(Global Sisters Report. Doreen Ajiambo).
More than 118 partners, the majority of them religious sisters from more than 15 countries worldwide, convened in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, May 29-31 in a gathering organized by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Catholic Sisters Initiative. The convening allowed partners to continue networking, collaborating and learning from each other by sharing experiences and ideas to improve their various ministries. These include providing care to the vulnerable, educating children, spiritual ministries, fostering peace, and advocating for justice for those facing oppression. The convening theme was “Embracing a Shared Vision,” which is impact, learning and collaboration in service of the common good. Sr. Jane Wakahiu, a member of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, said the gathering also deepened partners’ understanding and practice of synodality, which is journeying together as the people of God. Synodality reminded partners that through the work of the Holy Spirit in each of them, they can work together to achieve their shared mission of helping humanity. “The convening’s goals [are] to work together, engage with each other and create a network and new connections,” said Wakahiu, who is the associate vice president of program operations and head of the Catholic Sisters Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.