Today’s journey has taken us to Tarragona, the city where the Company of Saint Teresa was founded and where the inspiration that gave rise to this shared history—"Everything for Jesus"—continues to resonate strongly.
In the morning, accompanied by some of the teachers from the school in Tarragona, we walked through the streets and visited the houses where the first sisters of the Society lived. During the tour, we reflected on those courageous women who, alongside St. Enrique de Ossó, boldly responded to the needs of their time and laid the foundations for a mission that, 150 years later, continues to thrive in various parts of the world. It was truly moving—in the most literal sense of the word—to see the very bricks upon which the Society began to be built.
The highlight of the day was the Eucharist of Thanksgiving, celebrated in the cathedral and presided over by the Archbishop of Tarragona, Monsignor Joan Planellas. It was a special moment in which the gathered Teresian Family acknowledged God’s faithfulness throughout these years and renewed its commitment to continue promoting the interests of Jesus in today’s world. Around the bread and wine, the first founders were made present, along with the sisters who have been and continue to be part of this history, and the many people who today continue to expand the Teresian mission through their diverse vocations and cultures. We also remembered the three teenagers who tragically died yesterday on the beach in Tarragona and their families.
Next to the image of Our Father, 22 flags represented the 22 countries where the Society is present today around the world. We have so many reasons to give thanks! Sister Ángela Cuadra, stj, delivered the opening remarks:
Archbishop Joan Planelles, Bishop Sergi Gordo, and our priest friends, thank you for presiding over and concelebrating this Eucharist with us.
Dear sisters, dear friends of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus and the Teresian Family:
We are here, on this very ground where some young women said “yes” and our story began. And that, in and of itself, is a cause for deep gratitude.
A 150-year journey is not celebrated by taking stock. It is celebrated by returning to the source: to the One who called us, sustained us, and continues to call us. Our Constitutions remind us that we are “women called by God to promote the interests of Jesus in order to restore all things in Him.” We are not an institution commemorating its history; we are a community of disciples setting out once more on our journey.
The motto that accompanies us this year, “Time is running out, and circumstances are pressing,” expresses the urgency that Enrique de Ossó felt to offer a response of faith and hope to his world. Today, as then, the call is not, above all, to do more, but to see and listen in a different way: to let ourselves be moved by the wounds of our world, as Jesus was, so that we may go out to meet those who are seeking reasons to keep walking and hoping.
As we celebrate this story woven from acts of faithfulness, we are invited to renew our commitment to this life’s journey and to live it with inspiration, purpose, and hope—not a naive hope, but the deep trust of those who know that God continues to act in history. The same confidence that inspired Enrique de Ossó. The same confidence that brings us together here today.
Let us prepare to celebrate this Eucharist as a family, grateful for the many gifts we have received and open to what still lies ahead of us.
The celebration continued in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with a meal at El Tinglado restaurant, next to the harbor. On this occasion, it was the Vicar General, Sister Pilar Liso, STJ, who said a few words before the meal began:
(..) Tarragona was not chosen by chance. It was the place where a specific need met a response inspired by the Spirit. And that is what our world continues to need: not grand theories, but concrete presences in response to real needs. It was here that an identity began to take shape . Here they learned that holiness and intelligence go hand in hand; that prayer and action are part of the same commitment. Here, in the Chapel of St. Paul, the founders took their first vows. And from here they set out— like clouds that fertilize different soils—toward Vilallonga, toward Barcelona, toward places no one could have imagined.
What began here did not remain here. And that is one of the most beautiful aspects of Tarragona’s history: that it was not a destination, but a starting point. A city that knew how to give without holding back; that knew how to provide roots and also wings (...)
After these moving words, our hearts were set ablaze, and the Teresian fire began to fill everything. So much so that the fire alarm even went off, and for a moment we were startled… only to discover a few minutes later, with relief, that the traditional crema catalana they were preparing for dessert had browned a little more than intended and had set off an overly sensitive smoke detector. It all turned out to be just a funny little story!
Back in Tortosa, we continued the party with some dancing and relaxed conversation outside the house, where we really appreciated the ice-cold drinks that helped us beat the heat.
We continue to enjoy this pilgrimage.
You can view photos from the day at the following link: International Gathering - June 21 | Flickr
