Opening of the International Archives Conference

June 15, 2026. Today marked the opening of the first International Archives Conference of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis with a solemn Eucharistic celebration—a votive Mass to the Holy Spirit—in the Motherhouse Church, followed by the first day of sessions at the Marienhaus in Münster. The event highlighted not only the great importance of archival work for the international Congregation but also the wide range of topics and challenges facing the archives at the sisters’ locations around the world.

At the Marienhaus, the participants and guests of the archival conference were warmly welcomed by Superior General Sister M. Margarete Ulager and Sister M. Diethilde Bövingloh, Superior of the German Province. The conference is being moderated by Cathedral Provost Hans-Bernd Köppen and Prof. Dr. Margaret Nemann.

In her introductory lecture, Sister M. Margarete explained the great importance of archival work for the international Congregation, which is expressed in the conference’s motto: “Preserving yesterday for tomorrow today.” Among the conference’s objectives are to gather information on the status of archival work at the various international locations, to exchange views on local challenges, and to jointly decide how the Congregation’s heritage should be managed in the future. “To fulfill this great task, it is also helpful and important for all participants to get to know one another personally and build a vibrant network,” said Sister M. Margarete, thanking the international delegations for making the journey, some of which involved traveling great distances.

Prof. Fr. Dr. Dr. Michael Plattig, O.Carm., Spiritual Director of the international religious community, explained in his keynote address the spiritual dimension of archival work and the importance of a reflective and also critical culture of remembrance, to which archives make an important contribution.

Sister M. Beata Kapica, General Treasurer and Archivist of the Generalate, introduced the substantive work of the Archives Conference. “Archival work is a valuable service to the community’s memory,” she emphasized. “Together we safeguard the heritage entrusted to us—and together we want to give our history a future.”

In the afternoon, delegates and archivists from the international locations and the Generalate provided insights into their work. It became clear how varied the challenges are, resulting not only from historical developments but also from local cultural and climatic conditions.

Some impressions of the day: