On Saturday 27 July in Montevideo, the TA celebrated the centenary of pontifical approval and the feast of St Pedro Poveda. They came together for Mass in the parish of the Dominican Fathers and later held a reception at TA headquarters.
This is the parish that was frequented by the first TA members to come to this country more than 80 years ago. We had a joyful gathering with members, co-workers and friends celebrating the impact of the charism on their lives and the bonds that have been woven over the years. A group from Paysandú spoke about the sowing of the charism in the interior of the country. A choir formed by members of the two cities animated our participation in music and song.
The archbishop of Montevideo, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, presided at the Mass and a number of priests concelebrated. The Cardinal referred to the first TA members who arrived in 1939 to advise the Association of Catholic Students and Professionals. Thus began a continuous TA presence in the educational and cultural world of the country as well as in the local Church.
The homily was given by Rev. Pablo Bonavía, a theologian who is very familiar with the TA charism. He good-humouredly said that an outside observer would be surprised to see a celebration with such joy and energy because of a papal document of which most of those present would probably have no knowledge. However, he pointed out that it had made possible the presence of the TA charism in so many countries and settings where it is a way of being. It is like salt that is discreet and healing and adds seasoning to life. He recognised this way of being as very characteristic of the TA charism.
After Communion, there was time for testimonies. Mary Larrosa, from the local TA, spoke with emotion about everything she has received in her long career since she started as a student. Francesca Antonelli, a TA member from Italy who was having an experience of living in Uruguay, added an international note. She spoke of the family spirit that transcends frontiers of time and space. Silvana and Guillerme, ACIT members from Brazil who had come to the city to attend a congress, also alluded to the welcome and family spirit of the TA.
The festivities continued at the Montevideo headquarters. There was laughter, conversations, memories, greetings, updates on life, etc. Joy shone on faces as people greeted each other. The party went on well into the night.
TA Uruguay.
TYA Translators Team.
Published in News