Council of the Institute 2026: a time of discernment, synodality, and hope
Raising our eyes to heaven and allowing ourselves to be guided by God’s promise: with this attitude, in the journey begun by the 10th General Chapter, the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master are preparing to live a significant moment in the life of the Congregation. From January 20 to February 10, 2026, in Antipolo City, Philippines, the Institute Council will be held—a space for listening, communal discernment, and shared responsibility in mission.
Convened by the Superior General, Sr. M. Bernardita Meráz Sotelo, the Institute Council is a true time of grace, in which to reread the path already taken and to orient future choices together, in the synodal style of walking together. Its international and intercultural dimension makes visible a Congregation that lives synodality as a permanent style, integrating different voices and perspectives into a single charismatic and missionary horizon.
The theme—“Look at the sky and count the stars…” (Gen 15:5). Transforming fragility into a generative path—invites us to recognize God’s faithfulness even in times of fragility. The Circumscriptions will share their journey in the light of the “four stars” of the General Chapter, as a concrete sign of being one body. This is an invitation to strengthen the sense of shared responsibility, to grow in awareness of being one body on a journey, and to renew together the mission of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master in service to the Church and humanity, with trust, creativity, and hope.
We hope that this Council will be for everyone a fruitful time of listening, sharing, and communion, capable of generating new life and guidance for the future journey.
