Congregation. The Guidelines express “the firm determination to respond, with truth, prudence, justice and transparency, to the evangelical, human, ethical, canonical and institutional requirements of prevention, protection, accompaniment and accountability in the face of any form of abuse.”

This commitment strengthens a culture of care, transparency and shared responsibility, involving Sisters, those in formation, collaborators, volunteers and mission partners.

Mission: Hope Made Service

The Archbishop of Saurimo, Monsignor José Manuel Imbamba, reflected on the mission of consecrated women as sowers of the Word of God. He recalled that true hope leads to the renewal of the mind and to discerning God’s will.

Listening, Dialogue and Participation of the Dominican Family of Saint Catherine of Siena

24 July was dedicated to listening to the different stages of formation and levels of Congregational leadership. Aspirants, those in formation, Provincial Councils and formators shared their expectations, challenges and proposals for the future.

The Superior General reaffirmed the importance of transforming the directives of the International Meeting into practical protocols adapted to the realities of each country and each community.

Lay People, Volunteers and Friends of Teresa de Saldanha

25 July was dedicated to the role of lay people in the Dominican mission. Sister Elizabeth Virgílio recalled that the lay person is a “sower of hope in the family, at work and in society.”

The Teresa de Saldanha Volunteer Service (VTS) and the Friends of Teresa de Saldanha (ATS) shared testimonies of service and closeness, culminating in a missionary experience in hospitals, homes and among vulnerable families.

The Economy at the Service of Mission

On the final day, Father José Dias Tumoma addressed the theme of community management and the responsible use of resources, emphasizing that planning, accountability and transparency are evangelical and communal requirements.

The Superior General reaffirmed that everything must be lived in the light of the vow of poverty and shared responsibility.

Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mamã Muxima

On 26 July, the final day of the meeting, the participants went on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mamã Muxima, experienced in prayer, joy and gratitude. On this occasion, Father Belchior Isaac recalled that “Christian life, even through small seeds, can produce abundant fruits.”

Seeds that Continue to Germinate

The VI International Meeting was much more than an event: it was an experience of grace, communion and spiritual renewal. Thanks to all that was learned during this enriching week, and united by the charism of Teresa de Saldanha and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena will continue to commit themselves to being Sowers of Hope that Transforms, bringing the Gospel to the heart of the world.