As we approach our 150th Jubilee year, we find ourselves reflecting on the meaning of consecrated life in today’s world—looking back with gratitude, looking forward with hope, and standing firmly in the present. Consecrated life is neither a solitary pursuit nor a static reality; it is a living, breathing response to the evolving needs of the world and the gentle, persistent whispers of the Spirit—a life of commitment, presence, communion and deep listening.
The recent Synod has offered a profound opportunity to deepen our understanding of this shared journey. Our congregational leader, Sr Mary T Barron, having been part of the Synod, shared her thoughts on the role of women in the Synodal process. She spoke with clarity about the reality: “We are being listened to,” she said simply, “Women may be fewer in number, but their voices are present and woven into the Synod’s ongoing conversation.” Her words remind us of what our 150-year history has taught us: consecrated life is not about grand gestures, but about presence—being where we are needed, responding with compassion, and remaining steadfast in hope.
Pope Francis’ call to synodality—an invitation to walk together in faith, engaging in a shared process of listening and dialogue with one another, and with the Holy Spirit—resonates deeply with our understanding of consecrated life. It speaks to the essence of our commitment and is a practice that has shaped our way of life since our foundation in 1876. This call to humility and openness requires a willingness to listen and to be shaped by the needs of our time, trusting that God’s call unfolds in each moment.
Consecrated life is, at its core, a radical trust in God’s fidelity. It is a commitment to live with open hands and open hearts, to seek wisdom in community, and to embrace the unknown with courage. It is a call to remain present—to the joys, the struggles, and the quiet revelations of everyday life, trusting that God’s work is present in the everyday, in small gestures, in quiet faithfulness.
In the words of Sr Mary, “We are on a journey.” This journey is not about arrival but about accompaniment—standing with those who are vulnerable, listening to the voices that challenge us, and embracing the unknown with faith. We are invited to surrender to this journey, always trusting that we are a part of something greater, that consecrated life is a dynamic witness to God’s love in an ever-changing world.
As we mark this milestone, we do so with deep gratitude—for the sisters who have gone before us, for the communities that have welcomed us, and for the Spirit that continues to call us forward. We remain committed to this path, knowing that the essence of consecrated life is found not in doing, but in being—being present, being faithful, and being open to the continual unfolding of God’s love in our lives and in the world.