With deep joy and gratitude, the Vedruna Charismatic Family in the Dominican Republic celebrated the Eucharist of the Bicentenary of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the San Felipe Apostle Parish of Villa Mella. The celebration was presided by Monsignor Francisco Ozoria Acosta and gathered sisters, priests, religious, youth, families, educational communities and friends of the Vedruna mission.
The Eucharist was marked by an atmosphere of joy, hope and thanksgiving for the 200 years of history initiated by St. Joaquina de Vedruna in 1826, and of these, 74 years of presence in the Dominican Republic inspiring a mission of education, healing, promotion of women, youth and closeness to the poor and most needy.
During the celebration, the theme of the Bicentennial was highlighted: “Generous love, inspiring mission”, recalling the legacy of generous dedication that continues to live on in so many peoples and cultures where the Vedruna mission continues to sow hope and harvest joy.
The liturgy was attended by members of different communities and Vedruna works, who prayed for the Church, vocations, peace in the world, the sick and the young women of the country who will represent the Vedrun-America Province at the International Youth Meeting in Vic, Barcelona.
The celebration also included the valuable presence of the families of the Vedruna Sisters, who, with their closeness, support and witness, form an important part of this story of vocation and dedication. Their participation made this meeting of gratitude and thanksgiving even more special.
Special thanks were also extended to Monsignor Francisco Ozoria, the missionary priest friends who concelebrated, the religious present, the choir, the untiring collaborators of St. Philip Parish and all the people who made this celebration of faith and fraternity possible.
At the end of the Eucharist, the attendees shared a fraternal lunch with the sisters, family, friends and members of the different communities, in an atmosphere of joy, closeness and communion, strengthening the bonds that unite the great Vedruna Family.
This bicentennial commemoration renews the commitment of the Vedruna Family present in the Dominican Republic to continue embracing the needs of the people, educating with love, healing with closeness and announcing the Gospel with joy and simplicity.
May this Eucharist encourage us to continue to be light, consolation and hope in the Dominican lands.
