By Kaitlyn Holdmeyer, Regional Communications Manager, USA (Provinces of Mid-North America, Central South, and New York/Toronto).

From August 12–15, members of our leadership teams, along with sisters and partners-in-mission, joined over 560 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and nearly 300 collaborators in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2025 LCWR Assembly, Hope Unbroken: Journeying in God’s Promise.

The gathering was a time of prayer, reflection, and conversation centered on how religious life can remain rooted in hope amid the challenges of today’s world, church, and communities. Each presentation invited participants to reflect deeply on what sustains hope in their lives and ministries, as well as on the obstacles that must be faced with courage and faith.

One highlight of the assembly was a panel on the Challenges of Leadership, where Good Shepherd Sr. Barbara Beasley spoke (see video below) about how even simple, everyday encounters can reveal profound truths about leadership and transformation. “God is calling us to transformation, to new consciousness,” she reflected. “And we are doing our best to hear and listen and follow.”

Reflecting on the presentation by the Keynote speaker, Jesuit Fr. James Martin, Sr. Mary Carol McClenon said, “I am continuing to ponder a question raised by Fr. Jim Martin in his presentation on the raising of Lazarus.  In reference to Martha and Mary, he said, ‘We are busy about many things, but are they the right things?’  What a deep question!”

The assembly also offered a public witness of faith. Nearly 500 participants joined a ‘Pilgrimage of Hope‘ through downtown Atlanta, lifting prayers for migrants, racial justice, and climate action.

Former Congregational Leader, Sr. Brigid Lawlor, who joined the march as a Justice Promotor for the region, spoke of how it was a “moving experience of solidarity with the homeless, employees, and construction workers who paused with inquiring looks as we passed by. Cars honked in solidarity.  Ending with ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth,’ which was strongly felt. One of the police officers who accompanied us on his motorcycle said, ‘That was awesomely inspiring.’ Those were my sentiments exactly!”

[Watch a one-hour recording of the march here or read an article about the march here]

This peaceful march echoed Pope Francis’ call for healing and bold witness during the Jubilee Year. ()

Together, the days in Atlanta affirmed that while challenges persist, the promise of God endures, calling religious women to embody “hope unbroken” for the sake of the world.

See more images about the event here.