On the afternoon of 25 July, we celebrated the life and legacy of Saint Pedro Poveda at the Teresian Association headquarters in Lima, Peru. This open community gathering was attended by members, collaborators, families, and friends. This year, the celebration coincided with Peru’s National Day on 28 July, the date of Poveda's martyrdom.
The celebration's theme provided the framework for a dialogue between Saint Pedro Poveda and Chus, a woman clown. Chus joyfully and gratefully recalled the presence of Pedro Poveda in the caves of Guadix. They discussed the origins of the 'Good Idea' –the Teresian Association– and its subsequent expansion across the Americas. They also talked about Poveda’s martyrdom and the legacy he left us: a commitment to the relationship between faith and culture through education and the empowerment of individuals to transform our world.
It was also an opportunity to raise awareness of, and reflect on, our work and projects in Peru. During the discussions and performances, we enjoyed the 'Rumba a Poveda', and a Peruvian marina dance. Finally, a young rapper performed a rap song based on what he had read about Father Poveda. This closing act encouraged us to support young people and their dreams, and to engage with the challenges faced by educators and families in Peru. Poveda lived in difficult times, and so do we. However, we face these times with hope and courage.
Thanks to everyone’s contributions, more than a hundred of us gathered that afternoon to pay tribute to Father Poveda’s life of service.
If you’d like to watch the video of the celebration, click here.
TA in Lima.
Published in News