A Spark in a Dark Nights; Women Religious Draw Inspiration, Hope from Each Other at Rome Gathering

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ROME * Some came to see the gathering as a spark in a dark night, kindled to flame, and eventually into a torch bright enough to guide spirits forward. These were metaphors some of the 800 international women religious congregation leaders from 87 countries used to explain the process and results of a five-day conference on religious life, held here May 7-11.

The women examined the twin themes of mysticism and prophecy, having gathered under the aegis of the International Union of Superiors General, a canonically sponsored organization that bonds more than 600,000 women religious worldwide. The organization holds its plenary assembly every three years in Rome.

After the women left they issued a conference declaration May 18 expressing their collective commitments for the next three years. Among these were the promotion of "constant dialogue between the Word of God and the events which happen in our world," the creation of "a new style of mystical and prophetic life, open and hospitable, inclusive, respectful of differences and acknowledging the richness of other cultures and religions," and …