Filled with excitement and joy, and in a warm, family-like atmosphere, the International Gathering —through which the Company of Saint Teresa is celebrating its 150 years of history, life, and mission—has begun in Tortosa .
The first day, held today, June 19, was marked by reunions—some sisters began arriving days ago, while others arrived just today—a warm welcome, and the opportunity to return to the roots that gave rise to the dream of Saint Enrique de Ossó.
The afternoon began with the distribution of credentials and participation materials to all the sisters from different parts of the world; this first moment of gathering filled the spaces of the house with faces, hugs, and conversations. Little by little, the participants became aware of the universal nature of this celebration, recognizing themselves as part of the same family that continues to bring to life the legacy received 150 years ago.
After the group dinner, the welcome activity “Enrédate” took place — an initiative designed to help participants get to know one another and build connections. It was a simple yet meaningful time that allowed everyone to put names and faces to the people they’ll be spending these days with.
Next, the themes that will guide the entire International Gathering were presented. The invitation was clear: to experience these days not as a mere succession of activities, but as an opportunity to give thanks for our shared history, to acknowledge God’s faithfulness throughout the generations, and to renew our commitment to continue building, with creativity and courage, responses to the challenges of our time.
The day concluded with a time of prayer and reflection inspired by the Teresian motto “From being to being”— a time to prepare the heart and open oneself inwardly to deeply experience all that will take place over the coming days. In an atmosphere of silence, the participants entrusted their desires, concerns, and hopes to God, thus beginning this journey of celebration and pilgrimage with open hearts.
The celebration has only just begun. We invite the entire Teresian Family to follow this event closely through our social media channels, where we will be sharing the most meaningful moments of these days of gathering, grateful remembrance, and renewed hope. You can view the photos here: International Gathering, June 19–23, Tortosa | Flickr
We share the remarks of Sister Ángela Cuadra, who, following the opening remarks by Sister Ester Medina, the provincial coordinator, delivered the opening address:
"Dear sisters, friends, and members of the Teresian Family:
Today we begin this International Gathering, through which we wish to celebrate and give thanks for the 150th anniversary of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus.
We have come from different parts of the world, with diverse languages, cultures, and histories. We arrive with joys and concerns, with quests, questions, and hopes. And we find ourselves gathered here by something that unites us more deeply than our differences: the gift of a charism that we have received and that continues to give life. We are gathered in Tortosa, a land deeply connected to our origins. It was here that a dream began to take shape—a dream that, sustained by God’s faithfulness and the dedication of many people, has been passed down to us. And today, it is we who are part of that story. During these days, we want to live as pilgrims. Walking together, listening, sharing, giving thanks. Allowing ourselves to be encountered by God in places, in people, in conversations, in silences, and in all that these days have to offer us. We have come to celebrate a history, but also to recognize one another as companions on the journey. To strengthen the bonds that unite us as a Teresian family. To renew the joy of the vocation we have received and the confidence to continue responding—each from our own reality—to what our world needs. May these days find us with open hearts, attentive to life, and ready to let ourselves be surprised. We begin this journey together."
