Towards an Ever Stronger Shared Journey: USG and UISG Prepare for the November Joint Assembly
USG–UISG Executive Boards Meeting
Loyola Hall – Borgo Santo Spirito, Rome
22 May 2026
Rome, 22 May 2026 – The Executive Boards of the Union of Superiors General (USG) and the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) met at Loyola Hall, Borgo Santo Spirito, for their semi-annual joint meeting, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration between the two Unions and promoting shared initiatives in service of the Church's mission.
Among the main topics discussed, particular attention was given to the USG–UISG Joint Commissions, which have become one of the principal instruments through which the two Unions foster concrete collaboration in the key areas of their ecclesial service.
The Co-Presidents of the five Joint Commissions—Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Safeguarding, Education, Formation, and Interreligious Dialogue—presented updates on their ongoing work, highlighting formation programmes, international webinars, networking among Congregations, and an increasingly structured dialogue with the Dicasteries of the Holy See.
The meeting also marked an important step in strengthening the governance of the Joint Commissions. Br. Mark Hilton, SC, was appointed USG Co-President of the Education Commission, alongside Sr. Priscilla (Lia) Latela, RMI, while Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, was appointed USG Co-President of the Interreligious Dialogue Commission, serving together with Sr. Angela Kapitingana, MSOLA. The Executive Boards also acknowledged the recent appointment of Fr. Bernardus Peeters, OCSO, as USG Co-President of the Safeguarding Commission, alongside Sr. Dolores Lahr, CSJ, reaffirming the commitment of both Unions to shared leadership and co-responsibility within the Joint Commissions.
Another significant outcome of the meeting was the establishment of the USG–UISG–Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life Ad Hoc Committee, following the meeting held earlier that same day with the Dicastery. The Committee will foster regular and ongoing dialogue between the two Unions and the Dicastery, promoting closer collaboration on matters of common interest. Its members will be Fr. Mario Zanotti, OSB Cam, USG Secretary General; Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, UISG Executive Secretary; Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS; and Fr. Bernardus Peeters, OCSO.
"Walking Together Towards a Disarmed and Disarming Peace"
The Executive Boards are now looking ahead to their next major shared event: the USG–UISG Joint Assembly, which will take place at Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano from 25 to 27 November 2026, under the theme "Walking Together Towards a Disarmed and Disarming Peace."
This theme reflects the desire of the two Unions to continue walking together in communion and discernment, reflecting on the contribution that consecrated life can offer to the building of peace in a world marked by conflict and division. The Assembly will feature moments of reflection, dialogue and shared discernment, enriched by the contributions of distinguished Church leaders committed to the promotion of peace.
Among the most anticipated moments will be the audience with Pope Leo XIV, who will meet with the Superiors General for a dialogue on the theme of peace, followed by a personal greeting to all participants.
The meeting of 22 May reaffirmed the shared commitment of USG and UISG to deepen an increasingly structured and synodal collaboration, recognising that the common journey of the two Unions is a valuable resource for the mission of consecrated life in the Church and in today's world.
USG–UISG Joint Commissions
Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS – Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF
- Safeguarding
Sr. Dolores Lahr, CSJ – Fr. Bernardus Peeters, OCSO - Education
Sr. Priscilla (Lia) Latela, RMI – Br. Mark Hilton, SC (new USG Co-President) - Formation
Sr. Sylvette Mane, SM – Fr. Laurentius Tarpin, OSC - Interreligious Dialogue
Sr. Angela Kapitingana, MSOLA – Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI (new USG Co-President)