The 2026 Guadalupe Province Assembly took place from October 25 to 30 in Newark, New Jersey with Missionary Sisters and their lay collaborators hailing from Australia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the United States. The Assembly paid honor to the Jubilee Year of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The theme of the Assembly was taken from Pope Leo’s encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” – Magnificent Humanity. The gathering opened with greetings from Provincial Superior Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC. The assembly days included time for daily Mass, prayer, presentations, updates on province ministries, and collaborative discussions.
Fr. James Miracky, SJ gave the keynote address exploring Magnifica Humanitas on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that we are living through the fastest technological changes in human history. Fr. Miracky focused on the key themes of the encyclical: 1) the human person as the image of God 2) equal dignity of all beings 3) the supreme value of human rights 4) the common good 5) universal goods destination. He noted that AI cannot replicate moral discernment and that AI has no empathy for the human condition. His presentation was followed by extended conversations at the participants’ tables as they considered such questions as: what is being asked of us at this time with regard to AI? In light of the Assembly, what should we, as mission leaders, commit to do regarding AI? How can we ensure our use of AI strengthens our mission, protects human dignity and advances the common good?
A highlight during the Assembly was the three-year recommitment of four Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLM).
As the time of their departure from the Assembly, the Missionary Sisters bestowed a candlelight blessing upon all their lay collaborators.
During the latter days of the Assembly, the Missionary Sisters spent time considering
to their Constitutions.
It was a time of prayer, friendship and mission.
To learn more: Pope Leo XIV Presents “Magnifica Humanitas” on AI
