February 26, 2026 marked 200 years since St. Joaquina de Vedruna founded the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity, and all over the world Vedruna communities gathered to celebrate this great occasion.
The celebrations continue, as in the Vedruna Province of Africa.
Libreville, Gabon
To inaugurate the Bicentennial of the congregation, the Libreville community organized and carried out various activities to make the congregation known and also to give thanks to our Lord.
A talk on the life of St. Joaquina de Vedruna and the congregation was given to the staff and children of the Espoir and Arc-en-ciel centers, as well as to the parishioners of the parish of the Magi of Akebe.
Cultural days were held: the children of the above-mentioned centers performed plays and interpreted songs and dances alluding to St. Joaquina and the congregation.
The sisters joined the faithful of the parish to celebrate the Triduum together, in order to draw closer to God through prayers of thanksgiving, supplication and reparation.
Finally, on Sunday, March 8, a Mass of thanksgiving, presided over by Monsignor the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Libreville, was celebrated in the parish of the Three Kings of Akebe, on the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of the march after Christ in the footsteps of St. Joaquina de Vedruna. Two centuries in which the charism of Vedruna burns and is transmitted throughout the world and, more specifically, here, in the Gabonese land that we love so much and in which we work to promote and defend the rights of children and vulnerable women, and we are present in the pastoral care of our parish with the desire to help and accompany people who need us, without distinction.
We have spent all these days with our hearts overflowing with joy and full of gratitude.
Sr. Géorgine Ntabiya, ccv
Kolokoso, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Kolokoso community joyfully celebrated the Bicentennial of the congregation, which marks 200 years of mission and service.
The day was marked by a mass of thanksgiving, songs, dances and testimonies that brought together the faithful and guests. This event served as a reminder of the important role of the congregation in evangelization, education and community development, while encouraging young people to commit themselves to the future.
This event was also the occasion to celebrate 25 years of religious life of Sister Espérance Tseki. It was an intense moment of faith, gratitude and hope for the whole congregation.
Sr. Odette Makola, ccv
