New wind in the order: Sr. Barbara Flad takes over the leadership of the merciful sisters

New wind in the order: Sr. Barbara Flad takes over the leadership of the merciful sisters

Zams, Österreich - Innsbruck, February 13, 2025 - The congregation of the merciful sisters of the Holy Vinzenz by Paul has a significant change. Sr. Barbara Flad was elected as the new head of General in January and thus follows Sr. Mag.a Dr.in Maria Gerlinde Kätzler, who played a formative role for the community for over 27 years. In an interview with the "Tyrolean Sonntag", Flad explained that its new task was "very diverse and highly complex", since the congregation operates many different works in Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, South Tyrol and even Peru. She made it clear that the approximately 1,800 employees have a decisive support for the basic task of the organization-the concern for the needy and education. Flad is also important to make the community sustainable and to promote new forms of interaction.

change and challenges

sr. Flad, who previously worked in pastoral care, looks at the challenges that lie ahead of the congregation. It will focus on strengthening the values ​​of the community and meeting the socially, health and educational challenges of today. "It takes high mindfulness towards the currents in society and politics," she emphasized, also expressing concerns about national tendencies that could endanger democratic values. Flad plans to increase the visibility of the order by appealing to young women through personal encounters and social media to win for religious life. Flad has deep appreciation for the work of her predecessor and hopes to continue this path.

with Kätzler, who acted not only as a leader, but also as a mentor, flad leaves a well -structured heir. Kätzler took decisive steps during her term in order to keep the organization stable in times of great restructuring. "The order has developed greatly, and I am confident that my fellow sisters will continue to implement our mission wisely," said Kätzler, while handing over the baton to Flad. The congregation is thus well positioned to maintain its most important values ​​of dignity and solidarity in a rapidly changing world.