United by their desire to grow in communion, mutual understanding, and missionary collaboration, fourteen Religious Sisters from different countries with different cultural backgrounds have participated in an intensive counselling and formation programme at Mater Ecclesiae College in Castel Gandolfo, Rome.
The Sisters from Nigeria, Vietnam, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola embarked on this transformative journey of personal and communal growth to enhance their human and intercultural development.
The March 20 to May 17, 2026 programme was on the theme: “Communion is not a dream: it can be built,” and it was combined with theatrical expression, emotional formation, intercultural dialogue, and personal reflection.
It was organized by the College Mater Ecclesiae and Metod Multisetting, to help the Sisters to build on their self- awareness, to accept the past, embrace the present and look forward to the Future with hope.
Metod Multisetting, is a Clinica Centre which offers individual psychotherapy for adults and couples; Multisetting psychotherapy group leadership for young adults, adults, and couples; anxiety and mood disorders; eating disorders; personality disorders; treatment of various clinical pathologies with artistic mediation. It was Founded by Silvestro Paluzzi (Clinical Psychologist and Antonella Tropea, a co- Founder (Psychologist).
Through workshops, movement, silence, drama, and symbolic gestures, the participants at the two-month programme, explored the meaning of community life, human relationships, and inner transformation.
The formation workshops emphasised that communion is not abstract or unreachable, but a reality that can be built through courage, openness, listening, and shared experiences.
One of the most meaningful moments of the programme was the testimony shared by Sr. Evelyn during an interview about her personal experience, and she mentioned that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of courage and growth.
She spoke openly about themes explored during the programme, including fear, anger, self-doubt, silence, and the fear of judgment. According to her, the workshops helped participants develop greater self-awareness and emotional maturity, especially in learning how to manage anger without transferring negativity to others. She acknowledged the importance of silence as a way of controlling emotions and avoiding hurtful reactions.
Sr. Evelyn also reflected on the fear of judgment, explaining that many people abandon their gifts and dreams because they are too concerned about the opinions of others.
Through the programme, she discovered the importance of confidence, courage, and believing in one’s own abilities despite fear and criticism. She highlighted that every person possesses unique gifts and strengths, and that true growth comes from embracing one’s identity and vocation with confidence.
Her testimony beautifully captured the spirit of the entire formation process: a journey toward inner freedom, emotional balance, self-confidence, and authentic communion with others.
During the workshops, the Religious Sisters reflected on many human emotions and experiences such as fear, silence, fragility, anger, acceptance, trust, and hope. Particular attention was given to overcoming the fear of judgment, building relationships with courage, and discovering that every step becomes possible when walked together.
The theatrical and expressive laboratory became a space where body, spirit, and mind were integrated in a journey of personal and communal growth. The participants symbolically explored different “inner regions” of the human person: deserts, mountains, plains, and hidden paths — representing the struggles and hopes encountered in daily life and in the missionary vocation.
The activities were guided by dedicated educators and facilitators who accompanied the sisters throughout the process with creativity, professionalism, and care.
The counselling formation was coordinated by Antonella Tropea, while the direction and screenplay were led by Silvestro Palizzi. Simone Lorenzo served as the technical assistant to the director.
The workshop facilitators and conductors included Carlo Febi, Chiara Floris, Domenico Majorana, and Maria Tagliaferri. Although the final presentation was prepared within a short time, the depth of the experience reflected the commitment, collaboration, and enthusiasm of all the participants.
The concluding presentation highlighted the richness of cultural diversity and the beauty of communion among peoples. Through gestures, movement, music, silence, and symbolic drama, the sisters communicated a powerful message of fraternity, unity, and universal communion.
According to the coordinator, the programme demonstrated that intercultural formation is not only an academic exercise but also a transformative human experience. It helped the participants deepen self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and rediscover the importance of collaboration and shared mission within the Church.
The experience at Mater Ecclesiae College remains a testimony that authentic communion can truly be built when people choose dialogue, mutual respect, openness, and love. In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, the program offered a prophetic sign of hope, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence, said Antonella Tropea, the Coordinator of the programme.
The final presentation, which marked the conclusion of the programme on May 17, 2026, was warmly received by the community, family members, friends, collaborators, and guests who attended the event.
Present at the celebration was the Director of Mater Ecclesiae College, Sr. Genowefa Kudlik of the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver, together with Sisters of the College and guests.
It stood as a celebration of human dignity, intercultural friendship, and the beauty of walking together as one family despite differences in culture, language, and background.
The participants included Srs. Agatha Oluchi Uguru, Elisabeth Nshimiyimana Bidafashe, Evelyn Faga, Pham Thi Tuyet Anh (Mary Lucy), Le Thi Minh Thuong (Anna Le), Maria Gioan, Evelyne Niyamahoro, Vu Thi Tuyet (Mary), Fabiola Nkurunziza, Claudette Nahimana, Kaya Bernadette Mwana-mwamba, Chantal Manirambona, Marie Ndaya Mbuyi, and Salomé António.
By Sr. Patricia Akoto, FST (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana- CASCON-GH)
