Press release of the German Conference of Superiors of Religious

26 September 2025

Religious Life as a “Home Without Borders”

Women religious discuss opportunities and challenges in Germany.

Aachen/Bonn. Foreign nuns enrich German society, be it in nursing, social institutions or pastoral work. In order to exchange experiences and perspectives, around 40 religious women and experts from Africa, Asia and Europe came together for a conference entitled “Successful religious life in Germany”. The invitation had been issued by the international Catholic relief organization missio and the German Conference of Superiors of Religious Orders (DOK).

The conference showed that religious women want to actively shape the Church in Germany. Their understanding of the order combines cross-border solidarity, spiritual depth and social commitment. But in lectures, workshops and discussions, it also became clear that in some places foreign nuns feel overlooked or not included. “I need a community that accepts me for who I am and where I can be myself,” said Sr. Daisy Panikulam, one of the contributors. The desire for a stronger involvement in pastoral work on site was expressed by some. Again and again, the speakers emphasized the importance of real participation, open communication and the focus on commonalities. One participant summed it up as follows: “The challenge is to integrate well without losing one’s own identity.”

German nuns who have lived and worked abroad for a long time also had their say. Among other things, the participants talked about the spiritual motivation of an assignment abroad and how to deal with each other when fellow sisters come to Germany from abroad. Religious life can be a “home without borders” if openness, dialogue and mutual respect characterize everyday life – this was the conclusion of the conference. “Religious life succeeds when I can do good for others as a religious woman – and I am also doing well myself,” explained the deputy chairwoman of the DOK, Superior General Sr. Maria Thoma Dikow. Johanna Streit, conference manager at missio Aachen, added: “The conference shows how important spaces for exchange are – to learn from each other, to make concerns visible and to find solutions together.” Note: This press release is sent out jointly by the international Catholic relief organization missio and the German Conference of Superiors of Religious Orders. We apologize for multiple shipments.

The German Conference of Superiors of Religious Orders (DOK) represents the interests of religious communities in Germany with around 9,500 women religious and around 3,200 men religious, who live in about 1250 monastic branches.

Source: https://www.orden.de