Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Julia Walsh and Laura Nettles, joined nearly 200 Catholic sisters in Rome, Italy, from June 3 to 7 for HOPE 2025, an international event focused on the future of religious life and leadership in the Church.
The gathering was organized by the Leadership Collaborative, a U.S.-based group that helps Catholic sisters grow as leaders. Open to sisters under the age of 65, HOPE 2025 was conducted in five languages, helping women around the world connect and share ideas.
During the five days together, sisters talked about important issues, including racism, the effects of colonialism, fewer women joining religious life and the aging of many religious communities.
Learn more about the HOPE 2025 gathering at Global Sisters Report.
Reflection from Sister Julia Walsh:
It was a real privilege to participate in HOPE 2025 in-person in Rome during this very special jubilee year. The pilgrimage and synodal conversations with other consecrated women enriched my faith, joy and hope, and deepened my commitment to foster the bonds of global sisterhood.
It was especially a joy for me to take in the music and witness the Focolare performing arts group, Gen Verde, and be inspired to work for peace and unity, no matter the challenges. It was also a sacred experience to travel with Sister Laura to Assisi prior to the HOPE 2025 gathering, visiting sacred sites together, and attending a Papal mass with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square with Sister Laura.
The entire experience deepened my love of Catholic religious life and strengthened my commitment to the beautiful and complex Catholic Church.
Read about Sister Julia’s interview with Nancy Uelmen from Gen Verde at Focolare Media.