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ACTS OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER 2026

CHAPTER PRAYER 2026

Loving God, we come together, drawn by Your life-giving presence, weaving together the threads of our diverse cultures, from the lands of the United States, Mexico, Peru, Ireland, and the Philippines, and we bring them before You as an offering of unity and hope.

We consecrate ourselves to Jesus, the Incarnate Word, to be Good News. We honor the legacy of Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis and the courage of our Sisters Pierre, Madeleine and Agnes, who laid the foundation of mission to incarnate Your love and nurture prophetic hope in a wounded world.

Inspire us, O Ruah, Spirit of Wisdom, as we reflect in the light of the Gospel, the needs of our time and the call of the Church. Guide us to discern the prophetic path, to nurture trust and reconciliation, and to live fully as women of hope, who step forward with boldness, creativity and compassion, who embrace the unfinished, trusting that Your grace will do the rest.

May Mary, our Mother, accompany us as we continue to incarnate and nurture the prophetic hope to which You have called us, sharing it with the world. Amen.

CONVOCATION OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER 2026

“May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit ”

(Rom.15:13)

“Each moment in our history is unique—a time of grace, hope and reflection. As a Congregation of diverse cultures and backgrounds, we are continually called to act. Now, we embrace this sacred opportunity to reflect on our journey, evaluate our response to the call of the Incarnate Word, and to open our hearts to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. With attentive listening, we must hear the cries of God’s people today and seek new creative ways to respond to our call.

With deep joy and gratitude, and with the consent of the General Leadership Team, I hereby convoke the General Chapter of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, effective Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Feast of the Annunciation!”

With these words, Sister Yolanda Tarango convoked the Congregation’s 2026 General Chapter, which took place in San Antonio, Texas, beginning with the Chapter of Affairs on March 24, 2026, and concluding with the election of the new General Leadership Team on May 31, 2026.

Following the convocation, the GLT invited the Sisters to (1) pray daily for the work of the Chapter and (2) to determine their level of participation in it: as sustainers of the Chapter process through prayer, participants in listening and group discussion, or active participants in all Chapter preparations and willingness to be listed as potential delegates to the Chapter of Affairs and Elections.

CHAPTER PLANNING COMMITTEE

The General Leadership Team appointed the following Sisters to serve as the Chapter Planning Committee: Sisters Bertha Flores, Katty Huánuco, Becky Perez, Eilish Ryan and Teresa de Jesús Vázquez.

With “Incarnating and Nurturing Prophetic Hope” as the guiding theme, the Planning Committee led the Congregation’s Life and Mission Group Cycles through a discernment process of raising major issues to address at Chapter.

At the conclusion of this process, the Committee determined that the Spirit was “stirring in our midst” as revealed in the following “Five Movements”:

1.-

The Spirit is calling us to strengthen our Congregational life by fostering a synodal way, which nurtures both our communal life and our response to the mission of being a tangible presence of God’s love.

2.- The Spirit is calling us to embody the mystical and prophetic dimensions of being disciples of the Incarnate Word.

3.- The Spirit is calling us to a Spirituality of the Incarnation that resonates, accompanies, and enlightens the shifting realities of our time.

4.- The Spirit is calling us to encounter and journey together with diverse charisms within our various realities.

5.-

The Spirit is calling us to respond to the emergent needs of our time, such as integral ecology, full human development, and protection of the human dignity of the most vulnerable: migrants, immigrants, refugees, victims of violence and human trafficking.

As the final preparation for Chapter agenda items and deliberations, the Mission Groups suggested “means/ways to implement these movements of the Spirit in personal, communal, and ministerial dimensions of our lives.”

Chapter Delegates

Chapter 2022 affirmed that the number of delegates for the 2026 Chapter would be 25% of the total number of Sisters at the time of convening the Chapter. The Congregation had 185 Sisters at that point, among whom were 66 Sisters who chose to remain on the list of eligible delegates. Voting took place online from October 29-31(An in-person voting opportunity was available for those who needed it). From that list of potential delegates, the Sisters voted for 46 to attend the Chapter of Affairs and Elections.

CCVI CHAPTER OF AFFAIRS 2026

“May the Lord, our God, bless us in all our works and undertakings. Amen.” (Dt 15:10)

With obvious enthusiasm and hope, 46 delegates from Peru, Mexico and the U.S. gathered for Mass in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on March 24th to begin a week of discerning the future of the Congregation. At the beginning of the liturgy, Sister Yolanda Tarango, General Superior, formally opened the Chapter of Affairs, inviting the delegates into this sacred time of prayer and discernment. She reminded the assembly that the Congregation was at an inflection point and invited everyone present to ask Sisters Madeleine and Pierre for guidance during the week ahead. The celebrant, Father David Garcia, blessed the delegates, praying for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit during this special time.

Following Mass, the Chapter delegates assembled in the University of the Incarnate Word’s Student Engagement Center Ballroom to begin the 2026 CCVI Chapter of Affairs.

CHAPTER OF AFFAIRS AGENDA

Day 1 agenda was devoted to an inspirational report from the General Leadership Team, comprehensive reports from the Congregational Finance, Development, Ministries, JPIC and MIRN staff members. Sara Marks, the Chapter facilitator, presented a brief overview of the days ahead after which the Chapter delegates said Vespers and enjoyed dinner in the Ballroom.

Day 2 agenda featured Sr. Liliana Franco’s presentation, entitled “The Spirituality of the Incarnate Word: Nourishing Prophetic Hope.” Sister opened her talk by reminding us that “Our consecrated life, a small seed that anticipates new growth, is valuable in a broken and war-torn world because of its healing capacity. The primary reference point in today’s world, in the Church, and in our Congregations must undoubtedly be Jesus of Nazareth. And what the spirit of synodality does is turn our gaze toward Him” (entire presentation available from the Communications office).

The afternoon agenda began step 1 of the directional statement process. Because this day occurred on the Congregational feast of the Annunciation, the delegates returned joyfully to attend a special Mass with CCVI’s, Associates and ministry representatives. Day 2 concluded with a celebration in Brackenridge Villa. Day 3 agenda concentrated entirely on prayer for inspiration and group discussions as delegates discerned the Congregational direction for the future. Day 4 agenda presented the main work of the Chapter: a draft of the directional statement for comment and revision. The Chapter of Affairs concluded with Mass, a closing ritual and a reception in Brackenridge Villa for all involved.

CONGREGATIONAL CALL: 2026 - 2030

“Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.” (Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis)

Having listened to the movement of the Spirit among us, we are called to incarnate and nurture prophetic hope and to remain dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of our society. In thanksgiving for the many blessings bestowed on our Congregation, and for the participative process of this Chapter, we will continue to offer a compassionate presence to a wounded world.

CHAPTER DIRECTION:

We will engage the Congregation in discerning how our governance structures can reflect an organic and synodal model that will help us adapt and respond to the changing realities of our Congregation and the world.

2.-

1.Inspired by the movement of the Spirit among us, we will nurture prophetic hope and reconciliation amid a divided global society. We will promote community life through prayer, dialogue, discernment, and formation opportunities.

To ensure an effective response to our call to “make the love of God as shown in the Incarnation a real and tangible presence in the world today,” we will update our understanding of incarnational theology and spirituality.

4.-

3.Rooted in our Mission, Spirituality and Charism, we will foster collaborative bonds and models within inter-generational, inter-cultural, and inter-congregational relationships as a tangible sign of unity in diversity.

We will continue to respond to emerging needs in our society and enhance our commitment to justice, peace, and care for vulnerable persons and our common home. 5.-

“Walking in synodality entails conversion; it demands a renewal of attitudes and an adaptation of forms, structures, and styles. . . . the challenge of synodality. . . leads the entire ecclesial community to seek new ways of interacting, of integrating, and of making consensual decisions together.”

(Sister Liliana Franco, ODN)

CONCRETE PROPOSALS FOR ACTIVATING THE CHAPTER DIRECTION

DIRECTION 1 CONCRETE PROPOSALS

Appoint a committee (representative of all Sisters) to define and promote a common understanding of an organic and synodal model of governance appropriate for our Congregation. Include the following components:

Definition and communication of Congregational leadership and staff roles and functions.

Consideration of reducing Leadership Team to three councilors and a Congregational leader.

An intermediate structure of Sisters and laity with delegated authority.

An annual international Assembly that may include an evaluation of progress on response to Chapter direction.

A plan to redesign the Life and Mission Groups.

An appropriate decision-making process for individual Sisters’ personal issues.

A discernment process useful for major decision making.

A process for acquiring necessary resources for Congregational work.

A detailed communication plan[may designate internal and external communications].

An evaluation process that reflects a synodal process of dialogue with all the Sisters.

DIRECTION 2

We will nurture prophetic hope and reconciliation amid a divided global society. We will promote community life through prayer, dialogue, discernment, and formation opportunities.

CONCRETE PROPOSALS

Appoint a Spirituality Committee to generate a theological and spiritual process that fosters intergenerational, inter-cultural, and inter-congregational community renewal.

Include such ideas as storytelling circles; generational and intergenerational dialogues/workshops on varies topics; newsletters, study of ecclesial documents from CLAR, CIRM, CELAM, LCWR, Laudato Si. Create spaces to celebrate life and mission.

Increase opportunities that invite and deepen relationships and our sense of belonging.

Initiate celebrations of Congregational traditions and significant dates to foster a sense of identity and unity.

Promote spaces for art, culture and creativity among the Sisters and within the community.

Promote community life, prayer, dialogue and discernment for intergenerational and Associate communities.

Provide on-going formation for Sisters, Associates and collaborators who sustain our passion for consecrated life.

Strengthen the Vocation Ministry in each country and support vocation recruitment methods with appropriate staff and budget. Include Associates in promoting vocations.

DIRECTION 3

CONCRETE PROPOSALS

Form a committee or different teams of Sisters and laity that can help to:

• Organize and make available biblical, theological, scientific and ecological resources that contribute to a renewed understanding of how to live incarnational spirituality and charism.

• Provide help with personal and communal discernment.

• Prepare study and prayer sessions using Congregational and ecclesial documents.

DIRECTION 4

Rooted in our Mission, Spirituality and Charism, we will foster collaborative bonds and models within intergenerational, inter-cultural, and inter-congregational relationships as a tangible sign of unity in diversity.

CONCRETE PROPOSALS

Develop strong models of collaboration with diverse charisms, sponsored ministries, other congregations (e.g., Houston CCVI), dioceses and organizations to expand our ability to serve the poor and vulnerable (migrants, disappeared persons, trafficking, economically poor, indigenous, elderly, etc.)

Explore the possibility for collaboration with Peruvian Congregations as a means of sustaining our Congregational presence there.

Integrate models of collaborative governance based on principles of synodality, hospitality, attentive listening, mutuality and accompaniment.

Attend to formation of leaders, Sisters and laity engaged in these collaborative ventures.

Consider initiating dialogues about possible merger with other Congregations, drawing on the experience and lived reality of congregations going through this process.

DIRECTION 5

We will continue to respond to emerging needs in our society and enhance our commitment to justice, peace, and care for vulnerable persons and our common home.

CONCRETE PROPOSALS

Enhance our prophetic and creative commitment to justice, equity and care for our common home in our sponsored ministries.

Recognize and support the diversity of individual and collective ministries of our Sisters, Associates and collaborators, recognizing them as vital expressions of our mission.

Network with our established ministries, ensuring that our presence continues to be prophetic.

Encourage Sisters to participate in and communicate about various organized ministry events.

Prepare a significant number of Sisters for Board service, Corporate Member duties, advocacy, use of media, and other emerging needs.

Continue collaborative inter-congregational networking (e.g., Guatemala school project and the UIW association with three Catholic universities).

Investigate how we could use our resources in favor of those in need (e.g., unused properties).

Consider offering an educational ministry in a marginalized area.

Sponsor workshops about sustainability and justice initiatives in our ministries.

Develop a permanent structure and shared leadership for JPIC and MIRN.

Evaluate and expand all ministries to the elderly, including the Village at Incarnate Word, Sagrada Familia and St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Center.

Love has come in the Word made flesh, bringing light to birth. Let us take the light of Christ to all corners of the earth.” [Make the Love of God Known.]

[Complete responses from the Life and Mission Group Cycle 1 2026 available upon request]

CCVI CHAPTER OF ELECTIONS

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jn 13:14

NOMINATION PROCESS FOR POTENTIAL LEADERSHIP

During the intervening days between the Chapter of Affairs and the Chapter of Elections, the Sisters continued to pray and reflect on qualifications necessary for Congregational leadership. Sisters participated in several “listening” sessions where they discussed leadership characteristics noted by Pope Francis in Dilexit Nos and the LCWR concepts of relational and organizational dimensions of leadership, concepts to keep in mind as they pondered who among us reflected these qualities.

To initiate the process of nominating potential candidates to serve on the General Leadership Team, the Chapter Planning Committee invited the Congregation to enter into a time of prayer, listening and discernment. Then, each Sister selected the names of five Sisters whom she considered qualified to serve. A special committee organized and counted the nominations, informed the Congregation of how many received 5 or more nominations, contacted these Sisters to discern whether they accepted the nomination, and published a final list of those willing to serve the Congregation.

The nominated Sisters received letters of encouragement to remain in the process and participated in a special day of prayer and discernment.

OPENING OF CHAPTER OF ELECTIONS 2026

On May 25th, the General Council welcomed forty-six delegates to a reception in CHRISTUS Heritage Hall after which all participants checked into Estancia del Norte to begin the sacred duty of electing a new leadership team for 2026-2030 term.

The Chapter began by affirming the Directional Statement and voting on the number of GLT members for the new team. The following days were devoted to centering prayer, blessing of the nominees, a retreat day, and many ‘sacred circle” conversations, all concentrated on discerning who among the nominees were called to lead the Congregation at this time in its history.

PROCESS OF ELECTIONS

On May 29th, Sister Yolanda Tarango, Congregational Leader, invited the delegates to begin the process of elections by praying that the Holy Spirit would guide “our hearts in prayer, our minds in discernment, and our voices in truth and love. . .that the women called to serve as the General Leadership Team be filled with faith, humility, courage, and compassion.”

Then, she presented the elections committee for approval, asked the leader to conduct the Roll Call of the Delegates, and read the Constitutional requirements for the election of a General Superior and General Councilors. Having determined that all delegates were present, the election process for the General Superior began, culminating in the selection of Sister Leticia de Jesus Rodriguez Hernandez to lead the Congregation for the next four years.

Elections for the General Councilors continued on the following day, resulting in the choice of Sisters Mirella Neira, Maricela Guadalupe Martinez, Martha Laura Gaona, and Adriana Calzada as the new team members.

Each Sister confirmed her intention to serve the Congregation faithfully and to carry out the Direction approved by Chapter 2026. With thanksgiving to the Spirit moving among us, the outgoing General Leadership Team and all present blessed the newly elected Team, presented them with flowers, and rejoiced at the happy conclusion of Chapter 2026.

As the last item of Chapter 2026 business, the delegates approved the motion that the number of delegates for the 2030 Chapter will be 25% of the total number of Sisters at the time of convocation.

CLOSING RITUAL OF CHAPTER 2026

On May 31st,*Trinity Sunday, Congregational members and all those who contributed behind the scenes to the success of the Chapter attended the closing Mass of thanksgiving in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Then, singing “Caminemos con Jesus,” all were invited to process to the Brackenridge Villa where the hearts of Mother St. Pierre Cinquin and Mother Ignatius Saar were enshrined in the small chapel in the Villa which had served as the first Motherhouse of the Congregation.

“On May 31st, 1897, at the conclusion of a nine-day novena for God’s blessings on their efforts, the sisters agreed to purchase the [Brackenridge] property.” “Rev. Mother Pierre had at one time approached Col. George Washington Brackenridge regarding the purchase of a portion of his estate….” Sister Margaret Patrice Slattery, Promises to Keep.

General Leadership Team 2026-2030: S. Adriana Calzada, S. Maricela Martínez, S. Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez, S. Martha Laura Gaona, S. Mirella Neira