In the Spanish cities of Madrid and Valencia, two events were held at the end of November to close the centenary of the pontifical approval of the Teresian Association. In both cities, it could be seen that Pedro Poveda’s dream is still alive today.
Madrid: remembering, recreating, building
On Saturday 30 November, the Teresian Association in Madrid celebrated the closing of the centenary of the pontifical approval at its headquarters. Over 350 people gathered for an event that revolved around three words: remember, recreate, build.
Among those present were Maria Rita Martín Artacho, vice president of the TA, and Carmen Aparicio from the General Council.
The event lasted about two hours and was divided into several parts. First, a video summary of the history of the Teresian Association in Madrid was presented. This was followed by three panel discussions. The first dealt with transformative education. The speakers explained that the TA response was to focus on creating a climate where there can be respect, coexistence and accompaniment to help people thrive.
The last panel, on young people, confirmed that Poveda's words are still valid in our societies, and moreover ‘not only valid but absolutely necessary.’
Many of the young people present, together with some of the panellists and participants in the event, spoke of their recent experience of volunteering in Paiporta (Valencia) and they noted the call to ‘start by doing’.
It should be added that music, song and dance enlivened the intervals during the proceedings.
The second part of the event took place at the Colegio Mayor Pedro Poveda, where Josemi, an ACIT member, delighted children and adults with some magic tricks focused on the themes of the Teresian Association, and then introduced an exhibition featuring the three milestones in the history of the TA:
- Women who leave their mark. Photographs and biographies of some of the leading figures of the early years.
- Publications of the Teresian Association from Bulletin No. 1 of 1913 to the latest issue of the Revista Crítica.
- Innovation: Presentation of publications by IEPS, JARIS and other educational programmes or projects.
Valencia: social transformation
A couple of days earlier, on 28 November, Valencia also brought the centenary of the pontifical approval of the TA to a close with a panel discussion entitled: One hundred years committed to social transformation through education and culture.
The panellists addressed various topics related to the social action of the Teresian Association. In addition, it was mentioned that beyond the specific area of social action, ‘The presence of the TA has or should have social impact, understood as the transformation of reality’.
Afterwards, the NGDO InteRed was presented and its work with the Valencia Region for the past twenty-seven years. Then there was a talk on art and commitment in the schools of the Ángeles Galino Foundation for social transformation.
The event concluded with a personal experience of social commitment.
For further information, please visit the website of the TA in Spain: Madrid and Valencia.
TA Info. TA Traslation Team.
Published in News