On July 9, 2025, the USG and UISG officially launched a Joint Formation Commission, marking a new shared commitment to supporting the formation of women and men religious around the world. The group brings together sisters, brothers, and priests from various female and male congregations, each with different charisms and mission backgrounds.

The meeting took place at the USG headquarters in Rome and began with a moment of prayer led by Fr. Mario Zanotti, OSB.Cam. (UISG Executive Secretary), inviting participants to reflect on the many dimensions of formation.

Following introductions, Sr. Roxanne Schares, SND (USG Vice Executive Secretary) warmly welcomed everyone and shared a few opening thoughts. Emphasizing that formation is not only for the internal life of a congregation but is above all part of God’s mission, she invited the group to consider the central question: “How do we live the Gospel in a meaningful way today?” Her message also underlined that Consecrated Life is called to be prophetic and to build communion, both within our congregations and in the world.

Building on the conclusions of a preparatory meeting held in May 2024, which gathered input from over 150 congregations, the members reflected on the “why, how, and what” of the  commission shared mission. Their discussion, held in a spirit of synodality and discernment, drew from the rich diversity of experiences and contexts across continents.

The group identified several common priorities as an initial roadmap for the journey:

• Promote a global perspective and approach to formation in Consecrated Life
• Map and facilitate access to existing formation resources
• Promote inter-congregational relationships and dialogue
• Foster networks for formation, creating new ones or strengthening those already in place
• Develop a mailing list for ongoing communication

This meeting marks a new step forward in a broader journey, seeking to serve the formation dimension of Consecrated Life worldwide, helping congregations navigate today’s complex realities and respond with courage to the signs of the times.

In such a moment, we are called to join efforts, strengthen the beauty of Consecrated Life, and foster intercongregational collaboration and mutual support.