Tanzania: More than 130 Catholic sisters from 23 countries gathered in Tanzania this week to strengthen their shared mission of serving communities, protecting human dignity, and building a more collaborative Church.
The Catholic Sisters Initiative Convening, held in Dar es Salaam from June 10 to 12, brought together religious sisters, Church leaders, development partners, and lay collaborators from around the world. The event was organized by the Catholic Sisters Initiative of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation under the theme, “Journeying Together in Solidarity and Hope: Strengthening Communities and Cultivating Shared Impact for the Common Good.”
Throughout the three day gathering, participants shared experiences from their ministries and discussed ways to respond to some of the most pressing social challenges facing communities today. Topics included safeguarding, human dignity, community development, advocacy, anti human trafficking efforts, youth empowerment, and care for elderly sisters.
Speaking at the opening of the convening, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, Associate Vice President of Program Operations and Head of the Catholic Sisters Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, encouraged participants to listen to one another and remain open to learning from different experiences and cultures.
She noted that programs supported through the Foundation have directly or indirectly benefited more than 25 million people around the world. She said the initiative continues to focus on promoting safeguarding, preventing gender based violence, supporting vulnerable populations, and empowering women and young people.
One of the major presentations during the event was delivered by Jesuit priest Fr. Hans Zollner, Director of the Institute of Anthropology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He stressed that safeguarding within the Church must always remain rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to Fr. Zollner, caring for survivors of abuse and accompanying those who have suffered trauma is a fundamental part of the Church’s mission. He praised the work of Catholic sisters who have helped victims of human trafficking, promoted education, provided vocational training for women, and strengthened communities in many parts of the world.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among religious congregations and organizations, saying that working together increases the effectiveness and long term impact of ministry efforts.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, also addressed participants. He emphasized that listening to survivors of abuse is essential for promoting healing, justice, and accountability within the Church and society.
Several Vatican officials took part in the gathering, including Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrera of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and representatives from other Vatican offices.
Fr. Anthony Makunde, Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, called for stronger cooperation among bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful. He said such partnerships help strengthen synodal structures and improve the Church’s ability to serve people at every level.
The gathering opened with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa'ichi of Dar es Salaam. Reflecting on the Feast of St. Barnabas, he encouraged religious sisters to remain faithful to their charisms while responding generously to the needs of the modern world.
The convening concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Archbishop Angelo Accattino, Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania. He reminded participants that self giving, sacrifice, and continual learning remain essential elements of religious life and missionary discipleship.
As the event came to an end, participants renewed their commitment to strengthening safeguarding practices, promoting solidarity, and working together in service of the common good. The convening, held every three years in different countries, continues to serve as an important platform for reflection, collaboration, and shared learning among Catholic sisters and their partners worldwide.