On February 26, 2025, the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna congregation celebrated 199 years since its foundation by St. Joaquina de Vedruna in Vic in 1826.
Throughout the world, the Vedruna Family, present in 25 countries on four continents, organized various celebrations to commemorate this important date, and to start walking towards the Bicentennial that we will celebrate in 2026.
Below, we share some of the stories of this celebration in the Provinces and Delegations:
Province of VedrunAmerica
For such a great event we met on February 26 at the house of the Vedruna Sisters in Puerto Rico, the three sisters of this country, Sister Paulina from Argentina, a lay group, Vedruna lay friends and a group of alumnae of our beloved Vedruna School.
It was an unforgettable evening, an intimate and great celebration, because great are the people we remember. Great, for so much overflowing love, for so much life left in this land, for having sown the “Vedruna charism” and leaving it as a rich legacy that fertilizes our land, our lives, our families…
Just as Joaquina did with the first sisters, we also began the celebration with a heartfelt and profound prayer, led by Sr. Paulina Garcia, which led all the participants to unite with God, among us and as a Vedruna family, beyond the borders of our island. It was a stream of life and hope that flooded and filled us with memories, emotions, love and commitment to life.
We follow in Joaquina’s footsteps because from now on we must begin a new journey: the Lord already knows “our wood” and wants us to continue living, making the Vedruna charism grow and flourish on this island, in a new, creative and fruitful way.
The prayer was followed by a beautiful sharing, which, as in the times of the foundation, began with some rich “farinetas” and a tasty table of “picadera”, where we could not miss the “tembleque” (typical sweet of our land – made by the Vedruna sisters), vegetables, and a beautiful toast, with a birthday cake, decorated for the occasion.
A former student of our Vedruna School invited us to “involve all of us in working and praying for the new Puerto Rican vocations of young people for consecrated life in the Vedruna Family”. We seemed to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit…
Our commitment goes on, we will continue to meet to continue praying, enjoying, sharing and consolidating ourselves as Vedruna laity and to be the arms of Joaquina, who welcomes many sisters and brothers.
Dr. Elsie Cintrón Nadal, Laywoman
Province of Africa
The communities of the African countries where the Congregation is present, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Togo, have been celebrating since the days leading up to February 26 in preparation for the feast.
On the 26th we began with a Way of the Cross, imitating the first sisters who did it with Joaquina on the day of the foundation. Then we participated in the celebration of the Eucharist, shared a meal and celebrated the rite of the “farineta”.
In Bata, capital of Equatorial Guinea, after morning prayer we explained to the students of our school the whole history of our congregation and the life of St. Joaquina de Vedruna, showing them the whole story of her life and how she had the desire to found a congregation. In addition, on February 26, as part of our efforts to make the charism of our congregation known to the young people we accompany, we encourage them to get to know it and learn from all that it does in the world.
The three communities of the capital of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, which are Limeté, N’djili and Kimwenza, participated in the recollection and Mass organized by the Jesuit Fathers in Manresa. We gathered around a meal to share joy, consolidate our fraternity, and celebrate with a time of dancing. The Moanda community had the joy of celebrating this feast with Sister Julienne from Libreville.
Sr. Florence Kupay, ccv | Sr. Florence Momo, ccv | Sr. Odette Makola, ccv
Province of Europe
The Vedruna Europe Province inaugurated the acts of preparation for the Bicentenary of the congregation with a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 25, which was attended by almost all the religious communities of the Province (89), and numerous Vedruna laity. From the Vedruna Center of Valladolid, as representatives of the General Team, María José Meira and Fátima Borges were present, while Sister General, María Teresa Cuervo, was visiting Cuba.
During the event, Maria Gracia Gil, Provincial of Europe, presented the Bicentenary motto: “Generous love, mission that inspires”. This motto seeks to highlight that the Vedruna charism “makes sense and is a response to the search for hope of our sisters and brothers of today”. As part of the preparation, it is proposed to “review the past” to recognize the roots and the path traveled by the congregation. On a monthly basis, a letter of St. Joaquina will be sent to the communities and published on the website of the Vedruna Europe Province, encouraging personal and community reflection.
In addition, various initiatives were announced within the framework of the Bicentenary, such as the “Vedruna Route” in Barcelona, or the pilgrimages following the “Route of Exile” of St. Joaquina in France.
The preparation itinerary focuses on three aspects: conversion, strengthening of community life and sending to the mission. Synodality and joint witness in mission are emphasized, promoting shared missionary experiences and a community that actively interacts with its surroundings. Maria Gracia Gil concluded the meeting by emphasizing that this is the beginning of a time of preparation to celebrate 200 years of history.
The entire article can be read at vedruna.eu
Delegation of the Philippines
The celebration of February 26 makes us look back to our origins, to Joaquina and those first sisters who with little means and much enthusiasm began the adventure of the Vedruna Religious Life. Contemplating the beginning, we can hear the call of the Chapter to Be Born Again, the invitation to recover the freshness and simplicity of the origins, to strip ourselves of unnecessary attachments, of ways of living and doing that no longer serve, and to open ourselves to the new: this is the adventure of Religious Life today in our world.
At 6:15 am the Delegation community made the Stations of the Cross in the Delegation Chapel followed by Lauds. Then at 11:00 am we had the Eucharistic Celebration for the 199th Anniversary of the Foundation of our Congregation. The Mass was presided by Fr. Vic Sadaya, CMF. Vic challenged us to continue to have Passion for the Mission, Passion for Christ and Passion for the Kingdom. In this way we will exist as a Congregation until the end of time.
During the Mass, we invited the students of Vedruna Foundation Inc. Home for Learning (VFIHL) to join us. Our neighbors and friends, alumni, sisters of our Sister and Sr. Liza from the Tagaytay community also attended the Mass. After communion, our Delegate Superior, Sister Nelly, read the message of our Sister General, Ma. Teresa Cuervo Buitrago, CCV. Then, we all prayed the CCV Bicentennial prayer.
Immediately afterwards we gathered in our dining room for the ritual of eating the corn soup, kneeling. Our guests and visitors also joined us. A sumptuous meal was served during lunch.
In the afternoon, Sisters Malou and Margie went to Our Lady’s dormitory to attend Mass for the 199th anniversary of the foundation. An Indian priest celebrated the Mass. All our boarders and invited sisters attended the Mass. Immediately afterwards we gathered in the dormitory dining room for the simple snack.
We ended the day thanking the Lord for the gift of the Congregation to the Church and the world.
Sr. Marilou M. Manicad, CCV
Province of India
Awha
To commemorate our 199th Foundation Day, meticulous preparations were made, beginning with beautiful novena prayers at Deep Darshan, setting the tone for a joyous celebration. The highlight was the visit of our Provincial, Sr. Daisy, on February 22nd. This grace- filled event was felt as if Mother Joaquina herself had visited us, listening to our joys and sorrows, reminding us of the importance of renewal and transformation.
On February 26th, we celebrated the Foundation Day with enthusiasm, renewing our spirits alongside hostelites and parishioners. The occasion was a meaningful time of togetherness and spiritual rejuvenation.
Bhavnagar: Fatima Convent School
The Sisters of Merubaug community, together with the Vedruna Laity, held a meaningful novena in the Parish. Our Tertian sisters prepared a solemn Triduum, deepening our spiritual reflection. The celebrations culminated on February 26th with a grand gathering at Merubaug, bringing together the Staff of our three Schools, as well as Fathers and Sisters from the neighbouring communities. The highlight of the day was the solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by our Parish priest, Fr. Abraham CMI, making the occasion truly special and grace-filled. The joyous celebration was followed by a fellowship meal for all.
Diphu
February is a significant month for all of us Vedrunas, as we commemorate the 199th Foundation Day. It was celebrated with great devotion and love. In preparation for this event, we conducted a Triduum based on different themes, followed by a simple yet meaningful Eucharistic celebration.
Merubaug: Fatima Convent High School
The 199th Anniversary of our Foundation Day was celebrated at Merubaug with great joy on 26th February. Fr. Abraham CMI was the main celebrant, and the event was attended by Priests, Sisters, and Staff from all three schools, Lay Vedruna members, friends, and well-wishers. Some joined the Eucharistic celebration and breakfast, while others gathered for a festive agape meal at noon. It was truly a family gathering filled with love, gratitude, and joy.
Simalwara: Vedruna Seva Sadan
We had a nine-day special Novena in preparation for the important day in our Congregation—the 199th Anniversary of the Foundation of our Institute. On the 26th, we had a solemn Mass celebrated by Fr. Rajesh. Our novice, Anjali, prepared a beautiful introduction about St. Joaquina’s life in simple language that even our small children could understand. After the Mass, our children presented a short program for us, which was prepared with the help of Anjali, our novice. Following this, we had an Agape meal with the Dungarpur Deanery Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers.
Unai: Vedruna Niketan
The 199th Foundation Day of the Vedruna Family was celebrated on 25th February in our Schools, commemorating the Congregation’s founding by Saint Joaquina de Vedruna. In
the English medium School, students presented a song and a skit on her life and mission.
A Prayer Service, conducted by Vedruna Friends in the High School, included an introduction to St. Joaquina’s life and the origins of the institution.
A group of students performed a song about her virtues, followed by intercessory prayers led by Mr. Amitbhai and Michaelbhai. As a gesture of appreciation, the Sisters were honoured with flowers, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the mission of the Institute.
Vidhyanagar: Sneha Dhara
To commemorate the 199th Anniversary of our Foundation Day and inaugurate the Bicentenary celebrations, the Lay Vedruna Friends gathered at Snehadhara on the 23rd of February. . Sr. Anandi shed light on the four stages of life in St. Joaquina, while Sr. Martha guided the group through Letter No. 81. The session, enriched by prayer and reflection, left participants profoundly moved by the trials St. Joaquina endured before establishing the Congregation.
The Snehadhara Community came together on the 25th of February for a solemn Eucharistic celebration in honour of St. Joaquina. Students actively participated in various aspects of the Mass, including the introduction, readings, petitions, offertory, and hymns. Their enthusiasm and devotion made the Feast even more meaningful, and their wishes, expressed through flowers and warm gestures, added to the joy of the occasion. A special day of Prayer was dedicated to the well-being of Pope Francis, both in the Community and at the Centre. With deep faith, we sought God’s continued blessings upon him.
Vedruna Samachar February
Province of Japan
Japan
This year, the anniversary of the Foundation was very special. We gathered all those who were able to come to the Provincial House to celebrate the Feast of the Congregation together, and also Sr. Anna Kobayashi Yasuko’s Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) and Sr. Maria Micaela Ueda Kanko’s Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary). It was a beautiful sunny day, which seemed to be blessing our celebration.
The Eucharist of Thanksgiving was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Osaka-Takamatsu, D. Paulo Sakai, and concelebrated by two priests: the parish priest of Tarumi, Pe Amado, and the parish priest of Tokyo Cathedral, Pe Koike. The Provincial House chapel was very well decorated for the occasion, with flowers and very well made posters. It was full of friends from the parishes where the two sisters have worked and teachers from AITOKU College.
For us, who celebrate the day of the birth of the Vedruna Family together with the life given to the Lord by two sisters, it was a day of great joy. For this we can say to the Lord: Thank you Lord, for making us daughters of Joaquina who lived totally “For the greater glory of God and the good of the neighbor”.
Sr. Mitsue Shirahama, ccv
Taiwan
On the special occasion of our Foundation Day, I received a surprise invitation to speak about St. Joaquina de Vedruna to the third graders of the Dominican International School, Taipei. The teacher who invited me did not know that it was our Foundation Day. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect! As we celebrate the legacy of our Congregation’s foundation, it is only fitting to reflect on the life and mission of the woman who inspired it all—St. Joaquina.
Stepping into the classroom, I was met with eager faces, full of curiosity and enthusiasm. The children listened intently as I shared about St. Joaquina’s unwavering faith, her deep love for God, and her mission to serve others, especially the poor and the sick. Through the PowerPoint presentation. I spoke of St. Joaquina’s courage in establishing the Carmelite Sisters of Charity and how her legacy of education and compassion continues to touch lives today.
What made this moment truly special was seeing the young students connect with her story. Their questions and reflections showed a genuine interest in learning how they, too, can live out the values St. Joaquina upheld—kindness, generosity, and faith.
As I walked out of the classroom, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to plant seeds of inspiration in these young hearts and make St. Joaquina known to others. On this Foundation Day, we not only celebrate our Congregation’s beginnings but also renew our commitment to the values St. Joaquina cherished. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us all!
Sr. Rosa Dahbi, ccv
