At the conclusion of the 2025 UISG Plenary Assembly, we gather in this section the testimonies and reflections of several Superiors General on the key themes that animated our days of listening, discernment, and communion.

Through these weekly interviews, we wish to open a space of listening and communion, where the experience of those who, from diverse contexts, walk the synodal path in service of the Gospel and consecrated life in today’s world can truly resonate.

This week, we share the words of Sr. Mary Barron, former UISG President and Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, on the theme of hope in consecrated life.

"Our theme this year is consecrated life, a hope that transforms. And in this gathering that we have today, we have more than 900 leaders of congregations.

I think anyone who walks into this room can sense the dynamism, the vibrancy, the joy, the hope that is held in consecrated life.

So I think for me moving forward, we are called more and more to get back to who we are as religious — to witness to that joy of the Gospel that Pope Francis always spoke about. And as we witness, we offer hope even before we begin to do anything.

Be who we are as Christ’s witnesses. And then we respond to whatever the needs are in a particular place.

And as we live that, I think for me, we don’t worry about numbers or vocations. We live our call and let God do the rest."