On April 25, the sisters of Paraguay, together with the extended government of the Province, joyfully celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Founding of the Society of Jesus, in an intimate gathering carefully prepared by Sister Elena Quintana.
We began the celebration by listening to the Word, with the text from the Book of Wisdom: "I loved and sought wisdom..." (Wis 7:8), and also welcoming the words of the homily of Archbishop Carlos Manuel Escribano Subías, Archbishop of Zaragoza, delivered at the Shrine of the Virgin of Pilar during the opening Eucharist of the Jubilee Year on January 27.
Then, in an atmosphere of simplicity and depth, we gathered in small groups to share:
What do I thank the Society for in these years of my religious life? INSPIRATION.
What has strengthened my sense of belonging to the Company? SENSE.
And what is my dream, my invitation for this year? HOPE.
Each reflection took shape on strips of paper of different colors that, as they were shared, were woven together as a sign of communion. Afterwards, we offered them on an altar prepared with the Paschal Candle and the relic of Our Father, as an expression of gratitude, dedication and commitment.
Rosaura Jorge, provincial coordinator, presented each community with a candle with the 150th anniversary logo and the inscription: "Teresian Education that inspires with meaning and hope".
We prayed together, uniting our voices and hearts, the following prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus,
thank you for the life that is reborn in us
and for these 150 years walking with you.
Thank you for each person you have loved, taught and served,
making your light present in the midst of the world.
Today we ask you: Make us a community of life,
faithful to the spirit of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. Henry of Osso,
Able to love without measure and to sow hope.
Touch our heart, renew our vocation
and teach us to see you in each person.
May our life announce, with simplicity and joy,
that You are alive among us. Amen
We concluded the celebration with the song "Parece que sí", in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity and as a simple and meaningful gesture, we also received a chocolate with the 150th anniversary commemorative wrapper.
