The celebration of St. Joaquina de Vedruna, in the context of the Vedruna Bicentenary, at St. Ursula Educational Institution in Sullana, Peru, was marked by simplicity, but also by a profound richness of gestures, symbols and experiences that made the hearts of the entire educational community vibrate. During this significant day, the presence of St. Joaquina de Vedruna and the strength of her legacy were felt in every environment, reminding us of the value of a woman who, with faith, courage and love, opened paths of hope for many people.
The spirit that prevailed throughout the celebration was that of “gratitude”. Gratitude for having an extraordinary woman as the patroness of our school and for the indelible mark she has left in the history of education, of the Church and of so many communities that continue to be inspired by her charism. In each classroom, a grateful remembrance of her life and mission was made, recognizing how her legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Under the motto “We celebrate together the legacy of Joaquina”, students, teachers, families and collaborators participated in a week full of activities that were much more than artistic presentations. Dances, murals, theatrical performances, songs and liturgical celebrations became expressions of love, gratitude and commitment to the Vedruna charism. Each student offered their talents with enthusiasm, making visible that Joaquina’s life continues to illuminate our path and give meaning to our educational mission.
For many, the celebration allowed them to rediscover the depth of Joaquina’s story. The students understood that behind these festive days there is a woman who faced difficulties with strength and perseverance, and whose legacy continues to live on today in many countries and cultures. Throughout the month, the different pedagogical areas incorporated aspects of her life and work, helping the students to understand that the Vedruna charism does not belong only to the past, but continues to inspire the present.
Charlie León Navarro, former student of a Vedruna work and current collaborator of the school, highlighted the pride of being part of this commemoration. He recalled that since he was a child he was taught about Joaquina’s life and that today he is excited to see how that same spirit is still present in children and young people who actively participate in the celebrations. Seeing the students represent her life, share her teachings and make her values their own is, for him, a sign that Joaquina’s legacy continues to transcend generations.
This same conviction was reflected in the students’ testimonies. Many expressed that the central week of celebrations is only the culmination of a process that begins long before, in classes, rehearsals and shared work. The preparation of songs, plays and cultural activities strengthened the bonds of friendship and the sense of belonging to the Vedruna Family. Beyond the nerves and the effort, everyone agreed that every moment lived was worthwhile because it allowed them to know Joaquina more deeply and learn from her example of dedication and trust in God.
The celebration reached one of its most significant moments during the central Eucharist, where the entire educational community gathered to thank God for these two hundred years of history and for the opportunity to continue the work started by Joaquina. There, the commitment to continue building an education based on love, humanity and fraternity was also renewed.
Expressions of gratitude were extended to the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna who, for two centuries, have kept Joaquina’s dream alive. “Thank you, Sisters, for having kept her legacy alive,” was an expression repeated by numerous members of the community. Thank you for transmitting a spiritual and human heritage that today unites religious, laity, educational communities and apostolic works in a single Charismatic Family.
This Bicentennial has not only been an occasion to remember the past, but also to renew our commitment to the present and the future. The Vedruna charism continues to be present where it is most needed. In the human settlement Los Olivos, in Sullana, the Sisters and young volunteers accompany children and adolescents in their integral formation, sharing hope in the midst of daily life. The feast of Saint Joaquina was also lived there, framed in the celebrations of the Bicentennial with a deep sense of gratitude for the close presence of the Sisters and for the fidelity of so many women who made it possible for this charism to reach this reality.
“To celebrate the Bicentennial is to remember a great person who dedicated her life to serving others without expecting anything in return. An example that continues to invite us to be a reference for the little ones and to transform our environment through simple gestures of love and solidarity.”
Adriana Castillo, young woman from the Los Olivos community
Today we all feel part of the same family. United by the legacy of St. Joaquina de Vedruna, we renew our mission to continue building more human, inclusive and fraternal communities. With joy and hope, young and old, we raise a single voice to proclaim:
“We are Vedruna, we are family”.
Sr. Inés Rojas Mori, ccv
