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CONFERENCE MATERIALS
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CITATION FROM THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
HARAMBEE BANQUET
JUBILEE MASS BOOKLET

REFLECTION GUIDE

As sisters from across the country gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the National Black Sisters’ Conference Annual Assembly, the city’s rich history, dynamic culture, and spirit of resilience provided an inspiring stage for several days of fellowship, community, and fortification for Black women religious. Centered around the overarching theme, “The Goodness of God,” the gathering offered a luminous arc of prayer, reflection, and discernment that invited participants to witness amid systemic challenge, embrace restorative hope, and serve with renewed zeal. The program wove together contemplative prayer, meditative moments, and exuberant worship with practical formation, including workshops on governance, effective ministry, stewardship, and sustainable fundraising, as well as sessions on mental health, spiritual caregiving, and holistic wellness. Keynote addresses and panel discussions anchored conversations in Black feminist theology, liberation spirituality, and the lived realities of ministry, education, and advocacy, challenging participants to translate faith into concrete action that uplifts communities and advances racial and social justice. Attendees—representing diverse orders, provinces, and communities—formed a rich tapestry of kinship, intergenerational mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration, while lay partners, associates, and allies joined in solidarity to strengthen mission and service. The assembly also highlighted vocations and formation pathways, offering discernment opportunities, mentorship connections, and pathways for ongoing education and spiritual deepening for women considering religious life as well as ongoing growth for those already vowed. Cultural experiences, heritage celebrations, and community-building activities honored the courageous contributions of Black Catholic women throughout history, while contemporary forums fostered innovative ministry models, media outreach, and creative evangelization for today’s world. In leaving Philadelphia, participants carried forward renewed faith, reinforced sisterhood, and a shared commitment to witness, advocate, and lead with courage, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the goodness of God at work in the lives of Black women religious and the communities they serve.
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