Dearest Sisters,
This week we devoted ourselves to studying the Instrumentum Laboris (Working Document) prepared by the Pre-Chapter Commission. For this purpose, we moved from the Chapter Hall to a specially arranged space with round tables, following the methodology used by the Synod. Guided with great insight by Sr. Tiziana Merletti, Secretary General of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, we discussed the proposals submitted by sisters from all over the world compiled in the Working Document. It was an intense and fruitful week, examining the 46 proposals, studying them, discussing them, reworking them, and finally voting on them. Those that received the required majority now form the Chapter Document, outlining the priorities entrusted to the new General Government for the next six years. The process was a beautiful experience of listening to everyone, giving voice to everyone, and building our immediate future together.
On Sunday, September 28, we welcomed Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. He told us: “We are working to make the Dicastery a place of relationships, an offering to the world grounded in values that look beyond immediate approval. Today, people are more isolated. We are being trained in a kind of communication that no longer communicates but one that speaks only with force… Instead, we must weave relationships, work with everyone without separating the sacred from the secular, because the Incarnation of Christ has shown us this.” He encouraged us further: “We must be unique without being exclusive, radical without being fanatical. This is what the Church asks of us: to rediscover the foundation of communication that is found in the Gospel. We communicate when we live in communion.” When asked, “What can we do as Daughters of St. Paul?”, he responded: “Help the Pope communicate by interpreting the events of the world in a Gospel light. Join the public conversation. Provide an alternative space where people can encounter the truth. Teach others how to use the media wisely.”
Another significant event took place on Monday, September 29: a meeting with Sr. Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect. It was a rich and engaging encounter during which they presented the mission of the Dicastery and its service to the Church in accompanying consecrated life around the world. Regarding the decline in vocations, Sr. Simona offered this reflection: “The ‘’small remnant’’ due to fewer vocations can be seen as a providential gift, not returning us to the past but drawing us back to our roots—to our sources. It is a call to embrace smallness, to joyfully recognize ourselves as creatures rather than creators.” She concluded: “In this crisis of humanity, resilient humility and gentleness are the only responses to violence—responses that leave evil disoriented.”
We ended the day with a beautiful concert by the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, conducted by Msgr. Marco Frisina. It was an event warmly received and joyfully attended by all.
With deep affection and great trust in your prayers as we continue this important journey, we send our warmest greetings.
Sr. Julieta Stoffel and Sr. Livia Sabatti
Ariccia, September 30, 2025
