The Teresian Association in Mexico went on pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe with joy and hope, in commemoration of the centenary of TA pontifical approval.
On 20 April 2024, the Teresian Association in Mexico joyfully celebrated the centenary of TA pontifical approval with Our Lady of Guadalupe. The members, co-workers, friends, relatives, people close to the Association and others all met at the door of the Basilica. This is the second event that has been held to mark an anniversary that encourages us to make visible and share the gift of the Teresian vocation as lay people in the world.
The first part of our gathering with Our Lady was at 10:00 am. Among those who arrived there were young people from the University Residence, families from the Pedro Poveda School and the Victoria Diez Human Rights Centre from León Guanajuato; from the state of Mexico there was a group of young people and people from the parish of St María Ajoloapan; from the state of Puebla, there were family members who walked on pilgrimage to place themselves under the protection of Our Lady with prayers, reflections and songs.
Mass
The Mass was presided by Bishop Francisco Javier Acero, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico. He spoke about the presence of the TA in Mexico City and in the Maria Isabel Dondé Institute (IMID). He also mentioned the first Teresian members in Mexico: Amparito San Juan and Maria Victoria and Carmina San Juan, “women of open doors who came to our country at a difficult time to help young people, especially women, with their professional development.” Today’s members work for recognition of human rights and for justice; they accompany people who are in situations of exclusion and marginalisation, they work in education and they build community.
He also said that the TA “does much good for the Church with its lay commitment in this time of synodality”. Then he spoke of Peter and Paul and who paved the way forward and performed miracles accompanied by the Word of God. He invited the whole Teresian family to “perform miracles today, with a capacity to listen and for dialogue, among the people wherever you are and where the need for God is felt. From this you build community.” These emotional words were echoed by those who participated in the Mass. Bishop Acero asked the hundreds of people there to recognize the Teresian Association in Mexico, for its corporate activities, social projects and individual work, but above all “for being an association called to holiness and to recognize and be grateful for the charism of Pedro Poveda for the Church.” All the people present applauded enthusiastically.
Delicious mole
After our Mass of thanksgiving, we continued celebrating with a meal. All who had come on pilgrimage shared in the festivities. The organising team received us with joy and affection, and we had the opportunity to greet each other, chat and share some delicious mole, a typical dish for a day of celebration.
As we concluded our time together, we expressed our gratitude for this pilgrimage and Mass. It was a moment of fellowship with memories and recognition as we celebrated 100 years of pontifical approval with people from places in Mexico where the TA has a presence. We presented to Our Lady of Guadalupe the lives, journeys, efforts, desires and the daily struggle of those who suffer and are the most vulnerable in today's society. We also asked for new vocations to the Association. On this journey we welcomed the voice of Our Lady of Guadalupe who tenderly says to us, as she did to Juan Diego: “Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid, for I am here; I am your Mother.”
We returned to our places of origin with grateful hearts, knowing that we are part of the Association. We said with confidence: “We will continue the ‘Work’.”
TA Mexico.
TA Translation Team.
Published in News