“Let us have courage, initiative and diligence, and the good Jesus will bless everything.” Ep. 82
This is what Joaquina wrote on April 17, 1826, just two months after founding her religious project. Almost on the same date, but two centuries later, her words continue to resonate strongly in our hearts, especially in these days of the closing of the Extended General Council.
In the last days, once the presentations of all the Teams and commissions were concluded, the assembly dedicated a day to pray for peace, and to prepare the document that will gather all that was agreed upon during the EGC, marking the path for the next three years until the next General Chapter in 2029.
Day of prayer for peace
In the midst of a busy schedule of presentations, group work, open forums, etc., this day was a real oasis for everyone: a day of silence, reflection and prayer dedicated to praying for peace in the world.
Maureen Foltz joined us from the United States, sharing with us a motivational and inspiring talk on world peace entitled “The Harvest of Justice: Evolution, Doctrine and Praxis of Peace” . She stated that peace is not a dream, but a process, a choice. Peace is an intentional path, a daily action.
Maureen’s intervention helped the sisters to reflect and pray in silence throughout the day, which was reserved exclusively for this.
The day concluded with a group prayer prepared and guided by Sister Dolors Bosch, in which each one shared her experience of the day and expressed her petitions for peace. We all enjoyed very much this prayer experience, especially necessary for the present time in the world.
Oratorio: “Joaquina, light of charity”.
The morning and early afternoon of Saturday 21 were devoted to finalizing the agreements and conclusions of this EGC, including the presentation of the first draft of the text by the drafting committee.
The most awaited moment of the day, however, came at 6:00 pm. We all went to the church of the Motherhouse, where we enjoyed a great show about the life of Joaquina: the oratorio “Joaquina: luz de caridad” (Joaquina: light of charity).
The Sr. María Dolores Aguirre, dedicated to music for decades, she prepared this work together with composer and organist Luigi Pastoressa, and the Iubilate Deo choir that she directs in Rome. An oratorio is an opera-like composition, often with a religious theme, performed by solo voices, choir and symphony orchestra. We were delighted with this magnificent presentation of the life of St. Joaquina through song, music, narration and acting. In addition, several sisters participating in the EGC intervened, embodying the first sisters who followed Joaquina, as well as presenting the different Provinces in typical costumes of each region.
It was an excellent way to celebrate the Bicentennial during our CGA, approaching Joaquina’s life from a new perspective through the charm of art.
Drafting the letter
At the end of the EGC, all that was discussed, agreed upon and established for the next three years until the next General Chapter should be included in a document, which we call the Charter of the EGC.
A commission, composed of sisters from different provinces present at the EGC, prepared the draft of this document during the last days of the meeting, reviewed it with the rest of the participants, and gave it its final form.
This document will soon be shared with all communities.
Last stitches
Monday, March 23, was the last day of the Extended General Council. The coordinator of the day was Sr. Fatima Borges, who led the opening prayer of the day, dedicated to thanksgiving.
In the first session of the day, the General Team presented the calendar for the next three years, and moderated the dialogue around the next General Chapter, to be held in 2029.
The EGC charter drafting committee then presented the final draft of the document, received brief suggestions, and the assembly approved the text, ending with a round of applause.
We also carried out the evaluation of the EGC, gave thanksgiving for what we had experienced, and the Sr. Maria Teresa Cuervo shared with us his final words. With his usual affectionate tone, he expressed his appreciation for the work done by the EGC Commission. She also thanked the drafting committee for the text, which was well prepared and delivered on time. Of course, she thanked everyone for their participation in the meeting, mentioning most especially the sisters from the Philippines who attended all the sessions virtually, even though it was very late for them. With all this, Sister General declared the Extended General Council closed.
At 5:00 p.m., we all gathered at the Casa Manso for the closing Eucharist, prepared by the Provincial Sisters. The Eucharist was celebrated by the Claretian Father Juan Carlos Martos, who also accompanied us in the opening celebration, and who inspired us with his simple but profoundly close homily. After communion, the General Team invited the sisters to stand up to receive the blessing of sending and gave each provincial a lighted candle, with which to continue carrying the light of Joaquina, and of the good Jesus, to their communities.
With deep gratitude to God and to St. Joaquina, the Extended General Council of 2026 came to an end.
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