In early June, three of our Peruvian sisters—María Elena Cáceres (left), Mary Luz Salazar (right) and Robertina Espinosa—had the opportunity to travel to Le Puy and then attend the Hope conference hosted by the Leadership Collaborative in Rome. Sisters María Elena and Mary Luz wrote about their experiences.
Le Puy
Sister Mary Luz Salazar, CSJ
On June 28, we undertook a trip to France, visiting Lyon and Le Puy, with the deep desire to get closer to the roots of our congregational history. This experience was deeply meaningful.
Being in the places where our first sisters lived, prayed and gave their lives for the Kingdom was like bringing to life the pages of our history. What we once knew only by reading, now became presence and reality.
Walking through the same spaces, especially in the kitchen where our first sisters shared so many moments, was a transforming experience. There, silence spoke: their voices, dreams, projects and prayers still seemed to inhabit the place.
It was, without a doubt, an authentic pilgrimage to the heart of our origins.
Sister María Elena Cáceres, CSJ
Visiting Le Puy and the places where our first sisters and Mother St. John Fontbonne lived was an extraordinary experience. There, you can feel a deep connection with God and with the spirit of Jean Pierre Médaille and our simple and great sisters, who welcomed God’s plan, who dreamed and lived for the life of the world.
I affirm that in those places where our sisters lived and walked, they keep many mystical stories. One feels the spirit of the great love of God and for one’s neighbor. It even seems that the earth and the walls are infused with our spirituality and charism. For in those places, we experience the spirit of simplicity, generosity, courage, zeal for mission, sweetness, peace and joy, which today we need to continue to live and transmit in the places where we are.
Hope 2025
Sister Mary Luz Salazar, CSJ
The experience in Rome was equally special. Reflecting on leadership from the perspective of vulnerability and sharing with sisters from different cultures enriched us deeply. This meeting allowed us to recharge our spirit, strengthen our sense of mission and broaden our experience of inter-congregational sharing, so necessary in these times.
Sister María Elena Cáceres, CSJ
The meeting with other religious in Rome was very sacred and strengthening because we had a variety of activities that helped us to reflect, look and dream with hope for the future of consecrated life.
It was a very special experience because we had the joy of enjoying the beautiful music of the group Gen Verde. The sound of each instrument, the melody of each musical note and the lyrics of the songs have been so deep and wonderful that it made me reflect on our beloved religious life. This is how profound and wonderful consecrated life is when we open ourselves to living unity in diversity, when each member of the congregation contributes their gifts to the common good.
Just as the diversity of instruments in an orchestra is what makes it complete and wonderful, so the diversity of people, languages and culture in a community is what makes it so beautiful, strong and vibrant. Just as harmony and collaboration among musicians is crucial to creating beautiful music, similarly, collaboration, teamwork, harmony and balance in our personal relationships in the community and in society are critical to achieving common goals, creating a peaceful and prosperous environment.
As sisters, each of us has an important role to play in our congregation and in our society to contribute and promote for the common good, harmony and balance wherever we find ourselves in mission. May our way of being and acting be like that beautiful and wonderful music that heals, cheers and transforms our dear neighbor!
