Catholic sisters journeying together in solidarity and hope
By Sr. Ernestina Patrick Lasway, SAC
Catholic sisters from around the world have been encouraged to strengthen communities, cultivate shared impact for the common good, and learn from one another’s experiences, challenges, successes, and innovations in ministry.
The call was made by Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, PhD, Associate Vice President of Program Operations and Head of the Catholic Sisters Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, during the Catholic Sisters Initiative Convening, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from June 10–12, 2026.
The gathering brought together more than 130 Catholic sisters representing 23 countries, along with Church leaders, development partners, and lay collaborators engaged in initiatives supported by the Foundation.
Strengthening communities through collaboration
The 2026 Catholic Sisters Initiative Convening was held under the theme: “Journeying Together in Solidarity and Hope: Strengthening Communities and Cultivating Shared Impact for the Common Good.”
The event provided participants with an opportunity to share experiences from their ministries at local, regional, and global levels.
Discussions focused on solidarity, human dignity, community transformation, storytelling and advocacy for the common good, and collaborative responses to contemporary social challenges.
Christ at the centre of safeguarding
One of the keynote presentations was delivered by Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ, Director of the Institute of Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Fr. Zollner emphasized that safeguarding efforts within the Church must remain firmly grounded in the Gospel.
“The centre of safeguarding is Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Saviour,” he said. “Following Christ means accompanying and assisting those who have experienced trauma, abuse, and suffering.”
He commended the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for its continued investment in the formation and empowerment of Catholic sisters worldwide.
Through its support, sisters have been able to rescue victims of human trafficking, promote youth education, provide vocational training for women, strengthen local communities, and pursue advanced education.
He also highlighted the importance of networking and collaborative ministry, noting that partnerships among religious congregations and organizations increase effectiveness and sustainability in responding to societal needs.
Listening, learning, opening new doors
Addressing the participants, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, PhD, encouraged the sisters to embrace a spirit of listening and openness throughout the convening.
Sr. Wakahiu reported that more than 25 million people have benefited directly or indirectly from programs supported through the Foundation's funding.
The Catholic Sisters Initiative, whose core values include compassion, humility, integrity, stewardship, and visionary leadership, continues to prioritize safeguarding, anti-human trafficking efforts, the prevention of gender-based violence, youth empowerment, and the care of elderly sisters.
She emphasized that fostering a culture of safeguarding involves creating environments and implementing measures that protect individuals from abuse, exploitation, violence, and harm.
Journeying together in solidarity
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, underscored the importance of safeguarding human dignity in everyday community life.
He stressed that listening to survivors and victims of abuse remains an essential step toward healing, accountability, and justice.
Participants from the Vatican included Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, PhD, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrera, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors; Fr. Aitor Jimenez, CMF, Under Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societes of Apostolic Life; Dr. Nataša Govekar, Theological-Pastoral Director at the Dicastery for Communication, as well as other officials.
Building a collaborative Church
Fr. Anthony Makunde, Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration within the Church.
He explained that through partnerships with the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), AMECEA continues to promote dialogue among bishops, clergy, and religious women and men.
Such collaboration, he said, strengthens synodal structures and networks at regional, national, and diocesan levels.
The Catholic Sisters Initiative Convening is held every three years in different countries, providing an important platform for reflection, networking, and shared learning among Catholic sisters and their partners.
A witness of communion and hope
Presiding over the opening Mass, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa'ichi of Dar es Salaam urged the sisters to remain rooted in their spiritual traditions and charisms while responding to the many challenges and opportunities of contemporary society.
Reflecting on the Feast of St. Barnabas, celebrated during the convening, the Archbishop presented the Apostle as a model of dedicated service and humble discipleship.
“Like St. Barnabas, religious women today are called to serve Christ faithfully through their baptismal and religious consecration,” he said.
During the closing Thanksgiving Mass, Archbishop Angelo Accattino, Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, highlighted the importance of self-giving and self-sacrifice in religious life and emphasized that collaboration enables sisters to carry out their apostolic missions more effectively.
He also stressed the importance of ongoing learning and formation as essential elements of missionary discipleship.
“As we seek to do the will of God, learning must remain at the heart of our mission as we journey together as a Synodal Church,” he said.
The convening concluded with renewed commitment among participants to foster solidarity, strengthen safeguarding practices, and deepen collaborative ministry for the common good.
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