“Let us have great desires, and the Lord will grant us what is best for us” (Ep 108)
Bringing together young Vedruna people from around the world in Vic during the Bicentennial year was a shared dream that took root several years ago. Along the way, there were moments when it seemed difficult to make it a reality, but the words of Saint Joaquina continued to inspire hope. Finally, the Lord granted us the grace to fulfill that great desire: nearly a hundred young people from 18 different places gathered for five days to celebrate, share their faith, and deepen their understanding of the Vedruna charism together.
This Gathering has not only been a source of joy, but also a response to a call that the Congregation took up in the Chapter Document “Born Anew, ” as part of the resolution “Walking with Young People”:
Plan activities in preparation for the 200th anniversary as a great pastoral opportunity. Work together toward a common goal that culminates in a possible youth gathering in Vic. (p. 88)
Three years after writing these words, that vision became a reality thanks to the hard work and dedication of many people. The Vedruna International Youth Gathering was an experience of the Church and the Charismatic Family, in which young people from different countries shared in prayer, formation, friendship, and mission, discovering that the charism of Saint Joaquina is still alive and continues to inspire new generations.
Welcome: Opening Mass and Evening Celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
On July 16, we met for the first time at the Mother House in Vic, on a very significant date for the Vedruna Family: the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
We began the gathering with the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Joseba Kamiruaga, CMF, entrusting to the Lord everything we were about to experience during those days and placing ourselves under Mary’s protection.
As the sun set, we shared dinner in the cloister and celebrated an evening dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We reflected on Saint Joaquina’s deep love for Mary, to whom she entrusted her life and her vocation, and we, too, allowed ourselves to be guided by her.
We got to know each other through our traditional dances. The young women from Catalonia performed the Sardana: a traditional Catalan dance performed in a circle, which was first performed by a group of dancers and then by all of us together, holding hands and forming a large circle around Joaquina.
Young people from all corners of the world performed their dances, encouraging everyone else to join in: we danced the chotis from Madrid, the samba from Brazil, the sevillanas from Seville and Cádiz… along with traditional dances from Chile, the Philippines, Peru, Argentina, and other countries. We filled the cloister with music, laughter, and joy—a true festival!
We concluded the day by singing the “Salve Marinera” together, placing the Gathering under Mary’s protection and giving thanks for the journey that was just beginning.
Vedruna is living history. Joaquina’s Basket and the Basket of Cultures
Our first morning began with prayer, opening our hearts to encounter one another. Sister María Teresa Cuervo, Superior General of the Congregation, joined us from the General House in Rome with a message of closeness and hope. We also received greetings from the European Provincial Team, through Sister Inma Eibe, who expressed her joy at this gathering and thanked each participant for their trusting “yes.”
Some happy news came from the door: a basket from Joaquina! We then discovered what she had sent to her loved ones: fuet, jam, cheese… And with that, we gave each group a chance to introduce themselves, showing what they had brought from their hometowns. The room gradually filled with our flags, food, photos, decorative items, and festive decorations… What a treasure our Vedruna Family is!
Vedruna is living history. In the footsteps of Joaquina
Holding this Gathering in Vic, the city where Saint Joaquina lived and founded the Congregation, was one of its greatest gifts. During the afternoon of the second day and the morning of the third, we visited, in small groups, some of the most significant places in her life and in the origins of the Vedruna Family. Each stop allowed us to better understand how this charism came into being and to discover that it remains a living story of which we, too, are a part today.
- The Motherhouse, originally purchased by Joaquina, where we gathered for our meeting, just as so many others have done throughout the Congregation’s history.
- The Church of the Divina Pastora: It was here that Joaquina met Father Esteban de Olot, in a providential encounter that ultimately led to the founding of our Congregation.
- The Archbishop’s Palace: At this site, which remains just as it was in Joaquina’s time, she frequently met with Bishop Pablo de Jesús Corcuera. It was here that she took her vows on the Feast of the Epiphany.
- The streets of Vic, the “city of saints”: we passed by the Convent of Santa Teresa, where Joaquina used to attend Mass; Riera Street, where the first sisters lived; and Casa Parrella, where they held their first jobs…
- The Roman temple and the Montcada Castle, where Joaquina was imprisoned for a time due to the political disputes of her era.
- The Cathedral of Vic, where Joaquina’s three daughters—who were born in Vic—were baptized, and where she often went to pray.
And, of course, Casa Manso. After its renovation in honor of the Bicentennial, we had the opportunity to tour it and explore it in depth. As the birthplace of the Congregation and, since 1983, the resting place of Joaquina de Vedruna’s remains, it is a very important place for every member of our Family.
In the chapel at Casa Manso, together with Joaquina, we shared evening prayer, during which we reflected on all the places we had visited and listened for the “whisper” from God that the experience brought us. United in song, we ended up experiencing one of the most moving moments for everyone, sharing many of the songs that define us as the Vedruna Family.
Vedruna Is a Vocation: Testimonies, the Eucharist, and a Prayer Gathering with Ain Karem
Sunday was devoted to discovering that a vocation arises from an encounter with God and takes shape in many different ways. The day began with morning prayer, inspired by Saint Joaquina’s trusting response to the Lord’s call.
Next, we heard five testimonies that highlighted the richness of vocation within the Vedruna Family: Yolanda, a mother, grandmother, and educator; Geraldyn, a Vedruna sister; Lala, a newlywed and educator; Minerva, who is discerning a call to religious life; and Álvaro, a layperson in the Vedruna Charismatic Family. Their experiences helped us discover that the same calling can be lived out in very different ways, always in service to the Kingdom.
We listened intently to her words, which stirred our hearts and led each of us to reflect on our own vocation. We symbolized our commitment to the call that God extends to each and every one of us by taking a sip from a glass while the song “Sauvignon Blanc” played.
Later, we celebrated Sunday Mass together in the crypt of the Claretian Spirituality Center, presided over once again by Fr. Joseba Kamiruaga, CMF. Our hymns and prayers made the celebration a moment of deep communion and thanksgiving.
We were also blessed to share in a prayer gathering led by Ain Karem at the Mother House church. Through music and silence, we laid before Jesus everything we had experienced during those days: our gratitude, the joy of getting to know one another, the suffering of the world, and our desire to continue walking alongside Him.
Joaquina’s Roots in Barcelona
After discovering Joaquina in Vic, we traveled to Barcelona to visit the places that marked the beginning and end of her life. She was born there, spent her childhood there, raised a family there, and, years later, dedicated her life to serving those most in need until her death.
Our first stop was the site of the Vedruna family home, now marked by a commemorative plaque. We also visited the former Casa de Caridad, where Saint Joaquina founded a community of sisters and passed away in 1854. At the Basilica of Santa María del Pi, where she was baptized and married Teodoro de Mas, we celebrated the Eucharist, giving thanks for the journey we had taken and for the witness of her life.
We shared a meal at the Vedruna Immaculada School, and in the afternoon we were treated to a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia . Contemplating the beauty and spiritual depth of Gaudí’s work was a gift that helped us end the day with our eyes fixed on God, whose presence we had also been discovering in the places that shaped the history of Saint Joaquina.
Vedruna Is a Mission: Five Projects Reflecting the Vedruna Charism Around the World
On the final day of the gathering, we were reminded that vocation and mission are two sides of the same coin: God calls us and sends us forth. From our encounter with Jesus springs the desire to educate, heal, and liberate—the three verbs that continue to shape the Vedruna mission throughout the world.
To understand how this plays out in our world today, we explored five projects that, despite their very different contexts, embody the charism of Saint Joaquina today.
- Llar Juvenil, Vic: continuing a project started by Joaquina herself in 1829 at what was then the Casa de Caridad in Vic, it is now a home for young people in the Estadio neighborhood of Vic. Sister Marta and her colleague Aleix introduced it to us.
- “El pan nuestro de cada día” Soup Kitchen, Bella Vista, Venezuela: Sister Yulian shared the important work this soup kitchen does, not only by feeding children who have their only meal of the day here, but also by educating them about nutrition.
- Refugee Reception in Barcelona: Sadia, originally from Afghanistan, shared her story with us about her life with a Vedruna community, which includes Sister Carme, who accompanied her during this presentation.
- Kekeli Center, Togo: Sister Lucie-Anne explained how they are dedicated to protecting children who are victims of violence, sexual abuse, and child labor, using a comprehensive approach that includes psychological, social, health, and educational support.
- Senior living facility, Puerto Real: Sister Geraldyn led us to reflect on life, death, illness, and the passage of time—experiences that we all go through.
Each of these testimonies showed us that Joaquina’s spirit continues to respond to the needs of our time.
In the afternoon, we set aside some time for personal reflection and sharing—first in groups based on our countries of origin and then by Province—as we took to heart everything we had experienced over the past few days.
The gathering concluded with a sending-forth ceremony. Everything we experienced does not remain only within us; rather, as we return to our homes, it spreads and multiplies, carrying the Vedruna charism and the light of the Good Jesus wherever we go. Each group leader called out the names of the young people who had come with them, presenting them with the book *Four Lives in One*, a keychain bearing the image of Saint Joaquina, and a miniature model of Casa Manso.
Vedruna is family
Beyond the scheduled activities, the Gathering was filled with small moments that strengthened the bonds between us. The fun-filled afternoon of the “Challenge of the Four Hearts,” led by our friend Henar, helped us discover—amid laughter and teamwork—the values that inspired the life of Saint Joaquina. The closing evening, organized by the young people from Vitoria, put a festive cap on a few days marked by joy, fellowship, and sharing.
There was also time to enjoy small, spontaneous moments together, such as watching the World Cup final. The arena was filled with excitement, cheers, and hugs when Spain was crowned champion, reminding us that shared joys also bring us together as a family.
None of this would have been possible without the warm welcome from the Motherhouse community, which opened its doors to us with tremendous generosity; the support of the cafeteria staff at the Vedruna Escorial School, who were with us throughout the week; and the work of the Vedruna Interprovincial Commission for Youth Pastoral Care and Vocational Mission, whose dedication made this shared dream a reality.
The words of the young people themselves who lived through this experience capture the profound sense of calling and mission, the experience of family, and the encounter with the Good Jesus. These are excerpts from their testimonies, which can be read in full here:
Álvaro (Brazil)
I’m returning to Brazil a different person than when I arrived. I carry in my heart many memories, friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and a faith that has been further strengthened. This experience renewed my commitment to the mission, rekindled in me the desire to continue serving young people and the Church, and confirmed that it is worth following in the footsteps of the Good Jesus, just as Saint Joaquina did.
Leïla (Gabon)
An exploration of the life of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna, a historical figure, her family spirit, her hospitality, and her humility in serving those in need.
It was a very pleasant moment, since, spiritually speaking, she was present among us.
April (Catalonia)
For me, taking part in this Vedruna International Encounter Week was a very special experience. As a resident of Vic, I was proud to welcome people from so many different parts of the world to my city and to share such wonderful days with them. At first, it might have seemed that we had little in common because of our different cultures and realities, but I soon realized that something much stronger united us: the same Vedruna spirit.
Erik (Vitoria)
For me, it has been a restorative embrace and an indelible mark. But above all, I take with me a commitment for my daily life: not to keep this light to myself, to be a refuge for others when the path grows difficult, and to keep walking with that love that never says “enough.”
More testimonials from the Vedruna Province of Europe can be found on the PJV Vedruna website:
