Suipacha, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the epicenter of the meeting tocelebrate, as Vedrun-America Province, the feast of that February 26, 1826, the date on which Joaquina de Más y de Vedruna, together with other young women, founded the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna . That seed has become today a large family.
From Friday 27 we arrived from different countries -Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic- to join the great number of sisters and lay people who share the charism in the continent. On the 28th, very early in the morning, the large local contingent joined us for the central day of celebration.
The choice of Suipacha as headquarters took on a deep historical meaning through the journey in the footsteps of Mother Leonor Maturana. We honored in her the pioneer who opened paths for the Congregation in this continent. The festive atmosphere – marked by the color of the banners, the hospitality of the kiosks and the joy shared in the square and the school – was not a mere decoration, but the expression of a community that knows it is blessed and loved.
It has been a day to gather and share as a Vedruna charismatic family, united with so many people celebrating this Bicentennial throughout the world: some gathered here, in this land of Argentina; others following the celebration through social networks from different places.
We celebrate 200 years of life, giving thanks to God for St. Joaquina and for so many sisters and people who, throughout these two centuries, have sustained this work. We also renew the challenge to continue the mission of the Church, as Joaquina dreamed: “to remedy the needs of the people”.
In the Eucharist, Msgr. Jorge Eduardo Scheinig emphasized that the Vedruna mission is manifested today in three fundamental fields where the sisters and laity boldly sustain life:
- Education: As a tool for transformation and dignity.
- Health: Offering care and comfort in fragility.
- Liberation from slavery: The Bishop especially recognized the courage of the sisters in taking care of those who suffer from “insanity” and the multiple forms of contemporary slavery that strip human beings of their freedom.
The spirituality of this Bicentennial reveals to us that “he who loves, shines”. This light is not our own, but the reflection of walking resolutely towards Easter. The theology of our celebration teaches us that only those who allow themselves to be loved by God are capable of daring to give their lives, thus renewing the “shine” that Joaquina bequeathed to the Church and that today is multiplied in every gesture of self-giving.
The Bicentennial is not a goal, but a horizon. In this spirit, the provincial team, represented by a young Argentinean, made the symbolic sending of all the youth of the continent. These young people will carry the flame of VedrunAmerica to the International Meeting of Vedruna Youth in Vic, Spain, connecting our roots with the future of the mission.
We conclude this historical record with a profound sense of belonging. As a charismatic family, we recognize ourselves in a journey of two centuries of fidelity that today is projected with hope.
We make our own the words of gratitude that sealed this meeting: “United as a family, we give thanks to God”.
Prof. Giclis Santamaría, Venezuela
