“Pas-Si di Speranza” (Steps of Hope):

Where there is hope, there is God, and where there is God, everything can be reborn.

“Saints like Philip Neri, Don Bosco, and Bl. Francis Jordan have shown the world the wonders brought forth when the potential of young minds is nurtured by those who instill values, morals, love, and spiritual growth. The summer camp organized every year by the Salvatorian sisters in the South Italian province of Porrino has been for the past 10 years a nest where such wonders took wings to fly. Here, pure joy, alongside deeply embedded values and morals, took root in the minds and hearts of the many summer camp children and young animators who contributed to the success of this camp. The children in this camp play, dance, sing, draw, jump and run but above all they learn to care for the other, praise God and respect the elders. Below is a wonderful note left by one of the animators from this group about the camp.”

Every year, the Salvatorian sisters of Porrino, together with us animators, organize a summer camp with love and dedication that guides us, step by step, toward a deeper encounter with God. This year, on the occasion of the Jubilee Year, we chose as our theme “Pas-Si di Speranza” (Steps of Hope), because we wanted to highlight the “Yes” that each of us has chosen to say to the Lord: a full, sincere, confident Yes.

The camp was divided into days of reflection, play, and sharing, lived with intensity and joy. A nice new feature this year was the swimming pool: two afternoons a week we met there, where even the water became an opportunity for fraternity.

The first week was intense: we had to get back into the rhythm, both for us animators and for the children, who were divided into four groups according to the class they attended (from kindergarten to middle school). Our mornings began with simple and cheerful group dances, suitable even for the youngest children, to warm our hearts and prepare us for the day ahead.

Afterwards, we gathered in the shade to enter into the theme of the day, listening, reflecting, and then working in small groups. Each group had a value to represent:

– The kindergarten children brought peace,

– the 2nd and 3rd graders dedicated themselves to love,

– the 4th and 5th graders to truth,

– and the middle school group to freedom.

Every day, the children carefully prepared a creative project to present to the others. It was an exciting moment because their inner beauty, commitment, and faith could be seen in those small works. At the end of the presentations, Sister Silva Jaku SDS awarded points to the groups: a healthy game that culminated in the announcement of the winning group during the final recital.

On Fridays, if the week had been lived with enthusiasm and respect, the long-awaited moment of water balloons arrived: a real water party, especially for us animators, who always ended up soaked but happy!

In the last week, the atmosphere became a little more nostalgic. Every year seems to pass more and more quickly, and the children, although tired, sense that something special is about to end. In the afternoon, we animators stayed in the convent to prepare for the performance on July 21: a precious date, when we remember the beatification of Blessed Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, founder of the Salvatorian Sisters.

Each group enthusiastically set about making colorful posters, skits, dances, and much more, to offer their parents a small gift made with love. We animators also prepared a skit with a deep spiritual meaning: in the dim light of a room, four candles—Love, Peace, Faith, and Hope—were extinguished one by one, blown out by the disappointment of the world. But in the end, Hope, still lit, rekindled all the others with its light: because where there is hope, there is God, and where there is God, everything can be reborn.

To end the evening on a cheerful note, we changed into traditional Ciociaria costumes and, with the accordion and a reworked folk song, we recounted the entire campus adventure in a playful and affectionate way.

And so, another year has come to an end. A tear runs down our faces, but our hearts are full: we know that we will meet again, because what is born in the light of love and the joy of faith never ends.

On to other initiatives, with ever more confident steps… on the paths of Hope.

“Reaching out to the young and proclaiming the Gospel in the language of the time” was one of the key themes explored during WIF! 2025—a meeting of young Salvatorian Sisters from the European units. Held in Hungary on 4–9 July 2025, the gathering was hosted in a place deeply rooted in Salvatorian missionary history. This location allowed the participants not only to honor the legacy of the past but also to courageously look ahead. The central aim of the meeting was to strengthen the connection among young sisters and connect their vision with the fruits of the General Chapter 2024. Together, they explored what it means to live the Salvatorian mission in Europe—today and in the future.

Twenty-five members from various European units as well as sisters from other continents participated, accompanied by Sr. Brigitte Thalhammer, Sr. Suneela Polimetla, and Sr. Eloisa Holdiem from the Generalate. The meeting began with a moving historical narration by Sr. Erika Moser SDS, who shared the story of the Salvatorian presence in Hungary. Mr. Mattieu Daum, facilitator at the 22nd General Chapter and of this gathering, described the meeting as “filled with curiosity among participants—to understand one another, to listen, and to share their realities.”

The sisters worked in small groups—European and non-European (separately)—which created space for honest, open dialogue. They reflected on what gives them life and energy, the challenges they face, and the cultural shifts affecting religious life today. They underline what we find in the enactments of the 22^nd General Chapter: “Diving into the new, we must not cling to the mental model, that ‘we have to continue everything’. We must not fill holes, without discerning where God wants us to be and work today”. The focus should not be on maintaining institutions, but on actively listening to the Spirit and responding to the signs of the times. The sisters expressed their wish for a truly synodal way of living—marked by shared discernment, participation, and co-responsibility. One clear insight that surfaced was: vocation promotion must serve the vocation of all, not simply aim to “find new members.” It should help people discern God’s call in their lives—whatever that may be. The young sisters expressed a deep desire to continue reaching out especially to young people and to proclaim the Gospel in the language of today, rooted in authenticity, vitality and faith. And at the same time maintaining a meaningful prayer life and a balanced relationships among sisters in the community life.

For the non-European participants, the meeting was also a helpful invitation to look at the European context and reflect on the future with hope and solidarity. Prayer and the Eucharist were highlighted as vital sources of strength and unity. A touching moment came during the life-sharing of Sr. Jean Schafer, whose story inspired the sisters to take initiative despite vulnerability—and to remain open to new horizons.The sisters also emphasized the need for ongoing formation, especially in navigating cultural differences and living interculturality with grace. Many shared the richness they have experienced through learning new languages, adapting to different environments, and embracing diverse cultures.

The participants also had the opportunity to discover the cultural and historical richness of Hungary. The visit to the cemetery in Máriabesnyő, where 163 Salvatorian Sisters are buried, left a lasting impression. It was a moment of silent gratitude and reverence for the missionary lives that came before. Sr. Verena Maria SDS described it as a “silent witness to a painful past.” The strong sense of bond and togetherness throughout the meeting left many participants longing for more such gatherings. Sr. Anthonysamy Jacqueline, reflecting on the experience, quoted Bl. Francis Jordan: “Fidelity in little things.” It is this fidelity, she said, that gives deep meaning to Salvatorian identity and universality.

The participants are hopeful that Holy Spirit will continue to guide them as they reflect and discover ways to witness the Salvatorian life responding to the needs of the time now and in the future. WIF! 2025 was more than a meeting—it was a step into the future, rooted in shared faith, courage, and commitment to witness the Salvatorian life in new and responsive ways.

The African Continental Meeting 2025, a significant event that truly showcased the congregational body of the Salvatorian Sisters in Africa, took place in Masasi, Tanzania, from July 5–11, 2025. It was the first international gathering organized by the current Generalate team under the leadership of Sr. Maria Yaneth, who also served as the meeting’s facilitator alongside Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona, Vicar General, and Sr. Ellen Sinclair, General Councillor. The Tanzanian Unit guided by Sr. Yasinta Godfrey Kalla graciously hosted the event.

A total of 28 members from the units of Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Angola, and Nairobi actively participated in the week-long meeting. As shared by the Sisters, the gathering began in a prayerful and joyful spirit, marked by great enthusiasm. In her welcoming remarks, Sr. Maria Yaneth invited the sisters to greet each other with the words: “I welcome you, I give you space, and we walk together.” These words set the tone for the days ahead—days filled with a deep sense of unity, discernment, and a renewed Salvatorian spirit, as they walked together in faith to discern the paths for the mission in Africa.

The meeting was marked by profound prayer, attentive listening, and respectful dialogue—core elements of the Salvatorian life in Africa. Through deep communal discernment, the sisters experienced what it means to walk, work, and decide together as one congregational body, all while seeking the will of God.

Key Topics Discussed During the Meeting:

• Sharing and exchanging experiences on Synodal Leadership and Interculturality
• Evaluation, discussion, and discernment concerning ongoing joint projects (including Nairobi, Angola, the Common Novitiate, Perpetual Vows Preparation, and Jubilee Celebrations)
• Sharing insights and experiences on Intercultural Formation

Each day of the meeting was well-organized, with every unit contributing by leading the opening prayers in an authentic and meaningful way. The gathering was also uplifted by vibrant traditional dances that added joy and cultural richness to the experience.

The spirit of unity was strongly felt throughout the meeting. Sr. Astrid, Regional Superior of the Congo Unit, expressed her joy by saying, “I am very happy to participate in this African Continental Meeting. It is a very important moment for me to be together with my fellow Salvatorian Sisters—to learn and grow through our shared communion.” Sr. Maria Marlene from the Mozambique Unit echoed a similar sentiment: “This continental meeting has helped me to deepen my understanding of one another, and especially to grow in my understanding of interculturality.” The spirit of synodality was not limited to the Salvatorian Sisters alone. The Salvatorian Fathers and Brothers have collaborated and supported greatly for the success of the meeting.

A joyful highlight of the gathering was the celebration of Sr. Ellen Sinclair’s birthday. She enjoyed a heartfelt celebration organized by the Tanzanian novices, featuring special and spectacular programs. The participants also had a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of Africa during an outing to the Bridge of Unity and the scenic rock mountains. They were further blessed by the warm hospitality of the Salvatorian Fathers at Mangaka Parish and the company of Bro. Macha, SDS, who accompanied them on the journey.

The meeting concluded with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture. The three African unit leaders Sr. Yasinta Godfrey Kalla, Sr. Astrid, and Sr. Maria Marlene lit a fire together, which was then shared with all the sisters by Sr. Maria Yaneth as a parting gift—a powerful symbol of the light and hope they carry forward. Farewells were exchanged with the blessing words of Bl. Francis Jordan.

We hope that the participants, now renewed and full of hope after the African Continental Meeting 2025, will continue to radiate the same spirit and enthusiasm, sharing with their fellow sisters in their respective units the fruits of this transformative encounter.