These materials build on Module One , Module Two and Module Three which looked at the stances, ways forward, and horizons that are before religious life today.
Read or Watch the Recording
2023 LCWR Presidential Address: “Hope: A Wide Lens for the Journey” by Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP
Text available in English and Spanish below
Recording and text can be accessed as well at: 2023 LCWR Assembly Presidential Address
Watch recording of Re-Envisioning Charism Now - excerpt with Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ
Listen to Song “Do Not Fear to Hope,” Rory Cooney
Pray with Scripture
Watch: Hope, Christian Inspirational Videos
What gives you hope in the darkness?
“Hope for a better world and for union with God is central to our Christian faith. In that hope is a recognition that we will never be completely fulfilled in this world, but that we are constantly longing for God and trying to live as God is calling us. Perhaps even more importantly, we strive to recognize that God’s providence is abundant and trustworthy.” -- Learning detachment during ‘nun migration season’ | Global Sisters Report 6-21-2024
An attitude of abundance rather than scarcity can make a huge difference in the world. What nourishes my attitude of abundance?
“We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
--Pope Francis in Letter from Pope Francis (iubilaeum2025.va)
What will help me have an open spirit, a trusting heart and a far-sighted vision? How can I share these attitudes with my sisters and with the wider world?
You must register ahead of time in order to receive the link to the Zoom session.
My soul yearns for You,
Eternal Flame of Love,
longing to reconnect to
the Great Mystery!
Every day I will bless You
as I follow the Voice of Truth.
Great are You, who call us to
childlike wonder,
to the healing balm of forgiveness.
Lift up your hearts, all you
who choose the path of Life!
My heart is lifted up!
“Do you not know that your whole
being is
encompassed by My love?
I am the infinite and the eternal
within your soul;
O, that I might make Myself
known to you!
Choose Love that you might overcome
oppression and blind obedience
to false idols!”
Psalm 145, “Psalms for Praying,” Nan C. Merrill
Allow approximately 25 minutes for this conversation in groups of 4-5
Participants briefly introduce themselves and then share ideas on the following questions using contemplative dialogue. Please allow each participant in your group an opportunity to speak once before anyone speaks a second time. After all have spoken, participants listen carefully to what was shared and note the emergence of shared wisdom in the dialogue.
Some say hope is our primary ministry in this time in the evolution of the world.
How can religious life witness to hope in this time of chaos?
We live our God-given vocation faithfully, giving voice to the vision of what we could be and who we are called to be. Even if unfulfilled in our lifetime, how can this vision sustain us in our religious life?
What will sustain us as we live the present fully and move into the future?
“In our lives as consecrated men and women, it can happen that hope slowly fades as a result of unmet expectations. We have to be patient with ourselves and await in hope God’s own times and places, for he remains ever faithful to his promises. This is the foundation stone: he is true to his promises.” Pope Francis’ homily – XXV World Day for Consecrated Life - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (2 February 2021) | Francis (vatican.va)
How can allowing others to see our hope in the midst of powerlessness and vulnerability make a difference in our world?
Allow approximately 10 minutes for a few people to speak.
Facilitators invite anyone who would like to share briefly about one key insight that emerged in the breakout session conversation that might be helpful for all to hear. Keeping the insights brief will allow the group to hear many of the key insights.
Allow approximately 25 minutes for conversation on the same questions as Round One in groups of 4-5. (The groups will be different from Round One.)
Allow approximately 10 minutes for a few people to speak.
Divine Light shines in those
who live in Love.
I shall uphold all who are
burdened with fear,
and raise up all who call to Me.
The time is nigh for you to choose,
for great is the new dawn
that fast approaches;
I call each of you to open your
inner ears, to
see with spiritual eyes,
And to trust that even amidst the
outward chaos,
all is working toward the
wholeness of humanity.
O, Heart of my heart, envelop me!
I know You are near to all
who call upon You.
Bring to my recollection all that
I have denied,
that I might be accepting
and free
To help rebuild the soul of the world
with radical trust, love
and wonder!
When I speak, let it be of
blessing and gratitude;
let your glory within me shine
out of the world.
Psalm 145, “Psalms for Praying,” Nan C. Merrill
In hope, to this we say – Amen.