YSOP 2025: Preaching communities
The historic town of Caleruega, Spain—the birthplace of St. Dominic—recently hosted a yearly gathering of Younger European Dominican Sisters. Over the course of several days, sisters from across Europe came together in prayer, study, and shared commitment to the future of Dominican life and mission.
A Pilgrimage of Connection and Learning
The journey began in Madrid, with sisters arriving from various European countries. The opening day was marked by a warm welcome and an introduction to the rich heritage of Caleruega, including a visit to the tower where St. Dominic spent his early years. This set the tone for the gathering—an experience rooted in history yet forward-looking, seeking to address the challenges and opportunities facing the Dominican apostolic mission today.
The Call to Study and Preaching
A significant theme of the gathering was the importance of education in preparing for the mission of preaching. Sr. Kerstin-Marie Berretz OP led an engaging discussion on the necessity of higher education for Dominican sisters, emphasizing that continuous learning is essential to being effective preachers. Discussions explored the expectations and challenges of women in religious life today, highlighting the need for ongoing formation and academic credibility in both ecclesiastical and secular spaces.
Responding to Migration and Social Realities
A moving session led by Sr. Rosi from the Canary Islands shed light on the plight of migrants arriving in Europe, particularly through perilous sea routes. She shared firsthand accounts of the harsh realities faced by those seeking refuge and the role that Dominican sisters play in providing hospitality, education, and advocacy. The discussion underscored the urgent call to be a voice for the voiceless and to integrate faith with social justice.
Dominican Solidarity in Times of Conflict
Another powerful moment of the meeting was the testimony from Dominican sisters working in Ukraine and Slovakia, who spoke about their mission amidst war and displacement. Sr. Maria, joining via Zoom from Kiev, shared her community’s resilience in offering refuge and spiritual support. Meanwhile, Slovakian sisters recounted their experiences of sheltering refugees and fostering intercultural understanding. The message was clear: Dominican life is a call to stand with those in need, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Shaping the Future of Dominican Life
One of the key outcomes of the gathering was the refinement of a manifesto that will be presented to Prioresses in May. This document outlines concrete steps to strengthen formation, foster inter-congregational collaboration, and create opportunities for younger sisters to come together regularly. Discussions also highlighted the importance of linguistic and cultural exchange, ensuring that sisters can communicate and collaborate effectively across borders.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of Dominican democracy, where the voices of younger sisters contribute to shaping the future of the Order. It became evident that to sustain Dominican life, leadership must embrace a wider vision of collaboration rather than seeing themselves as separate congregations.
A Spirit of Unity and Commitment
The gathering concluded with reflections on the challenges and hopes for YSOP in Europe. Visa and residency issues, the decline of religious vocations, and access to education were among the concerns raised. Yet, the sisters also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to connect, dream, and plan for a future where Dominican life continues to thrive.
As the meeting came to a close, the sisters left Caleruega with a renewed sense of mission, strengthened bonds, and a firm belief that their shared journey will continue to inspire and transform. The spirit of St. Dominic lives on, igniting hearts and minds to preach the Gospel with wisdom, courage, and compassion.
