Women religious representing all sixteen members of the Sisters of Charity Federation came together in Emmitsburg, Maryland for their annual meeting, June 18 to 22, 2009. More than eighty participants attended, representing over four thousand women religious serving throughout the world. All are united in their shared roots in Saints Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Sister Christine Partisano, a Sister of Saint Joseph from Albany, NY, served as facilitator and companion as the group journeyed through the theme, The Charism of Charity ~ Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow…and Beyond. Each day the sisters were asked to look to the signs of the times and challenged to reflect on the past while looking to the future of their individual congregations and the federation as a whole.
The meeting began with a look at Yesterday in which the rich tapestry of the Charity charism was woven together. The second day brought forth Today which focused on the current ministries and realities of the member congregations.
Incorporating the theme Tomorrow , Carol Jean Willie, a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati who serves as the federation’s representative at the United Nations, highlighted work that is currently in process and key issues including systemic change that will have a real impact on the future. This led the group to Beyond and a chance to consider some immediate proposals and envision the legacy of this federation.
In this the Bicentennial year of the founding of the Sisters of Charity in North America there could be no better place to look to the past, present and future than on this holy ground. All participants had opportunities to walk where Mother Seton once walked; this experience deepened their connection to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and thus the Sisters of Charity Federation.
The next meeting of the Sisters of Charity Federation will be in Greensburg, PA in June of 2010.