After the grand celebration of the Bicentenary on the 26th of February, the day we were looking forward to, finally arrived, that is the 9th of March 2026, the starting of the Enlarged General Council (EGC).
At 09:30, the 22 participants all made their impressive entry into the Assembly hall, each one with her laptop and headphones. In this august gathering the absence of the three sisters from the Philippines and three from India was felt, who could not be present.
The coordinator for the day, Sr. Marisol Sánchez, extended a warm welcome to those present and also those connected online. In her welcoming words, she stated that the celebration of the EGC has a special significance this year being in the Bicentenary Year of the Foundation of the Congregation and that too in its original place, Vic. She also drew the attention of the participants to the fact that the EGC tries to evaluate the putting into practice of the Chapter Document, to know the reality of the Institute in the different countries and to strengthen the unity of the Congregation.
The members of each Provincial Team introduced themselves and placed a symbol that signifies the culture and life of their country. The Commission of EGC presented them with a return gift of special diaries to mark the occasion, a packet of incense sticks, ball pens and a candle.
In her opening address, Sr. Maria Teresa Cuervo, with much affection greeted the participants, both those present in the hall as well as those participating online, expressing her pain for those sisters who could not arrive due to the war in the Middle East. While thanking and appreciating the work done by the Commission of EGC, She expressed her desire that these two weeks of the Assembly may be real spaces of dialogue, reflection and prayer where we are able to arrive at real and binding agreements. She concluded saying:
With hearts grateful for the journey we have travelled and trusting in the Spirit that continues to guide our history, let us continue walking together as the Vedruna Family, open to new experiences and committed to life. Let us also embrace Joaquina’s conviction, expressed in several of her letters: “I trust that God will open some path for me, for He has never abandoned me until now.” I sincerely hope we have a successful Enlarged General Council.
After the words of Sr. Maria Teresa, the Assembly was led into prayer with a reflection on some points of the second chapter of the Document: ‘The Art of Encounter’, with the background of the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.
Then followed the activity of the tree of desires, where every participant wrote her desire or aspiration on a piece of paper and hung it on the tree.
With this, the morning sessions came to an end and the group met at the Manso House at 12:45 for the Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Juan Carlos, CMF, touching the hearts of all present with his homily and with a new version of the Ten Commandments especially scripted for the Sisters celebrating the EGC.
In the evening, the four provinces of America, Europe, Africa and Japan presented their work and reflection in a very interesting, enriching and also creative way with an active interaction of all.
At 19:30, with a thanksgiving prayer conducted by the Commission, the curtain was drawn on the Opening and the first day of the EGC and everyone felt that the day was good.
EGC Commission
