Cohort participants were very energized by learning more about global Dominican and religious life at the August Under 70 Cohort Zooms (August 9 and 20) from panels made up of those who attended the DSIC (Dominican Sisters International Confederation) and Hope 2025, a gathering of religious women under 65 from around the world, organized by the Leadership Collaborative. We would like to share some highlights with you.
Insights from the DSIC Panelists – we were blessed to have Pat Siemen, OP, DSIC Continental Coordinator for North America present with us. Cohort members Mila Diaz Solano, OP, Pat Magee, OP, and Xiomara Mendez-Hernandez, OP, also contributed meaningful input. Mila was present at this gathering as the region representative for the younger sisters from North America, Xiomara as a co-liturgist and Executive Director of the DSC, and Pat Magee as a DSC Prioress.
“Widows and Midwives” was the name of the DSIC Assembly because “both the widow’s mite and the midwife accompany the emergence of new life.” With a representative of the younger sisters from each of the five global regions, the assembly focused quite a bit on the younger sisters and their input. Pat also shared about the continuation of the online Leadership Development Program DSIC is offering as well as their desire to continue the Caleruega experience, gathering younger sisters at important sites of Dominican history. The DSIC is also exploring facilitating language studies, a database, and formation opportunities. DSIC also created sacred space for the sharing of those congregations who are coming to completion and continues to prioritize the needs of small congregations. Pat stressed that DSIC is for all sisters, even as it respects the official role of the Prioresses.
Mila found the assembly to be a very synodal experience, with a growing awareness that we are one wherever we are. She named three main hopes that the younger sisters who gathered in Caleruega shared with the DSIC leaders asking for their support: developing bonds across all ages, finding ways to collaborate in formation, and creating a common house of studies.
Xiomara was struck by the inclusivity of the assembly, with five major languages, simultaneous translation, and a mix of cultures, spiritualties and theologies. Reflecting on the theme, she said, “Both widows and midwives know the art of waiting and have a compassionate way of being in the midst of loss and grief. They also give birth to the new, not knowing what the new will be.”
Pat Magee came away with “three buckets of gifts!” Some highlights: our union is rooted in the call to Dominican life and mission, not merely a strategy for holding on to the past; we are all truly in this together; we need to be formed in interculturality; the value of prioritizing communication as essential part of our development of global Dominican sisterhood. Pat noted that the younger sisters around the world expressed the same needs as our DSC Futuring Cohort: a database; the opportunity to be and share with one another; and confidence in the future of Dominican life even as it evolves.
Insights from the Hope 2025 Panelists – presented by Cohort members Tram Bui, OP, Cathy Buchanan, OP, Cyndie Cammack, OP, and Neri (Luchy) Sori, OP. With almost 200 sisters under 65 present, from 6 continents, 41 countries and around 60 congregations, this was truly an experience of global sisterhood. Tram said, “The differences did not separate us, but drew us together.” She experienced a felt connection and an “openness to receive and to walk together into the future.” Luchy noted that there were many differences but “all had a vocation to serve those on the margins.” She was moved by the focus on “opening borders and building bridges.”
Cathy gleaned some key messages: “Don’t let fear get in the way of our hope’s for the future of religious life”; “Don’t lose sight of who we serve – not ourselves but the world”; “Search for and promote commonality rather than difference” as we step out of our comfort zones; “Lead with love, learn from each other, break down barriers, and empower people.”
Cyndie walked us through each day’s theme and its fruits, sharing that “We are all called by God at this time and given what we need to be equipped to go forward in our broken world”; “Holding one another’s stories – we are hope in our wounded world”; “The importance of shared joy in religious life”; “We are courageous women committed to the future of religious life.”
These sharings were followed by questions and rich conversations among those gathered. If you are inspired to view the full recording, here is the link. https://youtu.be/6Cyz5yeX9NE
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
We wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to the following sisters on their recent Dominican vowed commitments:
First Profession:
Julie Rambin, OP (Sinsinawa) August 9, 2025
Paula Danforth, OP (Peace) August 17, 2025
Terri Schell, OP (Peace) August 17, 2025
Angela Thanh Tran, OP (Mission San Jose) August 23, 2025
Perpetual Profession:
Annie Killian, OP (Peace) August 3, 2025
Gina Scaringella, OP (Caldwell) June 7, 2025
MARK YOUR CALENDARS – NOVEMBER COHORT GATHERINGS!
FLT members will be present at the DSC Leaders meeting followed by the DSC ENCUENTRO 2025 – Preachers of Hope for Times Such as These. We look forward to connecting with many cohort members who will also be present there! At our next Cohort gatherings, we will reflect on and process our shared experience of Encuentro. Please plan to join us Wed., November 12 from 6:00-8:00 pm ET or Sat., November 15 from 4:00-6:00 pm ET.
The journey continues!
