On the second day of the International Gathering marking the 150th anniversary of the Company of Saint Teresa , the participants traveled today to Montserrat, one of the most significant places in the vocational history of Saint Enrique de Ossó and a site deeply connected to the roots of the Teresian charism.
The pilgrimage began early this morning with a time of prayer and inner preparation during the journey. Once in Montserrat, after the floral offering at the statue of Our Father and thewelcoming remarks by the provincial coordinator, Esther Medina, the group was welcomed in an atmosphere of joy and fellowship by the Benedictine community:
"Good morning. We are here, at the gates of Montserrat and before the statue of Enric d'Ossó. Here we see him as if he were always reminding us: 'In the shadow of the Virgin, the Society grows and flourishes.' We need her maternal, sure, and trusting protection. In her, together with our Father, we place our trust and hope.” Esther Medina, stj.
The celebration of the Eucharist was one of the highlights of the day—a special occasion to give thanks for 150 years of shared history and to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, which continues to sustain the life and mission of the Society. We share the words of Ángela Cuadra at the beginning of the celebration:
"In the embrace of this mountain, which symbolizes the strength of the 'yes' we have spoken and renewed throughout our history, we gather to give thanks to God for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus. The sisters and other members of the Teresian Family who are with us today gratefully recall the life, mission, and journey we have taken. Montserrat is not only a milestone in the history of St. Henry, but a sacred place where our vocation expands and we recognize ourselves as part of a history woven by so many self-sacrificing lives, a history that remains open today to the renewing power of the Spirit.
As we place our lives and mission in the hands of La Moreneta, we ask for the grace of renewed hope, bold faith, and a willing heart. May this Eucharist strengthen our resolute determination to continue transforming reality through the Gospel, bearing witness to God’s tenderness in the midst of the world."
At the conclusion of the Mass, the sisters renewed their consecration to Our Lady of Montserrat. At the feet of La Moreneta, they renewed their commitment and entrusted to her the present and future of the Teresian mission, aware that they are part of a history that continues to bear fruit in many parts of the world. Just when we thought the Mass had ended, there was still one surprise in store: the abbot of the Monastery of Montserrat read a message sent directly from Rome by the apostolic nuncio:
"The Holy Father Leo XIV cordially greets the religious sisters of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of their foundation, as well as the Teresian family of Saint Henry of Ossó and the other faithful participating in the Holy Mass of thanksgiving for this joyful event, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat.”
His Holiness encourages the religious sisters of that Institute toremain faithful to the charism received from their holy founder and to continue boldly sharing the ancient yet ever-new wisdom of the Gospel in the fields of education, catechesis, and human development, where they carry out the mission entrusted to them by the Church. Likewise, he asks the Lord that, gathered at the feet of the Mother of God in this place so deeply loved by Saint Enrique de Ossó, all who join in this joyful anniversary may grow in faith and experience God’s tenderness in their lives.
With these sentiments, the Holy Father, invoking the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, cordially imparts the requested apostolic blessing, which he gladly extends to their families, benefactors, and other loved ones. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.
You can continue reading the second part of the event here.
All photos are available here.
