Pilgrims of Hope, Pilgrims of Spirit:
On January 25, 2025, the Salvatorian Sisters marked a significant milestone with the official installation of their new General Administration in Rome, coinciding with the Feast of St. Paul the Apostle. The much-anticipated ceremony took place in the Motherhouse of the Salvatorian Sisters and was highlighted by a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Krzysztof Kowalczyk, General Superior of the Society of the Divine Savior. The event was graced by the presence of various guests, including members from the Society of the Divine Savior, local religious men and women, well-wishers, and friends. The Salvatorian Brothers from the Torre De Cenci community enriched the ceremony with their harmonious voices, making the day all the more memorable.
The new leadership team was symbolically presented with the Jubilee Pilgrim Cross, a sign of their role as Pilgrims of Hope-Pilgrims of Spirit. This cross represents their mission to walk alongside others, sharing in their joys and challenges while carrying their own responsibilities with hope and enthusiasm. The newly installed General Administration includes:
- Sr. Maria Yaneth Moreno Rodriguez – General Superior
- Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona – General Vicaress
- Sr. Brigitte Thalhammer – General Councilor and General Treasurer
- Sr. Suneela Polimetla – General Councilor
- Sr. Ellen Sinclair – General Councilor
- Sr. Eloisa Adamos Holdiem – General Secretary
Sr. Maria Yaneth Moreno Rodriguez, from Colombia, serves as General Superior for a second term. Her cheerful and approachable nature has made her an exceptional leader since she first assumed the role in 2012.
Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the General Vicaress. Having served since 2018, she is well-loved for her welcoming demeanor, particularly from her years as a formator in Congo.
Sr. Brigitte Thalhammer, originally from Austria, born in Bad Ischl. She serves as both General Councilor and General Treasurer. She has held multiple leadership roles, including travel agent, pastoral assistant, and Provincial Superior of Austria from 2009 to 2018 and is known for her courage and compassion in guiding the congregation. She aspires to accompany the processes of merger in the Salvatorian presence in Europe in a fruitful way: caring well for our elderly sisters, ensuring space for younger sisters to live their mission, and creating space for the new and yet unknown.
Sr. Ellen Sinclair, from the USA, has a background in law. She served as an Army Judge Advocate and a Civilian attorney. She also served in legal matters in the Diocesan Tribunal and with the Public Defender’s Offic. She also has led various leadership capacities in the USA Province from 2009 to 2022. Her humility and openness to the Spirit’s guidance help her deepen the Salvatorian identity and foster intercultural collaboration.
Sr. Suneela Polimetla from India brings many years of experience as a formator and psychologist. She is one of the first five candidates from India to receive Salvatorian formation in Austria. She aims to listen and be a part in all the joys and struggles that come across. To have the courage to let go and be able to make new decisions that help each one to grow in freedom with responsibility and accountability. Her message to the members of congregation is trust in Divine Providence and let God Lead. Her sibling Sr. Amita Polimetla is also a Salvatorian.
Sr. Eloisa Holdiem from the Philippines has been General Secretary for a year, known for her joyful and enthusiastic spirit. She has been pivotal in developing Salvatorian pastoral initiatives for children in the Philippines.
With these dynamic leaders, the General Administration is poised to inspire hope, rekindle the Spirit, and continue the mission of proclaiming the Gospel as true Pilgrims of Hope-Pilgrims of Spirit.
