Every March 16 we commemorate the anniversary of the constitutions of the Hospitaller Sisters, our “book of life”, since on this day, 115 years ago, Pope St. Pius X approved them definitively. These constitutions reflect the divine action in our Founders and in each of us, constantly reminding us of our mission and vocation.
Originally written by Father Menni in 1882, these writings sought to reflect the experiences of the first Hospitaller Sisters. They recount the journey to holiness in the light of hospitality and union with Christ, both in our living together and in our service to those who suffer. However, this document has not remained static, but has evolved over time, adapting to the challenges of an ever-changing society.
As a congregation, we have sought to listen to “the sign of the times” so often referred to at the Second Vatican Council. That is why we consider it essential that our constitutions always seek to respond to the needs of the life and mission of the congregation, to the calls of the Church and to the demands of socio-cultural transformations.
In March 2019, the Process of Revision of the Constitutions began with the goal of updating them and responding creatively to the practice of hospitality. This process culminated in November 2022, when the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life approved the new text. This milestone represents a major significance for the entire Congregation and the Hospitaller Family.
About 900 women religious from all over the world participated in this process, and its noteworthy changes are:
- The new look on Hospitaller spirituality, understanding it not only in its dimension of prayer, but as a spirituality that embraces all areas of the person.
- The introduction of the concept of continuous and permanent formation of the religious within the congregation, respecting the vital moment of each one of them.
- Interculturality, that is, openness to universality both for community life and for the service offered with our own realities in the 25 countries where we are present.
- The understanding of authority as a service and not as a power: Government is an authority marked by Hospitality.
Today, more than ever, in the context of preparation for our General Chapter, these constitutions mark our charism and our mission as a congregation. As Sister Anabela Carneiro points out, “The new text of the constitutions marks the charism and mission of our congregation: our place is to be close to those who suffer, so the impact on society is direct”. We pray that they may continue to be our guide on the path to holiness and service to others, inspiring us to be true witnesses of God’s love in the world.
