Superiors of women's religious orders meet for the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superior Generals in Rome May 3, 2022. More than 500 superiors were in attendance, with more than 100 participating online. (CNS/Paul Haring)
by Rhina Guidos
Editor's note: Global Sisters Report's Monday Starter is a feature from GSR staff writers that rounds up news from or about women religious that you may otherwise have missed.
The International Union of Superiors General announced its 23rd plenary assembly, "Consecrated Life: A Hope that Transforms," will take place May 5-9, 2025, in Rome and also will mark the organization's 60th anniversary.
"Our Assembly, coinciding with the 2025 Jubilee, and the 60th Anniversary of the founding of UISG, offers us the opportunity as worldwide women religious congregation leaders, to be Pilgrims of Hope together," said Our Lady of the Apostles Sr. Mary Barron, the organization's president, in a Feb. 15 press release. "Excitement is already building at the prospect of gathering to reflect together on how consecrated life is or can be the hope that transforms our world. The testimonies of sisters, walking with their communities in seemingly hopeless situations, will ground our reflections and our commitments in the concrete reality of today's world."
The event takes place in Rome every three years.
"The Plenary Assembly is one of the most important events in the Union's life. It represents a unique opportunity for the Superiors General of Religious Institutes/Congregations from around the world to come together, engage in dialogue, and reflect on the theme of consecrated life at the international level," the organization said in a press release.
UISG said it hoped that through "prayer, dialogue and common reflection, the participants will be able to explore the theme of hope and renew their commitment to lead their congregations."
Dominican Sr. Jane Meyer received a Houston Spirit of Francis Award from Catholic Extension Feb. 15. (Courtesy of Catholic Extension)
Sr. Jane Meyer receives Spirit of Francis Award
Dominican Sr. Jane Meyer received a Houston Spirit of Francis Award from Catholic Extension, Feb. 15 at a benefit dinner for what the organization called her "commitment to Catholic education and promotion of social justice."
The Spirit of Francis Award "recognizes an individual or group who has made a significant impact on the mission of the Catholic Church in America through service or philanthropy," Catholic Extension said in a Feb. 16 press release.
Fr. Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, said Meyer "is a great model of the spirit of Francis Clement Kelley, the founder of Catholic Extension Society, who said to go to the margins and awaken the mission spirit. She lives the word of St. Francis and brings forth for everyone a great sense of their sacredness and dignity in the world."
As former head of school at Houston's St. Agnes Academy, a Catholic high school for young women, Meyer increased enrollment by 50% to 900 students, the organization said, while also praising her efforts in building community, "developing women of faith, and helping each student recognize and live out their talents."
Under her leadership, the school took on construction of a state-of-the-art science center, a student life center and performing arts center, the press release said.
She also took on a challenge by students who said they would raise $25,000 for disaster relief for Haiti, if she jumped out of a plane. The effort raised more than $82,000.
"Sr. Jane kept her promise to the students and was therefore dubbed, 'The Flying Nun,' " the Catholic Extension press release said.
The organization said proceeds from the dinner "will support Catholic Extension Society's work of building and repairing churches, supporting leaders and funding critical ministries among the poor throughout the state of Texas, including the ministries of religious sisters."
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Webinar to address role immigration plays in child trafficking
The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, along with the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, are hosting a webinar March 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST on "Breaking the Link: How Immigration Courts Can Protect Vulnerable Children from Trafficking."
It will address the role immigration courts play in addressing child trafficking as well as the current legislation the organizations are supporting regarding immigration proceedings for unaccompanied children.
"We believe this legislation represents an important step in providing much-needed support for children navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration courts," said Fran Eskin-Royer, executive director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. "We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of these vulnerable children."
The webinar is part of a series focused on legislative projects involving human trafficking and forced migration.
