From 20 to 22 March, the final sessions of the Plenary Council of the Sisters Hospitallers took place in Idanha, Portugal, bringing to a close several days of reflection, discernment, shared work and fraternity among sisters from different Provinces and Delegations.
These days were lived as an important moment for the Congregation, combining spirituality, formation, shared responsibility and community life, and strengthening the sense of unity and common mission.
On 20 and 21 March, the sisters reflected on the Spirituality of Restructuring, accompanied by the Jesuit Francisco Ruiz, who guided the reflection and discernment process of the Assembly.
These sessions helped participants to deepen the spiritual dimension of the restructuring process that the Congregation is currently living, reflecting on the signs of the times, on the calls that today’s world presents to the Congregation, and on the need to respond with renewed compassion, faith and commitment to the Hospitaller mission.
The reflection emphasised the importance of discernment as a gift and as a path that requires listening, openness and trust, helping the Congregation to continue moving forward with hope and fidelity to its charism.
On the afternoon of 21 March, the participants made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, visiting the basilicas and the places linked to the apparitions. They participated in the Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions and later shared Evening Prayer and a fraternal dinner in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.
It was a special moment of prayer, community and gratitude, lived in a place of great spiritual significance.
On 22 March, the final day of the Plenary Council, the sisters worked in commissions together with the General Government and the representatives of the different circumscriptions, addressing various areas related to the life and mission of the Congregation.
On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, they also joined the Hospitaller Family of the Idanha house for the celebration of the Eucharist, sharing a moment of faith and community with residents, staff and sisters.
The Plenary Council concluded with a general evaluation of the meeting, followed by the closing session, a moment of prayer and sending forth that marked the end of these intense days of reflection, work and fraternity.
The Plenary Council has been a valuable opportunity to strengthen communion across the Congregation, to share experiences and to continue walking together in the mission of hospitality.
