In preparation for the Bicentenary of the Congregation, the Vedruna Laity group proposed a special Novena seeking the intercession of St. Joaquina de Vedruna. Understanding that meeting daily for nine days would be a challenge, the group creatively decided to condense the Novena into nine consecutive hours in a single day. This allowed members from both Suao and Taipei to participate in person. The event was held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, ensuring that those working in Taipei could attend.
The Novena took place at the Blessed Trinity Parish Church in Suao—a fitting location, as our Mother Foundress held a deep devotion to the Blessed Trinity. While the event was open to all, it primarily served the Vedruna Laity. Sisters Rosa and Jancy, along with the Laity, curated each hour with profound prayers inspired by the life of St. Joaquina.
The nine hours focused on:
- A Humble Heart
- Acts of Charity
- Trust in Divine Providence
- The Joy of Serving
- Acceptance and Forgiveness
- Seeing Christ in the Poor
- The Power of Prayer
- Mary’s Motherly Accompaniment
- Praising the Lord’s Loving-Kindness
The spiritual journey concluded with Sunday Mass alongside the parishioners, followed by a celebratory lunch at the Convent where each one brought a dish to share.
One of the participants, lay Vedruna Chen Jing Yi, shared this profound reflection:
Participating in the Bicentenary Novena of St. Joaquina de Vedruna has filled my heart with profound gratitude and emotion. To be honest, when I first saw the extensive and deep schedule planned for these consecutive days, I felt a sense of anxiety. I worried whether such a long program would become exhausting or if it would be difficult to remain focused. However, after truly taking part, I realized that all those concerns were dissolved through God’s grace.
I thank God for His presence among us, granting us a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. Through prayer, silence, and sharing, we were revitalized and awakened. Seeing every participant fully engaged and responding to the prayers with their whole hearts moved me deeply; I truly felt that this was not just an event, but a renewal of life.
Each theme of the Novena felt like a step leading us closer to the heart of St. Joaquina’s life. From the first day’s “A Humble Heart” to the final day’s “Praising the Lord’s Loving-kindness,” we were not merely reviewing the virtues of a saint, but reflecting on our own lives through the lens of her witness.
Though the Novena has come to an end in a spirit of thanksgiving and praise, what it has left in our hearts will not fade. The prayers, meditations, and moments of grace we accumulated during this time are an invitation to “turn love into action and encounter Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters.” My hope is that in our families, workplaces, parishes, and society, we can continue the charism of St. Joaquina, becoming witnesses of God’s mercy through small but sincere actions.
Finally, I offer my heartfelt thanks to St. Joaquina de Vedruna. She is not only a model of faith but also a loving mother and a close friend who gently accompanies us on our journey of faith. My thanks also go to the Vedruna Laity and all those who worked silently behind the scenes to make this Novena possible. May the inspiration God has given us continue to grow in our hearts, bearing fruits of charity and hope.
Lay Vedruna: Chen Jing Yi (陳靜宜)
Sr. Rosa Dabhi. ccv
