“There is no other way of being Christian than to be vulnerable,” Sr. Anne Falola OLA began her testimony at the week long UISG (International Union of Superiors General) plenary which commenced yesterday in Rome. Over 700 Superiors Generals have gathered together to explore the theme “Embracing Vulnerability on the Synodal Journey”.
Sr Jolanda Kafka, President of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) welcomed the attendees, 500 of which were present in person and 200 connecting online.
After raising their voices in song and prayer, Dr Ted Dunn led an exploration of the dynamics of transformation, emphasising that embracing our vulnerability is key to the personal and interpersonal work of transformation.
The day included personal testimonies of three women religious, Sr Carmen Mora Sena, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne, Sr Siham Zgheib, superior of a community of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, and Sr Anne Falola, Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.
Sr Anne Falola shared how she came to realise that her vulnerability was also her strength when, as a missionary from Africa, she was working in Latin America. The African paradigms have helped her to navigate her mission.
“Living the kenosis of Christ,” places women religious in positions of vulnerability, she said. You can view a snippet of her testimony here: