- August 6, 2019 Vocations
By Jenny Beatrice, Director of Communications
Giving Voice, a peer-led organization for sisters under age 50, gathered at Fontbonne University from June 27-30 for their national conference, “Boldness and Beauty of Communion: Living Religious Life NOW.”
Over 80 sisters from 50 different religious communities speaking 13 different native languages gathered to build bridges and strengthen connections with one another, many of whom do not have peers their age in their local communities.
“The national gathering focused on sharing our lived realities, the challenges and joys of religious life and our commitment to continue following the guidance of the Holy Spirit together,” says gathering committee co-chair Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA. “Our gathering included prayer and input related to the Eucharist, the arts and intercultural community life.”
The conference included sessions on the ways sisters can handle social justice issues, such as racism and immigration.
Sister Clare Bass, CSJ, who served on the gathering committee, says, “To see the event go from our thoughts and ideas from almost one year ago to a wildly successful conference was an amazing grace for me. It took a lot of hard work, prayer and collaboration on the part of many.”
It was 20 years ago that Giving Voice began creating spaces for women religious to give voice to their hopes, dreams and challenges. From its first newsletter to today, the network thrives with an abundant community, both online and in person, as well as hosting retreats and events. This year’s conference was the 10th biennial gathering.
“Giving Voice has grown a lot as an organization from its beginnings 20 years ago,” says Sister Clare. “It continues to remain a peer-led organization and to grow stronger each year. I am blessed and happy to be a part of it. I believe that my future is brighter with my fellow Giving Voice sisters across the United States and the world.”