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On September 14, 2025, International Sisters arrived from Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and India to continue the program funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation. This program aims to enable Catholic religious sisters worldwide to assess their communities and proactively address elder concerns. Each Sister has participated in virtual sessions over the past year, which included education and training on implementing solutions to identify needs of elders.
Since their arrival, the Sisters have embarked on a whirlwind of activities. They had the privilege of visiting three homes that the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm serve in and sponsor, including Teresian House, Albany, NY; Mt Carmel Care Center, Lennox, MA; and Marian Woods, Hartsdale, NY, where they were met with exceptional hospitality. Each home provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Following the home visits, the Sisters engaged in classes with faculty at the Avila Institute of Gerontology and participated in discussions on various aging issues, fulfilling further educational requirements. They have all successfully completed their exams, which included written, oral, and final presentations.
Five additional sisters from our first core group who are from Kenya, Zambia, and Mexico have joined the group, providing training and guidance on how to effectively conduct training sessions for the Sisters to utilize when they return to their prospective countries.
In addition to these activities, the Sisters have had the pleasure of connecting with the St. Teresa's Motherhouse and Avila communities through walks and other social outings, including the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local ice cream at Holy Cow in Red Hook, NY.
The Sisters and Staff of Avila and AIG have extended their warm hospitality to the Sisters, taking them shopping as needed, engaging in puzzles, and enjoying each other’s company.
The Sisters visited the Divine Mercy Shrine, located in Stockbridge, MA, experiencing ideal fall weather conditions to view the religious and spiritual center, along with other opportunities to engage in various spiritual events.
Their graduation ceremony was held on October 15, 2025, and a very joyous reception followed.
