A Space to Connect Faith and Life

María Antonia París Spirituality House, a place of spirituality, silence, and mission in network with others

During the canonical visit to the Province of Europe, Priscilla Latela, Superior General, and Amilbia Penagos, Prefect of Formation, arrived at the Barcelona community to share fraternal life from December 20 to 25.

Remembering Barcelona is meaningful for all the Claretian Missionary Sisters, because here we encounter the loving and smiling presence of the Venerable Teresita Albarracín. She inspires everyone, especially young people. She left us a testimony of love through her silent and joyful self-giving in the simplicity of everyday life, and she inspires us to live as daughters of God, for God, and for others.

During the days of the visit, various gatherings took place with the Claretian Family present in Barcelona: the CMF, the MIC, and ourselves. It was a fraternal and prayerful space, centered on the person and virtues of Teresita Albarracín: simplicity, the joy of feeling like a beloved daughter of God, and living with a hopeful attitude, trusting that God can do all things. After prayer, we gathered around the table, where conversation became a closer and more joyful space, strengthening family bonds.

There were also other fraternal, friendly, and ecclesial encounters: the visit we made to Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, with whom we shared about the ecclesial reality, its growth, and its presence among the people, as well as the challenges it faces, which become “calls” for us. Sharing with Joan Obach, parish priest of the Church of Saint Vincent of Sarrià, where our sisters are also present, was enriching as well. The dialogue with Llorenç Puig, SJ, responsible for pastoral ministry in the Department of Chemistry at the Jesuit University in Barcelona, an area where the community is also connected through volunteer work, was another meaningful encounter. Another significant visit was to the “Assis” Center, a welcoming center that guarantees care for people experiencing homelessness. One sister from the community collaborates there as a volunteer.

These were days of special gratitude for the gift of the Claretian vocation in service to the Church and the world. The celebration of the Mystery of the Incarnation was at the heart of the visit, reminding us how God continues to love us and reveal himself in the simplicity of life.

Han sido días de especial gratitud por el don de la vocación claretiana al servicio de la Iglesia y del mundo.   Y la celebración del Misterio de la Encarnación fue el centro de la visita, recordándonos cómo Dios continúa amándonos y revelándose en la simplicidad de la vida.