MU Worldwide President Kathleen Snow visits Rome for an ecumenical visit

At the beginning of the week, Kathleen attended the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) at their Plenary Assembly in Rome with 1000 Superiors General from around the world. The time together was rooted in fellowship, and there were numerous opportunities to hear about the work the USIG Sisters give so generously to the people in their congregations and communities.

Kathleen reflects, “I have been struck by how similar our two organisations are. We are women reaching out and supporting people in need. We are sharing Christ’s love and are empowering vulnerable and marginalised people so that they can use their voices. My prayer is that we will continue supporting one another as sister organisations. Christ calls us to be in unity and to be His hands and His feet. We walk together in faith to end poverty, end injustice and end violence.”

During her time in Rome, Kathleen attended the commissioning of The Rt Revd Anthony Ball as the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. As Director, Bishop Anthony will lead the centre alongside his role as the representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Holy See – playing a key role in the interface between the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church.

Of the event, Kathleen said: “It was a privilege to be able to attend the commissioning of Bishop Anthony, and in my conversations with him, it was so encouraging to hear him speak so warmly of Mothers’ Union. The commissioning was a joyful celebration with leaders of varied denominations here in Rome - Methodist, Lutheran and Roman Catholic, to name a few. Our voices sang in unison in the words of the hymn O Jesus, I Have Promised to Serve You to the End. Bishop Anthony’s commitment to diversity and his support of Mothers’ Union are evident in all that he does. We look forward to working with him and walking together on this journey, and may he be assured of the prayers of our members across the globe throughout his ministry.”