Strengthening Our Hospitaller Identity: A Shared Journey in Portugal
Sr Lourdes Sanz and Isma Law represented the Delegation of England at the Second Hospitaller Identity Days, joining Sisters and collaborators from across the Congregation for two days of reflection and shared learning.
On 23 and 24 September 2026, the Province of Portugal hosted the Second Hospitaller Identity Days at Casa de Saúde da Idanha, bringing together Sisters, collaborators and volunteers to reflect on what it means to belong to the Hospitaller family.
Our Delegation of England was represented by Sr Lourdes Sanz, Delegation Superior, and Isma Law, Business Support Manager, who joined participants from Portugal, Spain and Italy, alongside Sr Mª Carmen Martín and Sr Blanca Flor Guerrero, General Councillors.
The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen relationships across the Congregation and reflect on how our shared identity is expressed in the way we care for and accompany others.
An identity that continues to grow
Under the theme “Quem somos? Lugares inacabados…” (Who are we? Unfinished places…), participants were invited to consider Hospitaller identity as something that continues to develop through our relationships, experiences and daily commitment to others.
Four words guided the reflection: fragility, relationship, language and bridge.
These concepts encouraged participants to look at Hospitality through the realities of those we accompany, recognising the importance of human connection, communication and the relationships that unite our different communities and services.
The programme combined formation, dialogue and practical reflection, offering space to consider how the Hospitaller charism is lived in different contexts.
Sharing experiences across the Congregation
The second day focused on strengthening collaboration between the different structures of the Congregation and exploring how the work developed by the Province of Portugal could inspire initiatives elsewhere.
For Sr Lourdes and Isma, participating in this international gathering was an opportunity to share in the wider life of the Congregation, exchange perspectives with representatives from other countries and bring these reflections back to our Delegation.
Across England, Ghana and Liberia, our centres respond to different needs and serve different communities. Yet they remain united by the same Hospitaller identity and a shared commitment to the dignity and care of every person.
Encounters such as these help strengthen that connection, reminding us that our mission is lived locally while remaining part of a much wider Hospitaller family.
Continuing our shared mission
The Second Hospitaller Identity Days reflected the Province of Portugal’s ongoing commitment to strengthening institutional identity through formation, participation and shared experience.
We thank the Province of Portugal for organising the gathering and for the warm welcome extended to our representatives.
The reflections and relationships developed during these two days will continue to enrich our shared journey, helping us live and strengthen the Hospitaller mission across our Delegation.
