Being Preachers of Hope in 2025

A Message from DSC Executive Director, Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13

As we journey through Advent, this sacred season invites us to prepare our hearts to celebrate the nativity of Jesus the Christ—a child born in a humble manger, in the Palestinian landscape and the Jewish faith tradition.

As 2024 draws to a close, we pause in gratitude to reflect on the graces and challenges we have experienced collectively. This year has brought abundant opportunities to grow as a community, including fruitful engagement with emerging movements among the Dominican Sisters Conference congregations.One of them, the Futuring movement among our sisters under 65 continues to inspire hope and renewal.

We now stand at a crossroads, seeking signs of hope in the wake of a divisive election, drawing wisdom from the promising fruits of the Synod in our Church, and responding to Pope Francis’ invitation to step into 2025 as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Since last year, we have been journeying together in preparation for our Annual Leaders’ Meeting.  In October, we pondered and responded to the urgent call to be “Preachers for Times Such as These.” Indeed, the Holy Spirit surprised and moved us in ways that exceeded our expectations, opening our hearts to possibilities we could not have imagined. The fruits of that meeting are now being shared with Dominican communities, as we discern how to move forward in deeper communion and shared mission.

As we look to the new year, we are called to reflect on this pivotal question:
What will it take to open ourselves to a new and deeper communion, one that calls us to co-create a flourishing of Dominican Life and Mission?

With Gospel-rooted hope, we prepare our hearts for a 2025 Encuentro, which will be a time for profound dialogue, celebration, and renewal. Together, we will shape our collective future, and will mark 90 years since the creation of the Dominican Leadership Conference (DLC) and 15 years of the Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC).

In this spirit of joy and hope, we pray for God’s abundant blessings upon each of you this Christmas Season and in the year ahead. Let us continue to “unite our voices for truth, justice, and peace,” embodying the call to be itinerant Preachers of Hope.

Feliz Navidad—Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope!

With love and prayer,
Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP