Celebrating an event is not about bringing nostalgic memories to the present, but rather about recalling a story of life and hope that strengthens our present and revitalizes our dreams for the future. Something like this happened on May 22 at the Casa de la Iglesia, when more than a hundred of us gathered to share the joy of coming together, of feeling like neighbors in so many ways, of giving each other unique and lasting moments in so many spaces, accompanied by the Vedruna charism here, in Salamanca and its province.
A charism that is celebrating its 200th anniversary and that, since the second half of the last century, has become a constant presence in our lives through the efforts of strong and dedicated women who have shared with us Joaquina de Vedruna’s vision in so many projects, settings, and times. We experienced this encounter in three moments and three spaces, both physical and symbolic.
First step: to agree
It all began in the auditorium at six in the afternoon with a song: “Coincidir” (which we all remember in the voice of Pablo Milanés). Although each and every one of us there had been brought to the gathering by different people, experiences, places, and times, when Laura invited us to sing that song, something connected us in a new waybecause…so many centuries, so many worlds, so much space, and to come together was the best gift, the best expression of gratitude that, though barely sensed yet, would accompany us, like a soundtrack, throughout the gathering.
Gently, yet truthfully, Mercedes and Herminia took us back to the origins, to 200 years ago when Joaquina de Vedruna began to dream of a new way to define love; she decided to embark on a project that embraced her and made her a courageous leader. A project aimed at cultivating a way of relating that fosters processes capable of recognizing the dignity of people, promoting critical awareness, solidarity, and a commitment to social justice. A project that became the Vedruna way of proclaiming Life and the One who lives, Jesus the Risen Lord.
María from Pizarrales, Lola from Alfonso VI, and María from Martiago took us on a journey through their history in Salamanca and invited us to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate the experience of coming together… of walking this path together, of learning and supporting one another to change the world.
The Vedruna seed arrived in Salamanca in the 1960s, amid the upheavals of Vatican II and the social and cultural changes of a Spain that was moving toward democracy—fragile yet full of utopian hope. In those years, the Vedruna community, with its ups and downs, like everything else, knew how to read the reality, discern the needs, and seek paths of embodiment and encounter. There they told us that the journey is better made together, and that everyone—everyone, everyone—has a place, without excluding anyone. There we came together and became a family.
Second moment: “I call you friends“
Without rushing, we made our way to the church to celebrate the Eucharist, presided over by our friend and colleague Carlos Martín, accompanied by fellow priests. And there we reflected on what we had experienced and gave thanks for everything that has woven our shared history—the times that gradually forged the bonds that made us companions on this adventure, inviting us into a home with open doors where love always had the final say.
In that space that always brings us together, we celebrate the history that has become the Vedruna charism—the experience of walking in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth, healing, educating, liberating… A history that allowed itself to be embraced in the moments that became prayer and song, in the heartfelt words and shared faith of each and every one of us, in the thanksgiving that, through Concha’s voice, became daily life, conversation, and hands that always hold us up.
Third moment: savoring the experience
Finally, as evening fell, the courtyard came alive with voices. Savoring the moment, amid greetings, memories, and news, we shared food and drink, which, once again, served as a reminder that celebration is well worth it.
Thank you, Joaquina de Vedruna, for following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; through your intercession and faithfulness, today we receive and celebrate these bonds that anchor us in Salamanca, making us more human and radiant.
Thank you, Vedruna sisters, for this gathering, for who you are, and for who we are together…for joining us and building alongside us.
Carmen Soto, SSJ
