As part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, the Teresian Province of María Peregrina in Paraguay experienced a historic moment of deep communion, gratitude, and joy. The Eucharistic celebration, held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción, was presided over by Cardinal Adalberto Martínez, Archbishop of Asunción.

The Mass was concelebrated by Monsignor Gabriel Escobar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Chaco and the following priests: Hugo Maidana, SJ; Óscar Martín, SJ; Jorge Centurión, and Aldo Bernal, along with Deacon Richard Acosta and other deacons who joined in this significant act of thanksgiving for the 150th anniversary of the Society of Saint Teresa of Jesus.

This Eucharistic celebration, held in conjunction with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and the Visitation, not only commemorated a century and a half of fidelity to the Teresian charism of Saint Enrique de Ossó, but also served as a vivid demonstration of how deeply it has taken root in our land.

The event was a celebration of the Teresian “big family,” where Sisters from various communities in Paraguay, along with their relatives, schools, and apostolic groups from across the country, gathered to renew their commitment. We would like to highlight the presence of those who make up this “Teresian network” in Paraguay:

• Mission sites where there is no longer a community of Sisters: Coronel Oviedo (Caaguazú), Calle Última and the San Felipe neighborhood (Asunción), Eusebio Ayala and Caraguatay (Cordillera), Cerrito (Ñeembucú), Katueté (Canindeyú)
• Educational and pastoral institutions: Teresian School of Asunción, Diocesan Missionary School of St. John the Baptist, and the San Enrique de Ossó Schools in Limpio, San Lorenzo, and Lambaré.
• Groups and movements: MTA, Teresian Foundation, Teresian Associates, Teresians at Heart, the Mons. Oscar Romero Community (formerly Marina Kue, Canindeyú), and the inter-congregational presence in Bahía Negra (Chaco)

At the conclusion of the Mass, Sister Rosaura Jorge, stj, Provincial Coordinator, took the floor and said:

“On this 150th anniversary of the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, we give thanks to God for the vision of Saint Enrique de Ossó, which came to life and took deep root in the world—and , for the past 111 years, in Paraguay as well. We are grateful for the witness of so many sisters who have left an indelible mark through education, as well as to the alumnae and the entire Teresian Family who keep this legacy of service and solidarity alive. With gratitude for the gifts and graces received, we renew our trust that Saint Enrique de Ossó, who has a “very special fondness for this country,” and Saint Teresa of Jesus will continue to accompany us on our journey. We look to the future with enthusiasm and hope.”

More than just a remembrance of the past, this anniversary serves as a source of inspiration for the present. The María Peregrina Province reaffirms its mission to continue supporting the people—especially children, young people, and families— by “fostering a transformative community life that promotes dignity.”

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this gathering possible: from the ushers and the liturgy team to the families, teachers, and students who participated and turned this celebration into a joyful encounter with history and dreams.

We move forward with the joy of knowing that, as Enrique de Ossó taught us, “Everything for Jesus” remains the guiding principle as we journey toward the future.