A celebration of faith, remembrance, and the continuity of the Vedruna charism
From October 28 to 31, the city of Salgueiro, in Pernambuco, Brazil, hosted the Vedruna Exhibition, an initiative celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity of Vedruna. The four-day event was dedicated to history, art, poetry, spirituality, and remembrance, bringing people together around the legacy of Saint Joaquina of Vedruna.
With the theme “200 Years of Generous Love, A Mission That Inspires, ” the exhibition was conceived by Álvaro Rocha and arose from a desire to honor the Congregation’s history, to preserve the memory of the Sisters’ presence in Salgueiro and in Brazil, and to acknowledge the seeds sown over the course of 28 years of mission work in the city and in the rural communities of the region.
The program began on the 28th with an evening marked by remembrance and gratitude. The opening ceremony was attended by Sisters Margarida Isabel Franz and Maria Eunice dos Santos, as well as pre-novice Júnia Marise Silva Alves, from the Carnaubeira da Penha community, who joined in this very meaningful celebration.
One of the special moments was the presentation of a symbolic plaque in honor of the Congregation’s 200th anniversary, presented by Ana Cláudia, a young member of the Vedruna Youth Mission, as a sign of the continuity of the charism across generations. Another highlight was the tribute to Sister Margarida Isabel Franz, who was awarded the title of Citizen of Salgueiro in recognition of her dedication and contribution to the city’s mission. The evening also featured a journey through Vedruna’s history, with photographs, artifacts, and mementos that brought so many moments along this journey back to life.
On the 29th, poetry took center stage. The Poetry Gathering brought together poets who transformed their words into tributes to the Congregation’s 200th anniversary and to the life of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna. Through verses, emotions, and artistic expressions, the evening demonstrated that poetry is also a way to preserve memory, convey values, and keep alive a mission that spans generations.
The program on the 30th offered a special way to learn about the founder’s story. Through an animated short film, participants were able to explore moments in the life of Saint Joaquina—her journey, her challenges, her faith, and the calling that led her to found the Congregation on February 26, 1826. This production brought her story to life, especially for younger generations, showing that her witness continues to inspire many people to follow Jesus.
The 31st, the closing day, was marked by the Vedruna Dialogue Gathering, a space for reconnecting, listening, and sharing. Photographs, stories, and testimonies brought to mind the Sisters’ 28-year presence in Salgueiro, recalling the work they carried out alongside the communities and the impact they had on the lives of so many people.
The shared experiences revealed that, even after the Sisters left the city, the mission remains alive. The seeds that were sown continue to thrive in the bonds that were forged, in the stories that were transformed, and in the people who continue to carry on this charism.
Over the course of the four days, the Vedruna Exhibition was much more than a commemorative celebration. It became a space to reflect on history, strengthen bonds, and acknowledge a mission that continues to bear fruit. It was an opportunity to bring generations together and reaffirm that the Vedruna charism does not belong solely to the past, but remains alive in the lives of religious sisters and laypeople who share the same spirit of love and service.
Celebrating the Congregation’s 200th anniversary also means recognizing the importance of its presence in Brazil and of the many people who, throughout its history, have been part of its mission.
Inspired by the testimony of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna and by her teaching, “Everything out of love, nothing by force, ” we continue to believe that a mission lived with generosity never ends: it continues to flourish in the lives of those it has touched.
200 Years of Generous Love, a Mission That Inspires! A story that lives on!
Álvaro Rocha, Vedruna Charismatic Family
