Ursulines Join LCWR 70th Anniversary Assembly in Orlando

03/09/2026

Ursulines Join LCWR 70th Anniversary Assembly in Orlando


Representatives of the Ursulines of the Roman Union from the United States participated in the 70th Anniversary Assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), held 11–14 August 2026 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

Gathered under the theme “Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call”, women and men religious from the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other parts of the world came together for prayer, reflection, dialogue, and discernment on the future of religious life and its mission in today’s world.  Through Conversations in the Spirit, participants reflected on the gifts religious life offers a wounded world and on the call to respond both mystically and prophetically to the challenges of our time. These conversations were model on the synodal process. Time was spent talking in small groups, sitting in silent reflection and discussing how the spirit was moving their hearts.

A special highlight of the assembly was The Jericho Walk, a prayerful and nonviolent public witness inspired by the biblical story of Jericho. Participants made seven silent circuits, reflecting on themes of lament, justice, and hope. Lanterns placed at the centre symbolised a shared commitment to move from prayer and reflection into action, echoing the assembly’s theme of “Bearing Hope: Our Mystical and Prophetic Life.”

In a video message marking the 70th anniversary of LCWR, Pope Leo XIV encouraged religious communities to be “beacons of hope in a divided world”, fostering unity, deepening synodality, and responding to the needs of the Church and society with the love and mercy of Christ.

The gathering offered a meaningful opportunity for members of diverse congregations to strengthen their bonds, renew their commitment to Gospel values, and discern together the future of religious life in service of the Church and the world.

Based on Facebook page of  Ursuline Sisters of the Eastern Province, USA
 

In the center from the Eastern Province, Sr. Pat Schifini, OSU (left) and Sr. Jeannie Humphries, OSU (right).
From the Central Province are Sr. Elisa Ryan, OSU (far left) and Sr. Peggy Moore, OSU (far right) 
 

Ursuline Sisters from different congregations across the US at the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) - 70th Anniversary Assembly in Orlando, Florida.