Chile recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the pontifical approval of the Teresian Association. We have received a chronicle from there about the event held in Santiago Cathedral.
On 3 August the sun shone brightly in the Chilean capital as the Teresian family gathered in the cathedral in Santiago, a place where the great republican milestones of the country are commemorated.
Santiago Cathedral was decked out in a festive way to receive the message of the TA community. They are a very active group that follow the call of St Pedro Poveda, the founder of an association of lay people with the aim of ‘extending the reign of God in the world’. We continue to be challenged by that goal and it invites us to become ‘salt of the earth’.
A solid rock
Eladia Román, Director of the Sector of Chile, welcomed the participants and spoke about the work of St Pedro Poveda and how he was a martyr at the service of the Church. His sacrifice reinforced this transforming and avant-garde message that is still needed in the 21st century. She also talked about our prayerful community that joyfully builds and contributes to a society that seeks answers in the midst of various crises that are shaping the world today.
The Mass on 3 August was presided by Archbishop Fernando Chomalí of Santiago. During his homily, he asked what would have become of Santiago or Chile without the Teresian Association; what would have become of so many people if they had not studied with the Teresian Association and had not learned about the life of St Pedro Poveda. His answer was that it would have become a different Santiago; the people would be different; the country would be different.
He then stressed that the work inspired by this saint is immense and that only God knows how many people have met Jesus Christ because of it, and how many people have come closer to the Church and how many people have fallen in love with the Gospels. He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the work done and asked God to grant them perseverance to continue for many years and centuries to come, supported by Christ’s promise to be with us until the end of time.
Harmony
The community spirit of the Teresian Association could be seen in the choir composed of choristers from the three TA schools in Chile: Alberto Perez School in Maipu, Teresa Brown School in Ariztiain La Calera and the Teresian Association School in Las Condes. Harmony, melody and rhythm reached every corner of Santiago Cathedral, giving an even more solemn and majestic air to the celebration of this anniversary.
Gratitude and looking to the future
The celebration showed the important role that the Teresian Association holds in Chile. The community continues to live out the transforming values of St Pedro Poveda, and they came together for this occasion, illuminated by the sun and the warmth of many stories, those of every person there.
We celebrate this centenary with grateful memory for all that we have experienced and by taking up the challenge for the future. This implies renewed commitment to continue evangelising through the dialogue between faith and culture, education that uplifts humanity and commitment to advance humanity in all its dimensions. This is to be done with courage and dynamic energy in our lives and mission.
Teresian Association Chile.
TA Translations Team.
Published in News