Conclusion of the International Archives Conference

Münster, June 19, 2026. At the conclusion of the first International Archives Conference today, the diverse impressions and outcomes of the week were summarized, and the course was set for future archival work within the Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis —both at the various locations and internationally.

The final day of the International Archives Conference began with a Mass celebrated by Prof. Father Dr. Dr. Michael Plattig, O.Carm., in both German and English. In his homily, Father Michael took up the theme of the Gospel and described gratitude as an important and highly relevant attitude, one that is also expressed in the words of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Gratitude enriches life.” He emphasized that the Congregation’s greatest treasure lies in the personal—in our relationship with God, in our Sisters and staff, and in the legacies of all the Sisters whose stories are preserved in the archives.

The spiritual reflection from the Indian Province consisted of a meditation in text and images on the theme of roots. Just as trees are held and nourished by invisible roots, so too can we humans experience a fulfilling, joyful life through strong roots. “Like St. Francis, our founder, Father Christoph Bernsmeyer, was convinced that the strength of consecrated life does not come from external success, but from hearts deeply rooted in Christ and the Gospel,” explained Sister M. Johncy, Provincial Superior of the Indian Province. “As members of our Congregation, we are called to connect ourselves to these strong roots.”

The main focus of the day’s work was to evaluate all the information and insights from the Archives Conference and to jointly develop a strategy for the future of archival work within the international Congregation. The participants unanimously reported that they had gained new perspectives on the great importance and complexity of archival work and were taking valuable theoretical and practical knowledge back to their respective home countries—along with many ideas on how archival work can be organized locally in the future. They also emphasized how valuable the in-person gathering and international networking were for them.

An important outcome of the conference is the joint decision to establish an international working group dedicated to shaping the future of archival work within the Congregation. “One goal will also be to develop binding common criteria for our archives,” said Superior General Sister M. Margarete. “At the same time, we must also ask: What is different at each location, and should remain that way?”

“My heart is filled with two great emotions,” said General Treasurer and Archivist Sister M. Beata Kapica, “gratitude toward God, and the courageous spirit of renewal needed to actively shape the upcoming challenges. Let us continue on this new path courageously and hand in hand.”

In closing, Sister M. Beata thanked the moderators, all contributors and participants, as well as everyone who worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of the first International Archives Conference—the interpreters, the team at Marienhaus, and the Generalate team.

Sister M. Johncy, Provincial Superior of the Indian Province, spoke on behalf of the international delegations, participants, and guests to express her heartfelt thanks to Superior General Sister M. Margarete Ulager, General Treasurer Sister M. Beata Kapica, and the team at the Generalate for organizing this informative and forward-looking conference. “This was a wonderful start to our continued work together,” she emphasized. “We look forward to the next steps.”

In addition to a wealth of information and inspiration, everybody also took home the latest issue of the Congregations international magazine, TauNews.

The Generalate Sisters and team bid a warm farewell to all participants of the first International Archives Conference and wish everyone a safe and blessed journey home, a restful weekend—and an inspiring read.

Some impressions of the day: