At this moment in our Congregation’s history, we find ourselves at a turning point. We are witnessing a gentle but significant shift, from aging communities in the West to a younger, emerging presence in the East. While this transition brings natural challenges, it also sparks creativity, hope, and a deepening awareness of how we are being called to respond to the signs of our time today.
In many ways, the fragility we experience in our own structures mirrors the fragile state of our planet. It is a Kairos moment, a sacred opportunity to listen deeply to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. At our 16th General Chapter in 2023, we made a bold and faith-filled commitment:
“To embrace an evolving ecological consciousness and to live out a radical ecological conversion—within ourselves, within our communities, and in every place where we serve.”
This commitment is not separate from our charism. Rather, it flows from the heart of who we are as Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, rooted in the Gospel and sent in love and solidarity to the margins of our world.
As part of our commitment, we formed a Care for Our Common Home Team to engage our entire Congregation, stay connected with global ecological movements, and animate our commitment to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Across all our areas, sisters have taken steps, both simple and profound, to live more sustainably: planting vegetable gardens, composting, reducing waste, advocating for justice, and walking gently with the Indigenous Subaanen people in the southern part of the Philippines. Many of the Sisters have become Laudato Si’ Animators, further deepening their understanding and commitment in ecological conversion.
Care for our Common Home Team: Srs. Kate Midgley, Minah Seo, Julie Cho and Cristita de Leon
In this spirit, I recently attended the Raising Hope for Climate Conference, marking the 10th anniversary of the Laudato Si Movement. It was not only a personal blessing but also a profound expression of our collective commitment. The gathering was marked by courageous dialogue, renewed hope, and a shared determination among all people of goodwill to act for our common home. Meeting leaders I had only known online and speaking with them face-to-face stirred in me a deeper sense of solidarity and purpose.
A humbling and unforgettable moment was being asked to be one of those to welcome Pope Leo. It was a brief yet profound and deeply moving encounter that left a lasting imprint on my heart.
Pope Leo blessing the glacier from Greenland
I return from this experience grateful, humbled, and more deeply convinced that we are part of something greater than ourselves. The climate crisis cannot be solved by experts alone; it requires hearts willing to act, voices willing to speak, and communities willing to hope. I am not an expert, but I have witnessed the impact of climate change at the grassroots, and that experience speaks volumes. It strengthens my resolve that we, as women religious, have a vital role to play, in advocacy, and in modelling a way of life that respects all creation.
As we also celebrate this year the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, I give thanks for our Congregation and for all who share in our mission of hospitality and compassion especially for the poor and those on the margins.
I am reminded that our vocation is, at its heart, a response of love, faith, and service. From the vision of our founders to every act of care offered today, our life is a living “yes” to God, yes that continues to inspire, carry the stories of those most vulnerable and bring hope. Caring for creation is part of that call.
This journey is not easy, but I believe it is work together in progress, where our love for God, for one another, and for creation come together in real and transformative ways.
Sr. Anne Carbon
13th October 2025