Dominican Sisters International Confederation Holds 10th Assembly in Rome
The X Assembly of the Dominican Sisters International Confederation (DSIC) was held from May 11 to 16, 2025, at the Passionist Center in Rome. The gathering brought together 125 Prioresses and invited guests for five days of deep listening, dialogue, and discernment to determine the priorities and direction of the Confederation for the next three years, until the next Assembly in 2028.
Founded in 1995 to foster communication and collaboration among Apostolic Dominican Sisters across the globe, the DSIC currently comprises approximately 17,544 Sisters from 144 Congregations in 109 countries. In 2019, the organization received official recognition from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
This year’s Assembly, held under the theme “Widows and Midwives… Where Past and Future Meet,” offered a profound invitation to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing Dominican life today.
Addressing Today’s Realities
The Assembly opened with reflections on two major priorities of the 2022–2025 cycle: the reality of diminishment and the need to prepare our younger women for leadership in the future. an uncertain futurepresence and formation of younger Sisters. Prioresses shared powerful testimonies about leading their Congregations through transitions such as merging communities, appointing commissaries, embracing shared governance, or bringing missions to completion.
In a keynote presentation, Sr. Kelly Connors, PM, an experienced canon lawyer, challenged the group to rethink the narrative of diminishment. “Diminishment is based on a perception—rooted in the false norm of constant growth. But is that realistic? Is that sustainable?” she asked, prompting thoughtful engagement.
The Prioresses took time to hear directly from younger Sisters who had participated in the Leadership Development Program and the Caleruega meeting held in August 2024. Both groups had prepared a number of proposals and creative ideas aimed at enhancing collaboration among younger Dominican Sisters and strengthening international bonds across Congregations and regions. Their contributions sparked meaningful discussions and were welcomed as a vital sign of emerging leadership and renewed commitment within the global Dominican community.
Justice and Peace at the Heart of Mission
The Assembly also turned its focus to the Dominican commitment to justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC). Sr. Durstyne Farnan, OP, joined remotely from the United States to share updates from her work as the DSIC’s UN Representative and coordinator of the JPIC Continental Promoters. She celebrated the increasing visibility and impact of Dominican Sisters at key global forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), as well as the collaborative spirit among religious organizations at the United Nations.
Strengthening the Confederation’s Structure
The Assembly also heard from five Sisters representing the DSIC Think Tank, a group that met six times over recent months with a facilitator to evaluate the structure and functioning of the Confederation. The team presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing DSIC’s effectiveness and responsiveness in a rapidly changing global context.
Re-election of International Coordinator
The Assembly concluded with the joyful announcement of the re-election of Sr. Margaret Mayce, OP, as DSIC International Coordinator for another three-year term. Her leadership continues to guide the Confederation as it responds to emerging needs with courage and creativity.
The Assembly served not only as a space of governance and planning, but also of communion and shared hope—where past wisdom and future vision came together in service of the Gospel and the Dominican mission worldwide.
