Pope Appoints New Consultors for Consecrated Life: Closeness of the USG

On August 6, the Holy Father appointed new Consultors to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

The Role of Consultors: A Service of Discernment and Expertise

Consultors perform a task of primary importance for the life of the Church and religious families worldwide. Called for their outstanding expertise in theology, canon law, psychology, and formation, they study complex issues, offer qualified opinions, and guide the discernment process on crucial topics regarding Consecrated Life.

The Connection with the Union of Superiors General

This round of appointments carries special significance for our Union, as several individuals closely linked to the path of the USG are among those chosen:

• Brother Emili Turú Rofes, F.M.S., Superior General of the Marist Brothers (2009–2017): Led the Institute of the Marist Brothers of the Schools for eight years, driving a strong push toward child protection, the education of vulnerable youth, and the renewal of lay religious life. Secretary General of the USG (2018–2024): Coordinated the work of the Union for two consecutive terms, becoming a fundamental point of reference for communion, listening, and synthesis for all Superiors General worldwide. Formator and Visionary: Currently serves as Director of Faith and Praxis for Global Leadership, an international organization specializing in accompaniment for leadership, transformation processes, and discernment for congregations and ecclesial organizations.

• The Reverend Father Ignasi M. Fossas i Colet, O.S.B. , Abbot President of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation of the Order of Saint Benedict and active member of our Union, who spoke as a witness during our General Assembly in May 2026 on the topic "Transmission of Charism in the Service of Governance";

• The Reverend Father Maurizio Bevilacqua, C.M.F., President of the Claretianum Pontifical Institute of Theology of Consecrated Life, who was also an appreciated speaker during the May Assembly on the topic "Charism, Institution, and Governance".

Closeness to the Appointed Women Religious

The USG expresses warm and heartfelt encouragement to all six women religious appointed by the Pope. Among them is Sister Patricia Murray, C.J. (Loreto Sisters), former Executive Secretary of the UISG, with whom the USG has shared years of intense and fruitful inter-congregational collaboration, alongside Mother Chiara Lorenzato, Mother Maria Nirmalini, Sister María Rosaura González Casas, Sister Mary Lembo, and Sister Maria do Disterro Rocha Santos. Their leadership experience and pastoral sensitivity represent a precious and indispensable contribution to the journey of all Consecrated Life.
To all the new Consultors, the USG assures its prayers and wishes them a fruitful ministry in the service of the Church.

Full List of Appointments (from the August 6 Bulletin)

• H.E. Most Rev. Alfonso Vincenzo Amarante, C.SS.R., Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome;

• Rev. Kevin Otieno Mwandha, S.D.B., Vice Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome;

• Rev. Fr. Ignasi M. Fossas i Colet, O.S.B., Abbot President of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation of the Order of Saint Benedict;

• Rev. Fr. Damián Guillermo Astigueta, S.I., Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome;

• Rev. Fr. Maurizio Bevilacqua, C.M.F., President of the "Claretianum" Pontifical Institute of Theology of Consecrated Life ad instar Facultatis at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome;

• Rev. Fr. Benjamin James Earl, O.P., Coordinator for the Revision of the Constitutions of Dominican Nuns;

• Rev. Fr. Flavien Zolabi Mambueni, S.I., Rector of the Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus in Abidjan (Ivory Coast);

• Brother Antoine Kazindu, F.M.S., Counselor at the Lycée de Kigali (Rwanda);

• Brother Emili Turú Rofes, F.M.S., Director of Faith and Praxis for Global Leadership;

• Mother Chiara Lorenzato, Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament;

• Mother Maria Nirmalini, Superior General of the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel;

• Sister María Rosaura González Casas, S.T.J., Vice-Director of the Institute of Psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome;

• Sister Mary (Makamatine) Lembo, Vicar General of the Sisters of Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr;

• Sister Patricia Murray, C.J., former Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG);

• Sister Maria do Disterro Rocha Santos, F.C.I.M., President of the Conferência dos Religiosos do Brasil.