From July 12 to July 26, 2026, 75 sisters from different parts of the world gathered at the Motherhouse in Angers, France, for the third Transformational Leadership Session.

Continuing the journey begun by two earlier groups, the session invited participants to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their capacity for relational and prophetic leadership, and reflect on how they are called to serve during a time of transition within the Congregation.

Through prayer, personal reflection, intercultural sharing, formation activities, and pilgrimages to places connected with St Jean Eudes et Sainte Marie-Euphrasie, the sisters explored leadership not simply as a responsibility, but as a way of being rooted in faith, authenticity, relationship, and service.

Pour Sr. Marie Sanou from Burkina Faso, the words of Ecclesiastes— “He makes everything beautiful in its time”—captured the spirit of the experience. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow alongside sisters from across the Congregation as members of one family of faith.

At the heart of her journey was a renewed awareness of her identity and of the ways God had been present throughout her life. Reflecting on both joyful experiences and moments of disappointment, she recognized the gifts that had gradually been planted and nurtured within her.

«I feel a deep desire and the capacity to be like the sun, spreading its rays everywhere», a-t-elle confié. «I feel invited to awaken this hidden desire so that I may become a leader who carries life within herself and allows it to radiate around her. »

Her reflection highlights one of the central insights of transformational leadership: the capacity to bring life to others begins with an honest encounter with oneself. Leadership emerges through recognizing and accepting one’s experiences, gifts, vulnerabilities, and potential.

This interior journey was strengthened by the intercultural character of the gathering. Despite differences in language, culture, and experience, the sisters discovered a deeper sense of belonging.

«This session also connects me with each of my sisters through our shared joys, challenges, and dreams,” Sr. Marie said, “as members of one body despite our linguistic differences. »

That experience of belonging was also central to Sr. Nilushika Fernando from Sri Lanka. Under the theme “Blessed to Receive, Called to Give,” she reflected on the abundance of God’s love and on the responsibility that accompanies such grace.

«My heart has been asking God a simple yet profound question: ‘Lord, why do you love me so much?’” she wrote. Her prayer was accompanied by the words of Scripture: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).

For Sr. Nilushika, this became both an expression of gratitude and a challenge: if God had entrusted her with love, grace, and opportunity, how could she respond with greater generosity?

Her visits to Caen and Ri, places connected with St. John Eudes, deepened this reflection. A musical presentation in Caen brought to life his spirituality, creativity, and missionary zeal, while his commitment to leading people toward God through love and compassion offered an enduring model of leadership.

She was also moved by an artwork representing the reunification of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity and the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.

«It beautifully expressed the unity of our shared heritage, charism, and mission,'' a-t-elle confié. ''It reminded me that we are called to continue this legacy with faith, courage, and hope.»

For Contemplative Sr. Sybella from Brazil, the pilgrimage to Noirmoutier became an encounter with the origins of St. Mary Euphrasia and with the roots of her own vocation.

«The pilgrimage to the island of Noirmoutier was much more than journeying to a place», a-t-elle affirmé. «It was an encounter with the origins of St. Mary Euphrasia, a woman of profound faith, admirable courage, and a universal heart. »

Walking through the places where Rose Virginie Pelletier was born and spent her earliest years allowed Sr. Sybella to reflect on the beginnings of the woman whose vision would later shape the worldwide Good Shepherd mission.

«I felt that I was walking through the roots of the charism that today sustains my contemplative vocation and mission,” she explained.

The simplicity of the island, its silence, sea, and landscape created a space for prayer and contemplation. Learning about the exile and dangers experienced by Rose Virginie’s family also renewed her appreciation for the courage and trust in Providence that would characterize St. Mary Euphrasia’s life.

«In those places filled with so much meaning, I understood that holiness is born from fidelity to the small inspirations of God and from the courage to respond to his call», a-t-elle déclaré.

Although each sister experienced the session differently, their testimonies reveal a shared movement: from self-awareness toward service, from receiving toward giving, and from personal vocation toward deeper communion with the Congregation and our global mission.

The third Transformational Leadership Session affirmed that leadership capable of transforming communities and ministries must first take root within the leader. It asks for the courage to listen, the humility to continue growing, and the generosity to allow one’s gifts to become life-giving for others.

As Sr. Nilushika expressed: “Having received so much, may we always be ready to give even more. »