From May 18 to 25, 2025, Sisters Hospitallers are celebrating the XXVII Plenary Council in Palencia, Spain—a significant milestone and spiritual gathering that brings together representatives from all over the Hospitaller world. Held under the inspiring theme “On the Path of Revitalisation, Clothed in Mercy,” the Council invites every Sister and collaborator to renew their commitment to the Hospitaller mission with a revitalized spirit and a heart full of compassion.
The Plenary Council is more than a formal assembly—it is a sacred space for communal discernment, dialogue, and unity. This year’s theme reflects the deep desire of the Congregation to remain rooted in its founding charism while responding with fresh energy to the challenges of the present. The image of being “clothed in mercy” recalls the compassionate heart of Jesus, the ultimate model of hospitality, healing, and unconditional love.
In a world increasingly marked by suffering, displacement, and loneliness, the message of mercy and revitalisation speaks powerfully to the identity and mission of the Sisters Hospitallers. The Council serves as a unique opportunity to listen—to God, to one another, and to the cries of those on the margins.
Delegates from all Provinces and Delegations have come together in Palencia, bringing with them the experiences, joys, and struggles of their respective communities. This diversity enriches the conversation and ensures that the shared reflections are grounded in the lived reality of the mission. The presence of the General Government, led by Superior General Sr. Anabela Carneiro, adds a unifying vision to the journey.
Throughout the week, the Sisters are engaging in personal and collective reflection, prayer, and discernment. Moments of silence, liturgy, and listening are interwoven with structured sessions focused on evaluating the life and mission of the Congregation and seeking pathways to deepen its vitality.
Revitalisation is not about returning to the past, but about rekindling the fire that gave birth to the Congregation in 1881. It involves a willingness to be transformed from within, to rediscover the joy of the vocation, and to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. It also calls for the boldness to adapt to new realities and the courage to let go of structures or habits that no longer serve the mission.
Being “clothed in mercy” challenges each Sister and lay collaborator to go beyond formal roles—to be present with tenderness, to welcome with humility, and to serve with joy. It is a call to bring the healing touch of Christ to those most in need, especially the mentally ill, the elderly, the poor, and the forgotten.
The XXVII Plenary Council is not only a time of evaluation but a launching point for future action. The outcomes and insights gathered will help guide the next phase of the Congregation’s journey, shaping priorities and encouraging a more dynamic expression of hospitality.
In her opening address, Sr. Anabela Carneiro reminded all present that this is “a time of grace,” inviting everyone to live these days with openness and hope. She emphasized that revitalisation requires not only structural or programmatic change but above all, a renewal of the heart.
As the Plenary Council unfolds in Palencia, it becomes a visible sign to the world: a community of consecrated women and their lay partners who continue to believe in the transforming power of mercy. Through this encounter, the Sisters Hospitallers recommit themselves to being instruments of healing and hope—faithful to the charism of Saint Benedict Menni, María Josefa Recio, and María Angustias Giménez.
May this Council be a true Pentecost—a time of inspiration, courage, and renewal for the entire Hospitaller Family.