On 28 February 2026, the Vedruna Family of the Province of India celebrated a historic milestone — 200 years since the foundation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna. The celebration, held at the Province’s Motherhouse in Bhavnagar, brought together bishops, state dignitaries, alumni, former teachers, Vedruna Sisters, parishioners, and members of the lay Vedruna family to honour a mission inspired by the spirit of “Generous Love: A Mission that Inspires.”
Eucharistic celebration
The programme began with an introduction by Sr. Anandi and Sr. Nita, who presented the history and origin of the Congregation founded in 1826 by St. Joaquina de Vedruna. Through a clear PowerPoint presentation, they explained how the mission began in Spain and gradually spread across four continents, serving people through education, healthcare, and social outreach.
The celebration then moved into a solemn entrance procession led by the students of Fatima Convent Primary School. Sr. Sally Cyriac, Superior of the Bhavnagar community, carried the Word of God, followed by nine senior sisters representing the first nine women who joined St. Joaquina. Each carried a lighted lamp, symbolising the faith and dedication that have shone brightly for two centuries.
The Holy Eucharist was led by the main celebrant, Most Rev. Thomas Macwan, Archbishop of Gandhinagar. He was joined by Most Rev. Jose Chittuparambil, Bishop of Rajkot; Most Rev. Rethna Swamy, Bishop of Ahmedabad; and Most Rev. Sebastião Mascarenhas, Bishop of Baroda. Also present were Rev. Fr. Joychen, Vicar General of Rajkot; Fr. Joseph Kallampalli, CMI, Provincial of Bhavnagar; and Fr. Binoy Elavunkal, CMI, Provincial of Rajkot. Their presence reflected the unity and joy of the Church on this special occasion.
In his homily, Archbishop Thomas Macwan shared a brief life sketch of St. Joaquina and spoke about his own experience as a former student of the Vedruna Sisters. He gratefully acknowledged that they shaped his spiritual life by teaching him catechism and guiding him in faith. He fondly remembered the first five Spanish sisters who played an important role in his life and left a lasting impression on his journey of faith.
Srs. Chinni Mathew and Rejina Gamit devoutly led the Prayer of the Faithful, followed by a symbolic Offertory. The sisters presented meaningful symbols of the 200-year journey: soil and water representing the humble beginning in 1826; a seed symbolising the first nine sisters; a sapling for the early growth of the Congregation; a grown plant for its strength through many challenges; and flowers and fruits signifying the rich harvest of schools, hospitals, and social works that continue to serve society.
After the Communion prayer, Sr. Rita Rebello read the message received from the Vatican. The letter, written and signed by Monsignor Antonio from the Secretariat of State on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, was addressed to the Mother General, Reverend Mother Maria Teresa Cuervo Buitrago. It recognised the 200th anniversary and encouraged the sisters to remain faithful to their founding charism and mission. The Holy Father granted his Apostolic Blessing to the sisters, their families, benefactors, and all connected with the Vedruna mission, and prayed for the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary as they begin their third century of service.
The Eucharistic celebration was made more prayerful by the beautiful and harmonious singing of the sisters, which added devotion and grace to the entire liturgy.
Bicentenary Felicitation Ceremony (1826–2026)
The ceremony commenced with a formal introduction by the Masters of Ceremony (MC), who welcomed the gathered dignitaries, sisters, and guests to this historic 200-year milestone.
Students from the CBSE school performed a vibrant and graceful welcome dance, setting a joyful and celebratory tone for the event.
Sr. Daisy, the Provincial Superior, delivered a detailed and heartfelt Welcome Note that formally opened the Bicentenary Felicitation Ceremony. She acknowledged the monumental significance of the year 2026, marking two centuries since St. Joaquina de Vedruna founded the Carmelite Sisters of Charity in 1826. Reflecting on the journey of the Congregation, she spoke with deep gratitude about its fragile beginning, comparing the first nine sisters to a small seed that, through God’s grace, has flourished into a global mission spanning four continents.
In her concluding remarks, she reminded the gathering of the Congregation’s core charism — to serve with a “love that never says enough” — and invited everyone to move forward with hope as the Congregation enters its third century of mission.
To symbolise the light of Christ and the wisdom of St. Joaquina, the dignitaries joined the sisters in the traditional Lighting of the Lamp. The commentary was given by Sr. Theresal and Sr. Rosy. As each wick was lit, words of gratitude and reflection were shared. Thanksgiving was offered for the courageous beginnings of the Congregation rooted in faith and sacrifice, for the charism entrusted to the Church, and for the sisters who faithfully kept the mission alive. Gratitude was expressed for the countless children, youth, and families touched by the mission. The congregation remembered the grace that sustained it through trials and celebrated its global outreach. The moment concluded by honouring the enduring legacy of the founders.
The felicitation ceremony was a graceful moment of honour and gratitude. All the Bishops, dignitaries, Sr. Daisy and her team were warmly felicitated for their presence and support. They were presented with the Northeast shawl, symbolising honour, identity, warmth, and resilience, and the Karnataka garland, reflecting purity, devotion, and sacred welcome. By bringing together these symbols of the North and the South, the ceremony beautifully expressed unity in diversity, which continues to guide the Vedruna mission. Each guest was also presented with a special gift as a mark of appreciation.
In his speech, Bishop Jose expressed his joy in participating in the bicentenary and conveyed greetings on behalf of the Diocese of Rajkot. He thanked the sisters for over seven decades of faithful service in the diocese and praised their dedication in evangelisation, education, healthcare, pastoral care, and social outreach. He said the Jubilee is a time to look back with gratitude, live the present with commitment, and move forward with hope.
The skit on the life of Mother Joaquina was beautifully presented in Gujarati by the students of Fatima Convent Primary School. It portrayed her struggles, faith, and the founding of the Congregation in 1826 at Vic, Spain. The performance highlighted the sisters’ mission in education and healthcare and deeply touched the audience.
In his address, Bishop Rethna Swami reflected on the words, “Love never says enough,” and spoke about God’s unconditional love. He appreciated the sisters’ service in various ministries and thanked Sr. Daisy and the sisters for their valuable work in the Diocese of Ahmedabad.
In a landmark moment, the official Bicentenary Souvenir was released. The book serves as a historical record of the Congregation’s 200-year journey, containing testimonies, photographs, and the rich history of the Vedruna mission.
Rev. Bishop Sebastiao congratulated the sisters and appreciated their dedicated service, especially their care for rescued minor girls in Waliv, Maharashtra. He thanked them for their faithful ministry in education, healthcare, and pastoral work, particularly in the Diocese of Baroda.
To celebrate the global and modern spirit of the mission, students performed a lively Fusion Dance blending traditional and contemporary styles.
Representing the thousands of students formed by the sisters, Dr. Raol, an alumnus, shared a moving tribute. He spoke about how the values learned at the convent shaped his professional and personal life and expressed heartfelt gratitude.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sr. Sarala and Sr. Sweta. They thanked the bishops, organisers, students, and the lay Vedruna family for making the Bicentenary a memorable celebration.
After the beautiful celebration, everyone gathered for a fellowship meal. It was a joyful time to share happiness and gratitude with all the invited guests, strengthening bonds of unity and friendship in a spirit of togetherness.
Sr. Sweta William, ccv
