The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) held a reception of gratitude on September 8th. Diplomats, Superiors General, friends, and partners in mission gathered to honour Sr. Patricia Murray IBVM for her more than eleven years of service as Executive Secretary and to warmly welcome her successor, Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND.
Former UISG President Sr. Mary Barron OLA, summed up her message in two words: gratitude and hope. She recalled that her own service on the UISG board began in 2019, at the same time as Sr. Roxanne’s, and they had both worked closely with Sr. Pat.
“Pat and Roxanne are two remarkable women, different in their origins and charisms, but united by a profound passion for Christ, for consecrated life, and by a clear vision of what we are called to be as consecrated women today,” she said.
Addressing Sr. Pat, she wished her a fruitful new chapter, convinced that she would remain committed to consecrated life. Quoting Pope Francis, she encouraged Sr. Roxanne to “stay close to God. The true protagonist of our lives is the Holy Spirit. Then everything else will fall into place.”
Sr. Pat reflected on her years of service at UISG, marked by countless encounters with superiors general, religious members, Church leaders, diplomats, and collaborators. “Nothing is possible alone. Everything we have accomplished, we have done together,” she underlined, paying tribute to the importance of collaboration and communion.
She expressed deep gratitude for the global network of relationships built over the years, which broadened her horizon and strengthened her faith. Quoting an Irish proverb, “It is under each other’s shelter that people survive,” she concluded: “Thank you for the shade and shelter you have offered me, not only for myself but also for all the people with whom you live, work, and serve.”
A full account of the celebration is on the UISG website and includes a written account, a video and lots of photos. To see the video click here