Queen Camilla welcomed UISG representatives at Clarence House, recognizing Catholic Sisters’ work against trafficking, conflict, poverty.
Newsroom (17/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Representatives of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) met with Queen Camilla at Clarence House this week, renewing a relationship established less than a year ago during the State Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the Holy See. The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase the work of Catholic Sisters serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations and to discuss ongoing efforts to protect women and girls affected by human trafficking, conflict, poverty, and climate-related challenges.
The audience underscored the global reach of Catholic women religious, whose ministries extend across every continent and encompass education, social services, pastoral care, and humanitarian assistance. Discussions focused particularly on the Sisters’ role in supporting communities experiencing war, displacement, exploitation, and environmental hardship.
The gathering also highlighted the continuing collaboration between UISG and the British Embassy to the Holy See, which has supported initiatives aimed at promoting human dignity, resilience, and protection for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Anabel Inge, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the British Embassy to the Holy See, described the meeting as an important recognition of the contribution made by women religious around the world.
Calling the audience “a really special, joyous occasion,” Inge said the invitation reflected Queen Camilla’s strong appreciation for the work carried out by Catholic Sisters.
“I don’t think any of us expected that the sisters would be invited to Clarence House so soon,” she said. “It really speaks to the quite deep appreciation of Her Majesty the Queen for the work of the religious sisters.”
Drawing on five years of collaboration with UISG, Inge praised what she described as the Sisters’ humble yet courageous service, often undertaken far from public attention.
“I have had the distinct impression that this work is often done very quietly, without fanfare, with great humility and in some of the world’s most difficult places,” she said.
According to Inge, the effectiveness of the Sisters’ ministry is rooted in the relationships they build within local communities. She pointed to “trust, presence and continuity” as defining characteristics of their work, noting that many religious sisters remain alongside communities even during periods of extreme instability.
“They are embedded in local communities,” she said. “They will stick around even during conflicts, frequently putting themselves at great personal risk.”
For Sister Roxanne Schares, Executive Secretary of UISG, the meeting provided an opportunity to bring the experiences of thousands of women religious into the conversation, particularly those serving in regions marked by violence and displacement.
“Our sisters worldwide are really present with the people wherever they serve,” she said. “Whether it’s a university, a kindergarten, social work or pastoral work, their presence is a source of comfort, support and courage.”
Sister Roxanne spoke about recent conversations with Sisters working in Ukraine, Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many have chosen to remain despite continuing insecurity and violence. Their commitment, she said, reflects a determination to accompany local communities through some of the most challenging circumstances.
One account she shared illustrated the reality faced by Sisters serving in conflict zones. During a period of bombardment, a religious sister led frightened children into a basement for safety and read passages from Scripture to help calm their fears.
The Sister, according to Sister Roxanne, explained that she wanted “to be another voice besides the sound of bombs.”
Such testimonies left a strong impression during the meeting. Sister Roxanne said Queen Camilla listened attentively and responded with compassion to the stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience.
“I think she wants to be that support for the sisters globally in her own way and by her compassionate listening,” she said.
The audience at Clarence House highlighted not only the challenges facing vulnerable communities worldwide but also the enduring commitment of Catholic Sisters who continue to serve on the front lines of humanitarian, educational, and pastoral work. For UISG representatives, the meeting served as both a recognition of that mission and an opportunity to strengthen awareness of the often unseen efforts taking place in communities affected by conflict, trafficking, poverty, and climate-related pressures.
As the partnership between UISG and supporters including the British Embassy to the Holy See continues, the stories shared at Clarence House offered a reminder of the role faith-based organizations play in providing stability, care, and hope in some of the world’s most difficult environments.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
