Participants from 19 schools representing 6 countries and 3 representatives of the RSHM Institute answered the invitation to the Global Network of RSHM Schools meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the end of June. Whether we arrived from near or far, we were warmly welcomed by Sister Maria Helena Morra, the RSHM Area Leader, and all the members of the conference planning team with open arms, just like Christ the Redeemer who watches over this dynamic and culturally diverse city.
We received a special video message from Sister Margaret Fielding, the RSHM Institute Leader, who reminded us of three important signs inviting each member of the RSHM family to a deeper reflection of who we are and what we’re called to do: 1) the new RSHM logo that conveys love, care, openness, and connection to our contemporary world, 2) the 2025 RSHM General Chapter theme, inviting us to examine how we as educators, people of faith and hope, strive to form young people who will make a positive difference, and 3) the image of Christ the Redeemer standing above Rio with arms outstretched, calling each of us to embrace and care for others, especially those on the margins of society, and the whole of creation, our common home.
The conference theme, “Advance into deeper waters, educate with hope, acting prophetically in favor of humanity and creation,” was organized in such a way that each day’s sessions highlighted a different part of the theme. And what inspiring and thought-provoking sessions they were! Francisco Orofino compared spirituality to fishing in his interpretation of Christ’s call to the Apostles to become “fishers of men,” and Sister Maria Helena explained the historical understanding of “shepherd,” Gailhac’s experience of the Good Shepherd, and the significance for us today of Christ’s model of commitment, trust, tenderness, and care. We witnessed authentic examples of those who are creating hope through education for refugees in Rio and Malawi, indigenous children in the Amazon region, and the “invisibles” who collect everything that society discards in Belo Horizonte, and the prophetic and changing education of students who participate in mission formation programs in our schools in Brazil and Portugal.
This visit to Rio de Janeiro wouldn’t have been complete without some memorable spiritual, cultural, and artistic experiences. One unexpected event that we’ll all remember took place during the welcome dinner when Sister Maria Helena joined the colorful, rhythmic, Samba dancers and expertly demonstrated her Carioca heritage. At Mass on Sunday, the Global Network of RSHM Schools received a special message and blessing from Rio de Janeiro’s Cardinal Orani Joāo Tempesta. After prayer in the Chapel one morning, the Commissioning Ceremony took place to thank the departing members of the Coordinating Committee and welcome three new members. Other experiences that complemented our Conference theme included time with students from the host school who took us on tours of the campus and offered artistic presentations, as well as our visits to the Museum of Tomorrow, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer monument.
Thank you, Brazil, for giving the modern-day shepherds of our Global Network schools so much to think about, pray for, and take back to our school communities!
2024 Coordinating Committee (L-R) Sue Kumnick – Coordinator, Susana Sousa – Portugal Area, Ir. Cristina Caetano – RSHM Representative, Catalina Guzman – Mexico+Colombia Area, Sarah Thomas – EAA Europe Area, Jacqui Landry – USA Area.
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