Sisters of Saint Joseph at COP 30 in Belém do Pará, Amazon

From November 11 to 21, 2025, the city of Belém (PA) will host COP 30, the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties — a decisive moment to articulate global responses to the climate crisis.

In this context of urgency and mobilization, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph assumes an active and prophetic role. With the organization and support of the Provincial Council — especially the Provincial Superior, Sister Maria da Consolação Rocha Coelho — a group composed of sisters and laypeople from various branches of the São José Network has come together to represent their voices and commitments in Belém.

Among the participants are:

● Sister Barbara Bolzak, UN representative for the Congregation of St. Joseph of Chambéry;
● Sister Arzila Pertile, from the Provincial Council;
● Sister Nilva Dalbello, from the São José Family Network of Latin America and the Caribbean;
● Elton Bozetto, lay member, also representing the São José Network;
● Sister Joilma Jesus de Matos, representing JPIC;
● Sister Joana Mendes (Sisters of Rochester);
● Sister Simone Xavier, from the Institute;
● Sister Eliana dos Santos, Sister Regina Célia List, Sister Ana Amélia Miranda, and Sister Aline Tessaro;
● As well as two Canadian laywomen: Genevieve Gallant and Sasquia Yojana Pidena, from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada.

This diversity of participation — sisters from different congregations, laypeople, representatives of the Network (Latin America and the Caribbean), and JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) — reflects the global nature of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s commitment to the defense of life, climate justice, and care for our Common Home.

COP30 is more than a diplomatic gathering: it is an opportunity to offer a testimony of faith translated into concrete action. The presence of the Sisters and laypeople in Belém, and their participation especially in the People’s Summit, held from the 12th to the 16th, expresses a deep dimension of ecological spirituality, aligned with the Church’s commitment to an integral ecology — something clearly visible in the mobilization of social groups during the conference.

Through their participation in this event, they deepen their charismatic mission: to serve others “with care, diligence, and cordial charity” — virtues specific to the Congregation, united with the Charism of Unity.

Moreover, this presence is symbolic and strategic: by being at COP, the Sisters of St. Joseph can engage directly with other religious leaders, civil society organizations, traditional communities, and political actors, contributing to ensuring that the climate debates incorporate the human and moral dimensions of the environmental crisis. It is a call to unity, listening, and concrete commitment.

It is also an opportunity to make the voices of women religious and laywomen visible in the climate debate — a powerful testimony of feminine presence committed to climate justice. Their participation reinforces the understanding that the transformation needed to protect the planet requires not only policies, but ethical responsibility, intergenerational solidarity, and a conversion of lifestyle.

In summary, the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph at COP 30 represents:

● An institutional commitment (of the Congregation);
● A representative and diverse presence (sisters from various congregations, laypeople, the Latin American network, JPIC);
● A spiritual testimony: climate action as an expression of faith;
● A spirit of dialogue: active participation in interreligious, social, and political forums;
● A call to action, unity, communion, and solidarity: care for life, for the vulnerable, and for creation.

May this participation strengthen not only the voice of the Sisters of St. Joseph, but also the global commitment to a more just, sustainable, and humane future — and may it inspire many others to join this mission of care.

Sister Eliana Aparecida dos Santos

Antonia Mandro

Qué lindo grupo presente en este evento. Nosotras acompañando con nuestras oraciones. Hay que forjar cambios estruturales en muchas politicas del medio ambiente. Ojalá. Lleguen a un compromiso efectivo de las naciones. Seguiremos con nuestras acciones pequeñas más profeticas. Saludo a todos los presentes .