Deep decrease in population, increasingly older communities, women of religious orders called upon to contemplate their impending future evolution
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) held its annual assembly in Atlanta from August 12-15, with Jesuit Father James Martin serving as the keynote speaker. Martin, a bestselling author and Vatican consultor, addressed the gathering with warmth, referring to Catholic sisters as his heroes.
The theme of the assembly was "Hope Unbroken: Journeying in God's Promise." Martin's keynote speech was based on the Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus, touching on themes of change, grief, and love. He suggested that the unfamiliar land of "not knowing" should no longer leave religious sisters hesitant or timid, as the invitation for all is to listen to the voice of Jesus and "Come forth."
Martin emphasized the need to name, grieve, and celebrate the past while giving it over to God. He encouraged religious sisters to trust like Lazarus, listening for the one "who was calling him." In Father Martin's interpretation, Lazarus faced a unique decision: to leave the tomb and return to life, uncertain of what awaited him. Death is not the end of the story, according to Martin, and the Gospel story speaks to today's situation, encouraging a time to step out in faith.
The declining number of religious sisters and aging congregations was also addressed during the assembly. Sister Kathy Brazda, the outgoing president of LCWR, urged leaders to view this situation as an invitation. She shared her personal experience of facing fear and anxiety following a cancer diagnosis, which led to a deeper immersion into the heart of God.
On the second day of the LCWR assembly, hundreds of sisters prayed on a mile-long pilgrimage route around downtown, contemplating issues such as forced migration, climate change, and racism, inspired by Pope Francis' "Laudato Si'" encyclical.
Sister Simona Brambilla, a leader in the Roman Curia, gave a keynote speech, emphasizing the role of religious women in illuminating others like the moon reflects the stars. The religious sisters supported by Sister Simona Brambilla and who lived with her in Mozambique are the Comboni Missionary Sisters.
Martin questioned if religious men and women cling to a life that is familiar, potentially keeping their communities bound. He found personal meaning in the presidential address, which he saw as a demonstration of courage in discussing vulnerability as a leader.
LCWR represents about 66% of women religious in the United States, with more than 1,200 members. The assembly served as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of these women, as they continue to journey together in God's promise.
