Two important days for students, parents and staff of the Educational Center “El Carmelo de Caracas”, in which they recognize the legacy of Joaquina in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Foundation of the Congregation and the path traveled in the Educational Institution, pioneer of the Charism in Venezuela.
Last Wednesday, February 11, the educational community of the UE Colegio El Carmelo in Caracas (Venezuela) lived a special day on the occasion of the Bicentenary of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna, a celebration that is part of the extensive program to commemorate the 200 years of the Vedruna charism in the world, initiated in 1826 by St. Joaquina de Vedruna.
During this first part of the event, students, teachers and families were immersed in a multicultural cultural and educational environment under the theme “Vedruna in the world: mission that inspires”. Each course represented one of the countries where the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna are present, allowing to know in an experiential way how this charism has adapted to different social realities to provide education, health and hope in different corners of the planet. The day included exhibitions, dramatizations and dances that reinforced the sense of belonging to a global family committed to the Vedruna mission.
The following day, the celebration continued with an emotional ceremony where the community paid tribute to those who have led the educational path at the school.
Beginning with the School Hymn, followed by the Bicentennial Hymn, the importance of recognizing the road travelled was highlighted before officially inaugurating the Directors’ Photographic Gallery, a permanent space that recalls the work of those who have led the institution.
The school principal, Prof. Giclis Santamaría, together with Sr. Yulian Reyes, representative of the Congregation, highlighted the value of St. Joaquina’s legacy and the continuity of her mission to “educate, care and liberate”.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the presentation of awards to the directors present, who have left an indelible mark on the Vedruna del Carmelo family: Rosa Elena Bolivar (Management 1995-2001), Sr. Ana María Sariego (Management 2001-2015), Dominga Rigio (Management 2015-2017) and Lcdo. Giclis Santamaria (Current Director since 2024)
This ceremony reaffirmed the fidelity to the Vedruna educational project and the influence of this charism in the lives of students and families, thus consolidating two days of celebration full of learning, historical memory and sense of service.
All for love, nothing by force – A legacy that today travels the world through our young people
Candy Rodríguez Socas
