Lugano, 24 June 2025
The members of the Union of Male Major Superiors of Switzerland (VOS’USM) met from 23 to 24 June 2025 at the Santa Birgitta House in Lugano for their ordinary general assembly. In addition to reports, statutory business and reflections on current issues, fraternal exchange was at the heart of this meeting.
Monday morning was devoted to the spiritual and cultural richness of Ticino: an in-depth visit to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, whose famous frescoes by Bernardino Luini are among the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Switzerland, and a tour of San Lorenzo Cathedral, offered a lively insight into the ecclesiastical history of the region.
The festive Mass presided over by the Apostolic Administrator, Mgr Alain de Raemy, was a moment of deep communion.
The attendees also considered the future organisational collaboration between the religious orders and communities in Switzerland. The forthcoming creation of a new association will give orders and communities a stronger and more united voice, a counterpart for the Swiss Bishops’ Conference and the CCC (RKZ).
A central theme of the meeting was an exchange on the national study about sexual abuse in the context of the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland. The VOS’USM representative reported on the current status of the measures implemented and on the efforts made by the communities to assume their responsibility, engage in remembrance work and take concrete preventive measures.
This issue is being discussed in depth in many communities, and a number of initiatives are underway or have already been implemented.
In preparation for the forthcoming association, and as soon as it is formed and all the legal requirements have been met, the current Union (VOS’USM) will be dissolved. This is a historic moment, said the President, Fr. Andy Givel, before introducing the vote.
The members present were fully aware of this and unanimously approved the dissolution of the association and the future allocation of its assets.
At the end of the assembly, the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Martin Krebs, celebrated solemn Mass with the participants on the feast of Saint John the Baptist.
This marked the end of a long and rich history of the Union – not because the religious orders and communities have nothing more to say, but because they will be better united in the future.
This General Assembly was marked by a spirit of renewal and responsibility, and by a shared and resolute determination to build the future of religious orders and communities in Switzerland. A promising sign in these demanding times.
Fr. Andy Givel
President of VOS’USM