The Hospitaller Sisters participated in Rome in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life 2025, living days of prayer, communion and shared hope.
Experiences of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life
Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
With great joy, the Hospitaller Sisters participated in the International Meeting of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, held in Rome from October 8 to 15. Sisters from all circumscriptions gathered, accompanied by Sister Idília María Carneiro, Superior General, and Sister Nicole Mayinga, General Councilor responsible for formation, with the collaboration of Sister Mª Concepción Ochotorena and Sister Anabela Carneiro in the animation and organization.
A Meeting to Rekindle Hope
The meeting began on October 8 at the Generalate, with introductory and integration activities led by Sister Anabela Carneiro. The reflection revolved around the theme of the Jubilee and its invitation to “Rekindle Hope,” inspired by the Bull Spes non confundit, which calls for living Hospitality from a faith anchored in hope.
In the afternoon, the Sisters made a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, on a journey of prayer and communion with the entire Church. At dusk, they participated in the Prayer Vigil presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
With Pope Leo XIV: Asking, Seeking, and Knocking
On Thursday the 9th, the Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, was one of the most significant moments. In his homily, the Pope offered words of encouragement to all the consecrated persons, highlighting the three Gospel verbs: to ask, to seek, and to knock. He expressed his gratitude for the service and witness of so many religious in the life of the Church.
In the afternoon, in the Paul VI Hall, a reflection on discernment in a synodal context took place, led by Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. The day concluded with Dialogues with the City, where the Sisters participated in three simultaneous meetings on current topics: commitment to the least, care for creation, and universal fraternity.
Pilgrims of hope on the path of peace
Friday the 10th began with the Eucharist presided over by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Then, Father Giacomo Costa, SJ, invited the participants to “enter through this door that is Jesus” and keep their hearts open “for all, all, all.”
Pope Leo XIV imparted his blessing, evoking the Jubilee motto: “Pilgrims of hope on the path of peace.” In his words, he recalled the importance of being rooted in Christ in order to live one’s vocation fruitfully. It was a deeply moving moment, in which communion with the entire Church was felt.
The day concluded with a prayer for peace in various churches in Rome, celebrated in several languages, a sign of unity and shared hope.
Meetings that generate peace
On Saturday the 11th, after the Eucharist presided over by Cardinal Fernández Artime, Sister Teresa Maya, CCVI, Director of Theology and Patronage at the Catholic Health Association of the United States, offered a profound reflection on peace as a fruit of the meeting. He recalled that “there is no peace without memory” and invited us to ask ourselves: what encounters inspire our commitment to peace?
In the afternoon, Fr. David McCallum, SJ, and his team from the Discerning Leadership Program led a workshop on mediation and conflict management, offering tools for leadership and community life.
Closing of the Jubilee
The closing of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life was celebrated in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, with a time of prayer, listening to the Word, and proclaiming the Creed. The reflection was led by Sister Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life.
The culminating moment was the renewal of the consecration and the song “The Wound” by Fr. Cristóbal Fones, SJ, which resonated as a common prayer:
“We are children of a loving God,
dreamers who do not despair…
At the end of life we will arrive
with the wound turned into a scar.”
With hearts full of hope and gratitude, the Hospitaller Sisters began their return to their communities, renewed in faith and ready to serve with charity.
This Jubilee has been a time of grace, communion, and renewal, which inspires us to continue being signs of hope and peace in the world.
