From April 15 to 20, 2026, the Sisters of the Province of the Mother of the Good Shepherd held the “Formation Meeting for Superiors of the Communities of Colombia” at María Inmaculada School in Bogotá, with the aim of strengthening leadership and consecrated life in service of their mission.
The meeting brought together local superiors in a space for formation, reflection, and discernment, inspired by the commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the Passover of Saint Francis of Assisi. The opening included a community celebration focused on mercy, prayer, and fraternity, featuring meaningful symbols such as the enthronement of the San Damiano Cross and the Paschal candle.
Throughout the gathering, participants explored key topics such as emotional management, emotional intelligence, and evangelical leadership, guided by Marist Brother Nelson Cardona through a participatory and engaging methodology.
Friar Richard Galindo also offered a reflection on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, highlighting his Paschal journey as a process of transformation shaped by the search for God’s will and the experience of transcendence amid difficulties.
Sister Blanca Cecilia Cely Ruiz addressed the care of consecrated life, emphasizing the importance of awareness, maturity, community life, and fidelity to the charism in today’s context. She also encouraged participants to face contemporary challenges with renewed vision, stressing the need to strengthen communion, shared responsibility, and commitment to mission.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the current reality of the Province in areas such as formation, pastoral work, economy, and care for creation, fostering unity among communities.
This formative experience reaffirmed the superiors’ commitment to a close, conscious, and evangelical leadership at the service of the Church’s life and mission.
