Sister Mary John Kudiyiruppil, SSpS, Associate Executive Secretary, International Union of Superiors General

New Leaders Campaign

One of the basic needs of a human being is to experience and to give care. Care is  the human will – touched by compassion and humaneness – reaching out in action in a tangible way. 

The foundational drive of most congregations of women religious has been one of care and nurture, especially where systems and structures have been weak in caring for the vulnerable, including women and the elderly. UISG is committed to supporting communities to care, as is evident in the number of its initiatives related to direct care and to support for care-givers.

Giving direct care is one thing, but empowering people to care for themselves and others is a different thing. The theme of our third video in the New Leaders series, Supporting communities to care, highlights this aspect of empowerment. My wish and prayer is that people see this video, draw inspiration for their lives, tap into their fundamental urge to care, and support persons and structures engaged in care-giving.