Every March 16th, we celebrate the anniversary of our Constitutions, the “book of life” that has guided our vocation and mission since it was approved by Pope Saint Pius X in 1910.

Today, we not only remember this great milestone but also the process of renewing the Constitutions that culminated in 2022. This process marked a significant stage in our history, and it sought to strengthen our commitment to hospitality, listening to the signs of the times.

About the Constitutions
The original Constitutions, written in 1882 by Father Benito Menni, reflected the lived experience of the first sisters and their journey toward holiness through hospitality. Over the years, these rules of life have evolved, adapting to the times and the needs of a constantly changing society. In 2019, we began a process of reviewing the Constitutions with the aim of revisiting and renewing their content, maintaining fidelity to the foundational principles, but responding to the challenges of the 21st century.

This process was enriched by the participation of more than 900 sisters worldwide, culminating in the approval of the new text in November 2022 by the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This milestone is a testament to our ongoing adaptation and fidelity to the mission of hospitality, in an increasingly diverse and challenging world.

Key Elements of the Renewal
The review of our Constitutions has brought significant changes that reflect our response to the signs of the times, as the Second Vatican Council invited us to do. Among the most significant elements of this renewal are:

• Integral Hospitality Spirituality: The new approach to spirituality invites us to understand it not only as prayer but as a spirituality that encompasses all aspects of our lives, both in community and in service to others.
• Ongoing Formation: The concept of ongoing formation has been introduced, respecting each sister’s life stage, allowing us to grow together in our commitment to live our vocation in a full and updated way.
• Interculturality: Recognizing cultural diversity in community life and service, which is fundamental to our presence in over 25 countries, has been another key element of the revision.
• Authority as Service: Finally, we understand authority within our Congregation not as power, but as a service marked by hospitality, a charismatic leadership that fosters closeness, listening, and fraternity.

With the dynamism inspired by the Spirit, we renew our commitment to be witnesses of Jesus’ healing mercy, living in fraternity, welcoming the most vulnerable, and bringing the light of hope wherever humanity needs it most.