25/08/2025

Noticías

Conclusão de um mandato: Reflexões e gratidão da Ir. Pat Murray

Conclusão de um mandato: Reflexões e gratidão da Ir. Pat Murray

 

 

As she concludes her service as Executive Secretary of UISG, Sr. Pat Murray ibvm reflects on more than eleven years dedicated to supporting and accompanying consecrated life. In this message, she expresses her gratitude for the many leaders, collaborators, and partners she has encountered along the way, and highlights some of the key milestones that have marked this period of growth and transformation for UISG.

 

 

It has been a great privilege and pleasure for me to have served consecrated life as Executive Secretary of UISG for over eleven years. During this time, I have met so many superiors general and congregational leaders at assemblies and meetings, in person and online. I am deeply grateful to all of you for your extraordinary leadership and for your support of UISG.

I am especially grateful to those who have served on the board of UISG or as delegates representing its 36 constellations. A special word of thanks must go to the Presidents, Sr. Carmel Sammut msola, Sr. Jolanta Kafka cms, Sr. Nadia Coppa asc and Sr. Mary Barron ola, with whom I worked closely and who were a wonderful support.

 


This decade has been a period of change and transformation, and there is much to celebrate despite the many challenges and the contexts in which we, as religious women, have had to face our own vulnerability and fragility. This very experience has placed us deeply among the women and men of our time.


Among the significant moments of these years, I recall the times Pope Francis addressed us at UISG Assemblies and during the Year of Consecrated Life, challenging us to Wake up the World and to leave behind our safe and secure places in order to go to the peripheries, both geographical and existential. 


UISG responded by establishing, during its Jubilee Year in 2015, an inter-congregational initiative in Sicily to accompany migrants and refugees and to build bridges between local people and those arriving in Europe.


In the same spirit, UISG deepened its efforts to reach out to those trafficked and exploited through the network of Talitha Kum. Pope Francis has described trafficking as “a scourge” and “a very serious violation of fundamental human rights.” Talitha Kum has gone from strength to strength, now with 64 networks present in 108 countries, involving from 840 religious congregations. 


Another milestone was the launch of Sowing Hope for the Planet in 2019, which expanded the commitment of sisters to the care of creation. Many sisters now serve as Laudato Si’ animators and share their resources, plans, and practical initiatives on the Sowing Hope for the Planet website. 


Another initiative, Catholic Care for Children International works with congregations in several countries to reduce the reliance on institutional care and to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing family environment.


Over the years, the expansion of formation programs for superiors general, members of general councils, and congregational members has been extensive. Meetings take place in Rome, in other centers around the world, and increasingly online, thanks to our enhanced technological capacity. These encounters have created a growing sense of being a global sisterhood, reaching out together to respond to contemporary needs and supporting one another when times or contexts are difficult. Many topics have been addressed, with special focus on leadership formation, interculturality, spirituality, and synodality.

 

The yearly Programme for the Preparation of Formators, which has now completed its seventh year, has been greatly appreciated. Each year, about 45 sisters take part, engage in a process of inner transformation, guided by various presenters, mentors, and directors, and weave bonds of friendship.

 

These initiatives would not be possible without the dedication and giftedness of the UISG staff—religious sisters and lay women and men. Some lead these initiatives, while others provide secretarial, financial, administrative, communication, and technical support.

 

 

As I conclude, I wish to thank you, the members of UISG, for your participation, support, and encouragement during these past eleven years. I also want to express my gratitude to the many who collaborate with UISG, including the staff of Vatican dicasteries, international Catholic organizations and foundations, embassies to the Holy See, universities, and the many who follow UISG through its social media. 

I know that UISG will go from strength to strength under the leadership of the new Board and the new Executive Secretary, Sr Roxanne Schares.

 

Pope Leo XIV encourages us “to be missionaries, opening our arms to the world and proclaiming God’s love.” He reminds us of the importance of unity, dialogue, and charity, urging us to build bridges and be a leaven of harmony for humanity.

May UISG continue to support consecrated life in this journey, and may we pray for one another.

30/08/2025

Agnes Nyoni

Special thanks to Sr Pat and your board for all the support she gave to all the Superior Generals and for spear heading many programmes that made us reflect more on our religious life as women. I am ever grateful for each and every success you did.I wish you many blessings from the Lord especially in your mission. Thank you

28/08/2025

Marcia Allen csj

Dear Pat, just a note to say in a most inadequate way THANK YOU for your years of service and mostly for your presence - the lively, insightful, intelligent, brilliant ways in which you have led the women religious throughout the world. THank you! I will never forget the favor you did for me - me asking you to register me for the UISG meeting when i couldn't access the website. I had no idea then who you were or why you were there! Thank you for attending to a detail much too small in such a large generous manner. THank you and Thank you. May your future be filled with the consolations you so richly deserve! With my best wishes, sincere gratitude and affection, Marcia Allen of Concordia KS USA Sisters of St. Joseph

28/08/2025

Sr. Mary Karickakunnel JMJ

Dear Sr. Pat Murray, With heartfelt gratitude, I extend my deepest thanks to you for your long and faithful service of 11 years, marked by unwavering commitment, dedication, and love. Your tireless support and quiet strength have been a true blessing to our Congregation. Your selfless service has touched countless hearts and left a lasting legacy of faith, compassion, and perseverance. Through your gentle presence and steadfast spirit, you have been a true reflection of God’s love among us. On behalf of our Congregation, I thank you sincerely for the many ways you have inspired and uplifted us. May you continue to be a light wherever you serve.

27/08/2025

sr Sabrina Pianta

GRAZIE SR PAT!!!! la tua competenza e il tuo amore mi ha sostenuta e formata nei miei dodici anni di mandato come Superiora Generale e ha sostenuto la mia congregazione, Suore Operaie della Santa Casa di Nazareth. Continuiamo a camminare e lavorare insieme perché la vita religiosa sia sempre più profetica.

27/08/2025

Sr. Yumi Shimosako

Sr. Pat, thank you for your long years of service. While I attended the previous UISG General Assembly online, this year's assembly was my first opportunity to meet you, I was deeply impressed by your leadership and patience throughout the meeting. Furthermore, participating in the Executive Board meeting for the first time and learning about your accomplishments filled me with gratitude. Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks and pray for God's abundant blessings upon your future journey.

26/08/2025

Deirdre Bannon

Excellent work obviously guided by the Holy Spirit.

26/08/2025

SR.GIUSEPPINA)KATARINA ) ZAMMIT

GRAZIE DA PARTE DI TUTTA LA NOSTRA CONGREGAZIONE PER LA SUA DISPONIBILTA' E SOSTEGNA CONGREGZIONE

26/08/2025

Sr Nazha El Khoury

Merci beaucoup Sr. Pat pour tout le soutien que vous m'avez accordé tout au long des six années à la Consteallation 8 Apme, surout au début de mon départ. Je garde de vous l'image de la femme consacrée entière, serviable, présente pour observer et servir discritement au moment opportun, comme la Vierge Marie aux noces de Cana. je suis que vous continuez à servir avec passion à "The Anna Trust". Puisse le Seigneur vous aider dans votre nouvelle mission, pour soutenir les religieuses âgées et surtout vous donner la force et la santé. Toujours en union de prière et d'espérance. Merci

26/08/2025

Sr Eilís Coe

Thank you to Sr Patricia Murray for her eleven years of inspiration and hope-filled support for all Sisters. Her deep faith and wisdom have encouraged us to work and pray , especially for the ending of human trafficking. May Pat's days ahead be blessed.

26/08/2025

Murnilam Warasi (Sr. Sofiani Warasi SCMM)

Dear Sr. Pat Murray, I met you for the first time at the UISG 2025 and was happy to see that you worked hard to support the UISG for many years. You are a very friendly person. Thank you very much. Stay Healthy and God bless you.

26/08/2025

Janet Sue Cashman

Thank you for your years of services for UISG and the many initatives you founded. You brought UISG to a whole new level of service to Religious and so to the poor of this world. I was s privileged to work in some of the initiatives you founded. Your wisdom was a great gift to these intiatives as you accompanied them and guided them. Thank you and may you be blessed, Sister Janet Cashman Sister of Leavenworth

25/08/2025

Mary Carton

Well done, faithful and prudent servant! Pat, what a tremendous leader you have been for so long. I hear you are in the country somewhere with Eleanor for a little R and R and good friendship. Keep enjoying. I look froward to your visit to the Franciscans - and us - in January. Love, Mary

25/08/2025

Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC

Dear Sr. Pat, On behalf of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Cabrini) and myself I want to express profound gratitude for your 11 years of professional, spiritual, and human suppirt for the efforts of UISG. Your skills, personal engagement and selfless service were a gift for us all. May our loving God bless you abundantly as you embark on new ways of sharing your gifts. Thank you and God bless you. Sr. Diane Olmstead MSC

25/08/2025

Cara Nagle

Pat , I am writing in English to express an enormous heartfelt thank you for all you have been in UISG and for who you are as a person. Despite your very busy role, you have always been personable and approachable and I have been a grateful recipient of your wisdom and graciousness. May God give you blessings. Cara

25/08/2025

Diane Smyth

Dear Pat, a huge thank you and embrace to your for your generous and committed ministry as Executive Secretary to UISG for these eleven years and more! It was my privilege and delight to meet you last May in Rome at the meetings of leaders. I had heard of you and saw you at the different zoom meetings and presentations and was very impressed with your leadership. Of course I know how you so care-fully and attentively helped Elizabeth during the Synod and especially in her last illness. Thank you for your leadership and special thanks for your personal connection with us Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland. We are just a hop across the pond from Ireland, especially in May to October when Westjest puts on a direct flight from St. John's to Dublin and back!! We owe you and will welcome you with wide -open arms!! Blessings as you move into the next phase of your pilgrimage of hope- may it be filled with joy, hope and peace. With gratitude, Diane Smyth, rsm

25/08/2025

Mary Ann Leininger

Thank You thank You for your energétic service and love . You are truly a Gospel woman with a big heart Blessings as you continue on your life Journey.

25/08/2025

Mary Mangan

It would be difficult to find words to express deep gratitude and appreciation to Patricia for her 11 years of support and service. She had the great gift to treat us all as equals, ever ready to help each one. So approachable and always came back with an answer. Patricia I hope you will have a good rest - no doubt we will see your name popping up again with a new vision for the retired. Every blessing and good wishes to the new team. Forever grateful Mary

25/08/2025

Maureen Hall SCL

Pat, Thank you for your extraordinary leadership… in this arena. And especially in South Sudan . You are gift to the universal church. Blessings on the next stage of the journey. Maureen

25/08/2025

M. Mercedes Díaz Tortonda

Gracias Hna Pat Murray por tu servicio y entrega durante estos años a la UISG. Conocí a tu Congregación en Perú. Guardo con cariño una foto q nos hicimos 5 Sup. Generales, 2 españolas y 3 peruanas. Suerte para tu nuevo destino. Oraciones para q donde sea, seas feliz. Abrazo

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