The Leadership Conference of Women Religious conference theme this year was “Hope in the Midst of Darkness” – and the two keynote speakers M. Shawn Copeland, PhD and Richard Gaillardetz, PhD  –challenged more than 750 U.S. women religious leaders to respond with voices full of hope in a difficult time.

The Grace of Prophetic Hope
Dr. Copeland, professor of theology at Boston College, acknowledging the importance and difficult nature of the moment, said "As church, we live in a situation and time of forfeiture and loss, of ambiguity and uncertainty, of breakdown before logical expectations and rational solutions...surely our situation and time cry out for meaning and grace and hope, for the healing balm and consolation of the Holy Spirit. In such a situation," she said, "prophetic ministry not only is needed, it is imperative."

Creative Fidelity to the Vision of Vatican II
Dr. Gaillardetz, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Toledo, drawing on both his theological background and  the Second Vatican Council, said he did not come to offer concrete responses to recent Vatican interventions, but rather to urge us to act with “creative fidelity.”  He reminded us that the people of God are watching us, looking for a model of authentic discipleship in the face of ecclesial conflict. He told us that we are being called to venture forth on what he described as an “ecclesial tightrope with no net...Veer too far toward the assertion of your proper autonomy and you fall into the abyss of sectarian self-righteousness. Veer too far in the direction of a pseudo-docility and unthinking obedience, and you fall yet again, this time into the abyss of ecclesial impotence and irrelevance.”

Waiting in Stubborn Hope for Truth
Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, OSF, outgoing president of LCWR, encouraged us to "get the word out ... that generosity and goodness are what the world thirsts for, that difference, diversity and dialogue are ... central to Trinitarian life at the heart of human relationships in community.... As prophets for the future who move beyond pessimism and a culture of guilt and blame, we are prompted to see possibilities for healing, forgiveness, and to re-enact the actions of Christ as he witnessed to God's tenderness...” In conclusion, Sister Marlene said that women religious will "wait in stubborn hope for truth to impose itself by virtue of its essence as it wins over the mind with both gentleness and power." Before the close of the assembly, Dominican Sister Mary Hughes assumed the office of LCWR president for 2010-11.

Sr. Margaret Brennan Receives 2010 LCWR
Outstanding Leadership Award
The solidarity among us was something you could feel – and something we demonstrated on Thursday, August 12, as we walked and prayed for the end of the death penalty. Texas is a state with many prisoners on death. On the last evening, the LCWR leadership award was presented to Sr. Margaret Brennan, IHM.  Sr. Margaret is 86 and is still teaching at a Jesuit university in Toronto. She gave a wonderful history of LCWR, and women who made it what it is today.

Immediately following the LCWR meeting, Sr. Tiziana (and myself as her guest), attended the Union of International Superior Generals (UISG) for the U.S. Again, I was impressed at the solidarity among group members as they shared their impressions of their meeting in Rome in May of this year.  A panel of three Sisters shared that they see major superiors as mystical and prophetic witnesses, both in their personal lives and their role in their Congregations. They each stressed the importance of a prayer life, and taking time throughout the day to get in touch with the contemplative spirit...so that they can see the divine in their daily interactions. It was wonderful to be a part of the LCWR Assembly this year, and the UISG too. Both gave us much food for thought, both were affirming – and both gave me reasons to be grateful that I am religious, living a lifestyle that offers so much opportunity to grow emotionally and spiritually!

Sister Joanne Schuster, sfp

[Art and photos used with permission from LCWR]