Since 11 January 2025, the Cañada de los Perales roundabout in Guadix (Granada), has been home to a new monument that recognises the work of the Teresian Association in this town
Photo taken by Colegio Pedro Poveda de Guadix.
The initiative came from the Guadix Town Hall. They wished to pay tribute to the Teresian Association with an artistic creation, ‘that not only adds beauty to the surroundings, but is also a symbol of an association that has dedicated its work to the integral education of so many generations of the local residents’, as Jesús Lorente, mayor of the town, said in his speech.
This event held on 11 January brought to a close the activities that had been held to mark the centenary of the pontifical approval of the TA. Also present at the ceremony were the director of the TA East Andalusia Area, Carmen Mora, the dean of the cathedral, Juan Sáez (representing Francisco Orozco Mengíbar, Bishop of Guadix) and the town councillor, Encarnación Pérez.
The sculpture
The sculpture consists of a book and two hands that reach out to intertwine. It is made of Corten steel. Its creator, Juan Galán, has managed to capture the essence of the TA which he said was a striving to contribute to human and social advancement.
The book part of the monument has a quote from St Pedro Poveda that says, ‘Whatever you do, do it from the heart’. In the words of Juan Sáez, this is ‘a lovely prayer because it can be a yardstick for life for all those who are moved by faith; it invites us to do things from our hearts and not just in appearance.’
Photo taken by Colegio Pedro Poveda de Guadix.
After the Dean proceeded to bless the monument, the mayor of Guadix said a few words. He stressed that the reason for this tribute was mainly that of gratitude and recognition to ‘these brave, learned, caring women whose human qualities are impressive and who have been working for real social revival in a neighbourhood of generations-old marginalisation and vulnerability. Since its arrival in the city, the Teresian Association has left an indelible mark on the lives of many of the local residents. It has been able to cultivate the values of education in civic spirit, the promotion of justice and commitment to society.
He added that the monument represents not only 100 years of pontifical approval of the Teresian Association, but also the gratitude of an entire city that has seen how the educational work of the TA has transformed lives.
After a brief word of thanks from Carmen Mora, the event ended with a recital by violinist Fernando Rodríguez Fernández, who played several pieces.
The event is captured in this video recorded by the Pedro Poveda School in Guadix.
TA Info.
TA Translation Team.
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