Bicentenary in the Province of India
Goal
The Province of India wants to live the history and legacy of our Congregation founded by St. Joaquina de Vedruna, by honouring and recognizing the existence of our presence and our Charism that has spread and grown under the protection of our patron Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Bicentenary offers the sisters an opportunity to look back and understand how God had planned and shaped the footsteps of our foundress so that it could reach India in the year 1953.
Events Marking the Bicentenary of the Province of India
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.”
Messages of love
This magazine was given as a souvenir from the Province’s Bicentenary celebration on February 28th at the Mother House, in Bhavnagar. It includes more than 30 messages of love from sisters, students and friends of our Family in India.
Events and Activities
Joaquina at the Vedruna Schools
There are 11 Vedruna schools in India, where the Vedruna Province of India carries its charism forward, providing a holistic education to thousands of pupils and fostering an environment of learning and growth. The Bicentenary has been a widely celebrated event in all schools, through quizzes, artistic competitions and seminars.
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- Adkur: Quote Contest
- Bardipada: A Legacy of Love
- Bhavnagar: Gathering of students and young friends of Joaquina
- Bhavnagar: “Unleash the Fire” Youth Program
- Bordumsa: Quiz Contest
- Borlengri: Getting to Know Joaquina Just for Fun
- Carmel Ashish: Quiz Contest for Teachers
- Deep Darshan: Teachers’ Day
- Gogha: Students at St. Mary’s School Discover and Celebrate the Legacy of St. Joaquina de Vedruna
- Manipur: Drawing and Singing Contest
- Maram: Drawing and Singing Contest
- Merubaug: Bicentennial Week at Fatima Convent Public School
- Mintong: Trivia Contest
- Sanand: Getting to Know Joaquina Through the Bicentennial Celebrations
- Unai: Singing About the Life of Saint Joaquina
Celebrations
- Adkur: A Double Celebration of Gratitude
- Ahwa: 50 Years in Gujarat
- Ahmedabad: A Celebration Inspired by the Legacy of Saint Joaquina
- Boardumsa: The Journey of Faith of Saint Joaquina
- Diphu: 200 Years of Grace
- Fatima Convent Public School: 200 Years of the Eternal Flame
- Maram: Faith, Gratitude, Fellowship
- Meghraj: Bicentennial Celebration
- Mintong: Bicentennial Celebration
- Mumbai: Celebrating 200 Years
- Nanakantharia: A Symphony of Gratitude for a Double Celebration
- Oshiwara: In the embrace of our Mother House
- Simalwara: Celebration of Saint Joaquina’s Message of Love
Vocational Camps
The Bicentenary is an excellent occasion to promote the vocational education in our society. Different activities take place to accompany the youth in their journey of discernment and help them grow in awareness of God’s loving call in their lives.
Charism formation
On the occasion of the Bicentenary, different communities deepen their knowledge about St. Joaquina’s life and charism through diverse material, such as books, Joaquina’s letters and seminars.
Sisters from all communities have an online ongoing formation session on the 26th of every month.
