Dominican Sister M. Paul McCaughey travels to Rome—but not for the Conclave

She will arrive in Rome May 4 for Union of International Superiors General Assembly

and 10th Dominican Sisters International Confederation Assembly

Conclave to elect successor to Pope Francis likely to coincide with her visit.

The superiors of Catholic Sisters’ congregations worldwide generally meeting triennially in Rome, and this is the year. For Dominican sisters in leadership, that means two back-to-back gatherings: The assemblies of the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) and the Dominican Sisters International Confederation (DISC).

For that reason—and not because of the papal conclave that is likely to take place at roughly the same time—Sister M. Paul McCaughey, Springfield Dominican prioress general, is heading to Rome.

She will attend both triennial meetings. The first is the plenary assembly of UISG, the theme of which is “Consecrated Life: A Hope that Transforms.”

“In a world marked by conflict and division, religious women are called to be witnesses of peace, hope, and unity,” said UISG president Sister Mary Barron, superior of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles. “By embracing our vulnerability, we can open ourselves to God’s love and become instruments of compassion and mercy for all.”

The Dominican Sisters International Confederation assembly allows the leaders of 144 Dominican congregations from 109 countries to plan together for the future of more than 17,500 Dominican sisters in mission worldwide.

In this first post-synodal gathering, UISG members will engage a process of conversation similar to that which guided the two sessions of the most recent General Synod on Synodality. Very like a practice that women’s religious communities have used for years, this sort of deep contemplative speaking and listening can be expected to yield powerful results.

Following the UISG meeting is the 10th General Assembly of the Dominican Sisters International Confederation (DSIC), May 11-16. This gathering allows the leaders of 144 Dominican congregations from 109 countries to plan together for the future of more than 17,500 Dominican sisters in mission worldwide.

The chosen theme for this year’s assembly, “Widows and Midwives… Where Past and Future Meet,” invites deep reflection on the current realities facing Dominican Sisters worldwide. As part of this conversation, Sister Kelly Connors, canon lawyer who is a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, will explore the challenges of diminishing congregations, and offer insights on how communities can navigate these transitions practically and with faith and resilience.

“Widows and Midwives is a profound one for Dominican leaders of women religious around the globe,” Sister M. Paul said. “To explore the transformations—the grace all around us—with the leaders of other congregations is a challenge and a privilege for me.

“As we mourn Pope Francis, his call for us to be courageous women who live the charism of truth, community, and deep service to those most in need, will surely underpin our discussions. Each of us at the assembly will carry our own sisters with us in our hearts, aware of the power of the Incarnation of the Word. It is an honor to be there to listen and to contribute to this creative international assembly in Rome at this pivotal time.”

Sister M. Paul said the first two days of participation in assembly of the International Union of Superiors General included "Listening to sisters’ voices from the most vulnerable places in our world, women who do indeed live a hope that transforms.

"We are grouped in tables for discussion by language but there is simultaneous translation of all presentations 16 languages," she wrote in an email to the sisters. "The keynote was given by a Spanish theologian steeped in Scripture." Then there was a "Rather impressive update of the activities of service, justice, and formation by an Australian sister; and Korean sisters led the Eucharistic singing.  The Italian Sister Simona Brambilla [who had been appointed to head the Dicastery for Consecrated Life by Pope Francis] spoke to the power of fragility and presence of religious women whose integrity of life is in itself transformative through relationships."

Sister Margaret Mayce, DSIC international coordinator, said “Many of our congregations are experiencing significant changes—diminished membership, fewer new vocations, and shifting leadership dynamics. We may find ourselves mourning these transitions as a widow grieves a beloved partner. Yet, within us also resides the spirit of the midwife—the one who nurtures and brings forth new life. The question before us is: can we embrace both roles, honoring our past while stepping courageously into the future?”

Despite the challenges, the DSIC assembly will celebrate signs of renewal and transformation. Younger sisters are embracing their Dominican vocations with enthusiasm, seeking collaboration beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. A gathering of younger sisters in Caleruega last summer and the successful online Leadership Development Program have demonstrated the power of unity and shared vision.

At the assembly, sisters will engage in dialogue, listen to one another’s experiences, and discern ways to sustain the Dominican charism beyond individual congregations.