Report of the 22nd General Assembly of UCESM from 20 to 25 April 2026 in Marija Bistrica (HR)

The 22^nd General Assembly of UCESM was held from 20 to 25 April 2026 in the town of Marija Bistrica, a well-known pilgrimage site to the Virgin Mary in Croatia, some forty kilometres north of Zagreb. Around 60 participants from 20 nations gathered in a joyful, very hospitable atmosphere. Apart from networking, praying together, and exchanging experiences, the days were spent reflecting on the chosen theme for that week: “Religious Life and the Cultures – the Consequences for our Life and our Mission”.

Throughout the Assembly, several keynote speakers offered valuable insights into key dimensions of religious life and mission today and fostered our conversations:

• Hans Zollner gave a talk on the topic “A culture of safeguarding in our (often small) communities”. He presented safeguarding as a way of fully living the Gospel—and therein our mission, as well as the standard by which we are measured. All too often, however, the Church still deals inadequately with the crimes of the past and the weaknesses of the present. Even more so, safeguarding should become an integral part of living our vows and mission – not just part of protocols and guidelines.
• “The digital world” was the topic that Fr. Lluís Oviedo addressed in his talk: it is no longer a set of tools but has become a true environment that shapes our way of thinking, our relationships and our religious life. The ongoing challenge will be to live in this digital world without fear but with awareness, and to maintain the right balance. Religious life must therefore adapt, while preserving its essential meaning and connection to transcendence.
• Peter Claver Narh introduced us to the interculturality within our communities. He raised awareness that there is not just one perspective on truth and reality, but different ones, depending on our cultural background. However, it is not enough to live side by side (multiculturalism); we must move toward interculturality, actively striving for genuine togetherness. This attitude will enable us to live “unity in diversity” and can thus become a significant sign in an increasingly polarised world.
• Mrs Claire Jonard shared her experience of pastoral ministry with young people. The many crises of the world, the fragility of the human person, the digital environment, and living in a multicultural context are part of their everyday reality. As friendships are vital for young people, our response is to create spaces and occasions that foster genuine relationships and, in doing so, lead them to a deeper relationship with God as well.

Special guests were Sr. Simona Brambilla, Prefect of DICLSAL – her words in Italian can be found here -, and Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of CCEE. Both were encouraging us to be missionaries in our European countries: Is the bread of life alive in us, or has it become a routine? Are we still that much on fire in spreading the Good News, or have we moved to maintenance?

We are also grateful for the enriching presence of Sr. Roxanne Schares (Executive Secretary of UISG), Fr. Mario Zanotti (Secretary General of USG), Ms Daniela Leggio (head of the “Formation” Office at DICLSAL), Markus Ingenlath (Executive Director of Renovabis).

On 22 April, during our excursion to and visit of Zagreb, we had the honour of celebrating mass in the Cathedral (or rather its annex, since the church is being repaired) with Mgr Marko Kovač, the Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb.

The future of UCESM was discussed, and some restructuring was agreed upon. We will continue to make UCESM an instrument at the service of the religious women and men in Europe who live and work for the benefit of the people to whom we are sent. We stand in solidarity with all countries experiencing war and, as consecrated persons, are committed to prayer for peace and to its promotion.

To conclude the meeting, a new Executive Committee was elected for a mandate of 4 years. The new members are: Sr Ângela de Fátima Coelho da Rocha (P), President; fra Miljenko Hontić (HR), Vice-President; Sr Alfonsa Karapata (UA) and Fr. Jean-Pascal Lombart (F), Councillors.

On 1^st July, Sr Marjolein Bruinen, the General Secretary, will be leaving UCESM after 10 years, and her assistant, Mrs Nicole Jacqué, after 27 years! The assembly expressed its heartfelt thanks for their dedication.