After almost seven years of service as Secretary General of the General Government of the Congregation, Sister Inés Aguirre concludes a stage marked by silent dedication, discretion and a deep love for the Vedruna Family. With the arrival of Sister Lucy Mhatara to this service, Inés gives us in this interview a serene and grateful look at the road traveled: the challenges assumed, the joys and personal and spiritual transformations, as well as the traces that this mission has left in her life.
From the celebration of the General Chapter to the historical moments lived in the Vatican, through the richness of internationality, the work with the archives and the encounter with the lives of so many sisters, her words invite us to discover, from within, the deep meaning of this service.
How did you feel when you took on this service?
A lot of concern because you don’t know exactly what you are committing to. I had some secretarial experience, but the General Secretariat is a different job.
What were your main intuitions or desires when you started?
My desire was to do things well, with all responsibility, commitment and affection for the Congregation.
What moments or experiences especially marked these years?
I carry many experiences within me, but especially the celebration of the XVIII General Chapter of the year 2023 and the liturgical celebrations of the Vatican, especially the celebrations on the occasion of the death of Pope Francis and the election of the new Pope Leo XIV.
How did you experience internationality and cultural diversity within your assignment?
As something very positive. It is to see what is different and learn from it. A very great richness that, as such, overcomes the difficulty of bringing together all the interests and criteria.
What was the hardest thing for you to learn or do during this time?
Not having sufficient knowledge of languages is what I found most difficult.
What part of the work did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the wonderful biography of some of the sisters and also the history, life and current mission of the Congregation and all that is contained in the archives.
What characteristics should a good secretary have?
As documents and experience tell us, a secretary must be friendly, prudent and discreet, sufficiently competent, orderly and a lover of secretarial work.
How has this experience transformed you personally?
This experience has transformed me in the way of looking at the values that are in the different, in the diverse, to love and respect it. Also in the way of looking at what the Vedruna Family means today, to appreciate it even more.
Share a word of St. Joaquina that has accompanied you in a special way.
“On our part let us have courage, initiative and diligence, and the good Jesus will bless everything.” (Ep 82).
And also Psalm 126 (125):
“The Lord has been great with us and we are rejoicing… Those who sow in tears reap in song. When they go, they go weeping, bearing seed, and when they return, they come back singing, bringing their sheaves.”
