Beyond Borders, Beyond Fears

by Stella Mary, OSM

Servite Sisters

Stella Mary, OSM, pictured first on the left.

Attending HOPE 2025 in Rome was an unforgettable grace. Although I had travelled long distances alone before, this time felt different. I was nervous, unsure of what to expect. I had never been to a global gathering like this, didn’t know anyone personally, and was filled with questions: Who will be there? How will I connect? What will it be like? 

But from the moment I arrived, the Spirit was already at work. The organizing team welcomed me with warmth and openness, and I immediately found myself helping to pack conference materials—already part of something larger. Then, to my surprise, my cousin, whom I had never met in person, showed up at the venue. It was a shock, but a joyful one.  

The next day, I was offered the chance to visit the Vatican. Though I had been there once before, this time felt different. My dream to pay homage to Pope Francis, visiting his resting place came true with the help of my cousin.  Miracles, truly, do happen. 

That evening, I met sisters from around the world at the airport. My nervousness melted away, replaced by instant connection. We didn’t need many words, smiles and presence were enough. That’s the gift of global sisterhood. 

One of my personal goals at HOPE 2025 was to get to know each and every sister who participated. But I quickly realized how impossible that was, every time I turned around, there was another new face, another opportunity to connect. And what a joy it was! 

Day 1 began with a profound reminder that teamwork is essential. We are like an orchestra, each playing our unique instrument, none more important than another. Diversity isn’t optional; it is indispensable. The golden rule rang clear: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." We were challenged to check our egos at the door, to see the value in crossing to the other side, to support and learn from those different from us. One line stayed with me deeply: "Sharing weakness binds us more than sharing strength." 

Day 2 invited us deeper into connection through prayer, work, and vulnerability. True listening, without judgement or preconceived ideas, became a sacred act. One speaker challenged us: What are your experiences of being a bridge? This question echoed in my heart. We were invited to remember our first love—our call and to rediscover the power of walking together in our brokenness and beauty. The journey from kenosis (self-emptying) to theosis (divine transformation) was not a burden but as a gift. 

We then turned to focus on leadership. It isn’t about dominance or certainty, but about reflection, dialogue, and authenticity. Leaders are those who create space for others to grow. That message deeply resonated with my own research on leadership in consecrated life.  

Visiting Subiaco and the monasteries of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica offered me deep insight into serenity, silence, and the spirituality of surrender. And yes, the gelato made the pilgrimage even sweeter! 

Finally, goodbye came with love, longing, and a lasting connection to this global sisterhood. 

What I cherished most were the spontaneous conversations, walking together during breaks, and the simple grace of sitting at different tables during meals, sharing stories, laughter, and life. 

What amazed me most was the beautiful diversity: different congregations, different charisms, different dress codes and personalities but all carrying the same Jesus and sharing the same Jesus, with love, loyalty, and laughter.