It is the first time so many nuns have participated in a large-scale Vatican event. During the Summit against abuse, 10 female and 12 male religious Superior Generals attended the meetings.
SR. CARMEN SAMMUT
President, International Union of Superiors General
“We see that there is a development in the right way. We do hope that one day we will get there; and that we will be the same amount as male religious present.”
SR. AURORA TORRES HERNÁNDEZ
Superior General, Sisters of Mary Reparatrix
“There was an atmosphere of much listening and a desire to help. It was not only walking in collegiality, but also in synodality. It was not just bishops, but also the life of religious male and female, as well as laity.”
Sr. Verónica, was one of the three women who spoke during the Summit. The other two were journalist Valentina Alazraki and Linda Ghisoni from the dicastery of Laity, Family and Life.
SR. VERONICA OPENIBO
Superior General, Society of the Holy Child Jesus
“After the meeting, one of the cardinals with tears in his eyes said to me, 'I have been waiting for this, that women would be well represented.'”
Sr. Veronica told the participants that abuses are not just a problem in Europe or America. She told them about specific cases of abuse in Africa. The testimony she gave surprised the participants. However, what shocked all the nuns the most were the victims' testimonies.
SR. CARMEN SAMMUT
President, International Union of Superiors General
“I can tell you that most of the times I had tears in my eyes. I was really affected by the fact that the victim had been victimized many times. Not only by being sexually abused, which is already very hard, but also by not being listened and believed.”
The Vatican's Summit against abuse was convoked by Pope Francis in order to address this global problem. He wants it to be one of Church's top priorities, not only in dioceses, but also in congregations.
