On January 27, feast of St. Henry of Osso, the Teresian Province of Europe began the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Society of St. Teresa of Jesus. It was a deeply significant date, lived simultaneously in different parts of Spain and Portugal, which marked the beginning of a jubilee year full of grateful memory, renewed commitment and shared hope.
The celebrations were mainly centered around the Eucharist, the heart of each meeting, which was carefully prepared and deeply lived. Churches, cathedrals, chapels and significant spaces became meeting places where the thanksgiving for the life and mission of the Society throughout these 150 years resounded strongly. The liturgy, carefully planned and participatory, helped to situate the anniversary not only as a look at the past, but also as a call to the present and the future.
The atmosphere that was breathed was, in all cases, deeply familiar. People from different generations - laymen and women, educators, young people, former students, friends, collaborators and members of the Teresian Family -gathered to celebrate a shared history. Gestures, symbols, songs and words made visible a charism that is still alive and continues to generate bonds, commitment and sense of belonging.
In addition to the liturgical ceremonies, the convivial spaces had a special value. Simple encounters, shared meals, aperitifs and moments of dialogue favored the reunion, the evocation of memories and the spontaneous expression of gratitude. Many faces showed the emotion of coming "home", of feeling part of a spiritual family that has left its mark on the personal and community life of so many people.
The feelings that prevailed during these celebrations were serene joy, deep gratitude and shared emotion. Joy for a work that is still alive; gratitude for the dedication of so many sisters and people who have made the mission possible; emotion to see that the Teresian charism continues to fertilize the present reality. Along with this, a climate of responsibility and commitment was also very present: the awareness of having received a valuable inheritance that asks to be cared for, recreated and transmitted with evangelical audacity.
The beginning of the 150th anniversary in the Teresian Province of Europe has been, thus, an experience of communion and hope. A celebration that has united memory and future, faith and life, history and mission. Throughout this Jubilee year, the Society will continue to offer spaces to celebrate, deepen and renew the "All for Jesus" that inspired St. Henry de Osso and that today continues to animate the shared journey.
If you want to see all the photos, visit the following link: Teresian Communication Albums of Ossó STJ | Flickr
