ABOUT THE EVENT

This book is rooted in Sr. Chioma’s doctoral dissertation, which emerges from a comprehensive socio-religious analysis of the evolving dynamics within Catholic congregations, particularly the decline and shift in membership. The focus of this research is on the sustainability of local religious congregations that do not maintain a presence in the Global South. This trend provokes significant questions about the future viability of these congregations, especially in the Global North, such as in the United States. How can these communities sustain themselves amid the ongoing decline in membership? What are the broader implications of this trend for consecrated life in general? As the research progressed, it became increasingly clear that the complexities underlying these issues were more profound than they initially appeared. The profoundness of the problems is that consecrated individuals often engage in a deep, introspective practice of attuning themselves to their inner spiritual life and discerning God’s direction—understanding where and to whom they are being sent. In this sense, they are like wandering hearts, seeking knowledge, connection with God, and unity with humanity.

Sr. Chioma Ahanihu, SLW, D.Min

Chioma Ahanihu, SLW, is a member of Sisters of the Living Word in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was born and grew up in Nigeria and has lived in the US for the past two decades. Sr. Chioma earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Misericordia University and a Master in Social Work from the Catholic University of America. In her quest to combine mental health and spirituality, she obtained a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and a doctorate in ministry
with a concentration in spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL.

She has been involved in different nonprofit organizations in the field of social work. Sr. Chioma contributes her gift of reflecting the Word with various organizations to living out her charism, a term used in religious contexts to refer to a particular spiritual gift or grace given by God. Her
charism is to give life through the Word of God. She is the director of the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life at CTU. Prior to these, she ministered with the Catholic Charities of the Chicago Archdiocese as a psychotherapist and parish social worker. Her primary areas of interest as a
Practical Theology scholar and minister are related to today’s consecrated life, reconciliation, spirituality, immigration, and racism.

A few years ago, Sr. Ahanihu, along with a few other religious women, was invited to initiate an innovative formation program in response to the need for a joint initial formation program for congregations with fewer members. This program began in Chicago in 2020. Through this initiative, she is involved in guiding younger members who are responding to the beautiful call to consecrated religious life through the Inter-Congregational Collaborative Novitiate program, for which she currently serves on the board. Her desire to continue to witness today’s global sisterhood continues to grow as she explores possibilities for women in consecrated life to collaborate globally, facilitated by migration and technology. She has a passion for travel and learning about other cultures and cuisines. In her leisure time, she enjoys taking a leisurely walk by the lake, biking, gardening, and sewing her own clothing.

Sr Clara Abisola Adelakun, FSPA

Sr. Clara Abisola Adelakun, FSPA (Abisola, from Ibadan, South-Western region of Nigeria. Abisola is a sister with the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Her academic journey demonstrates a strong commitment to knowledge that imbues the capacity to contribute to bridging the gap between different values and peoples in the world. Abisola’s academic qualifications include Business Administration, Marketing and Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution.
Currently, pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies at Catholic Theological Union. Dedicated to integrating her education and learning to the service of the Church and society. With a passion to make a meaningful impact in fostering peace and collaboration with consecrated individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding, service, and faith-driven leadership.