DSIC Assembly 2025 – A Journey of Reflection, Listening, and Vision (Days 1–3)
From May 11 to 16, 2025, Dominican Sisters International Confederation (DSIC) is gathered in Rome for its much-anticipated Assembly at the Passionist Center. The week marks a moment of shared reflection, discernment, and commitment to shaping the future of our global Dominican family. Here’s a look at the highlights from the first three days.
See photo gallery of the Assembly
Day 1 – Embracing Change and Facing Diminishment with Courage
“While newness is exciting, it may be difficult to accept.”
With these words echoing the spirit of transformation, the DSIC Assembly opened with a prayerful ceremony led by Sr. Xiomara Mendez-Hernandez and Sr. Katy Van Wyk. Sr. Margaret Mayce, OP, DSIC International Coordinator, addressed the Assembly with a heartfelt reflection on the many changes that have taken place since the last in-person Assembly in 2019.
Sr. Margaret reminded us that we are not the same after the global pandemic—neither personally nor congregationally. She shared the progress made over the past six years, particularly around two key priorities: support for small congregations and empowerment of younger Sisters.
Sr. Margaret reminded us that we are not the same after the global pandemic—neither personally nor congregationally. She shared the progress made over the past six years, particularly around two key priorities: support for small congregations and empowerment of younger Sisters.
The day continued with a profound panel on diminishment, inviting participants into honest dialogue around grief, transition, and transformation. Prioresses shared experiences of merging congregations, appointing commissaries, and moving toward shared governance. Sr. Kelly Connors, PM, canon lawyer, offered a powerful insight:
“Diminishment is only a perception if we hold constant growth as the norm. But is growth always the goal? Or are we called to be inspirational, even in simplicity?”
This session affirmed our collective call not just to preserve, but to live meaningfully and witness boldly, no matter the size or strength of our communities.
Day 2 – Listening to the Wisdom and Energy of Younger Sisters
(“When a wise woman leads, she thinks with her head, reflects with her heart, and decides with her soul.“)
Day two centered on the voices and hopes of our younger Sisters. After a morning prayer and reflection, the Prioresses welcomed five younger Sisters—each representing a continent—who participated in the Leadership Development Program, jointly organized by DSIC and Faith and Praxis from May to October 2024. Their testimonies revealed the program’s deep impact: enhanced communication, renewed self-awareness, and growth in leadership.
The program reached 152 Sisters from 45 congregations, nurturing a new generation of leaders across the Dominican world.
In the afternoon, the Assembly turned its ear to five representatives from the Caleruega meeting, where younger Sisters had gathered previously. They courageously shared their dreams and concrete proposals to improve communication, strengthen Dominican identity, and expand formation opportunities. The session also included communications training, vital for building bridges within our global family.
Day 3 – Justice, Peace, and a Vision for the Future
The third day highlighted our commitment to Justice and Peace as an essential part of the Dominican vocation. Sr. Durstyne Farnan, OP, joined the Assembly virtually from the United States to present her work as the UN Representative and JPIC Continental Promoters Coordinator.
She celebrated the Sisters’ participation in major UN gatherings such as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), as well as collaborative efforts with other religious organizations at the UN. Her presentation emphasized how JPIC efforts are bearing fruit on every continent, empowering Sisters to be effective advocates for human dignity and care for creation.
In the afternoon, the Assembly shifted to a session of deep listening. Five Sisters from the Think Tank Team shared their experience of analyzing the DSIC’s current structure and effectiveness. Over the past months, with the guidance of a facilitator, the team met six times and has now presented concrete proposals for improvement—a foundational step as DSIC looks ahead to the next three years.
The Assembly will continue with Continental gatherings, during which the Prioresses will discuss the proposals presented in the first 3 days and discern the priorities which will guide DSIC’s activities in the next 3 years.
