This year, the International Union of Superiors General is holding a general assembly. It comes during the same time as the Synod of the Catholic Church and the war in Ukraine. According to its president, Sr. Jolanta Kafka, the war has brought out the best in many people.
SR. JOLANTA KAFKA
President International Union of Superiors
I like to think that human generosity, the generosity of religious people, of believers and of people in general is always something that creates life. It's true that we don't like sad news. It hurts us to see, for example, photos of dead people in the streets. It is an atrocious pain and it is difficult to think about how much pain and hate there will be after the war—how much anger will need to be healed again. It is a terrible thing.
The war has also changed the work of religious sisters, who have had to give up other tasks to focus on helping those fleeing the war.
SR. JOLANTA KAFKA
President International Union of Superiors
There is a voluntary detachment from goods, a giving up of things that are superfluous and the recognition that we can share what we have with those who do not have the essentials. And I believe that this helps us overcome our pride, our comfort—that we lack nothing—but there, they lack everything.
Focusing on the essentials is also an aspect of the synodal journey and Kafka sees great enthusiasm and participation from religious sisters.
SR. JOLANTA KAFKA
President International Union of Superiors
At this moment, we are living a period of renewal and in religious life, we live with great hope for the transformation processes of the Church, something we feel a part of.
A participation that is seen as a service to others and to the whole Church.
SR. JOLANTA KAFKA
President International Union of Superiors
If we were to ask women, they would surely say: 'We would like to share more in the life of the Church, in a more visible way'. But they aren't saying this as a demand.
From May 2 to 6, the superiors of religious congregations will meet in person in Rome to conclude their general assembly.
AO
TR: KG
