Bogota (Colombie), 02/08/2023, Sr. Nubia Yanet Chávez.- To remember these 150 years since the arrival of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation in Colombia is to recognize the merciful presence of God in the history of so many people who have been reached by the Charity of Marie Poussepin in this beloved land. Like our sisters said 150 years ago: "We greet with enthusiasm this beautiful land that will be our new Homeland and where God has sent us to make it known and loved" (Taken from the Book The Presentation in Colombia Volume I, Sr. Rosa de Lima)
By commemorating the arrival of the first 6 French Sisters in Colombia, the Province of Bogotá and Santafé, since 2022, have been preparing for this great celebration, remembering the story in a creative way on Congregational Day, which is the first day of the annual retreat.
For 2023, different activities are scheduled to accompany this pleasant celebration, some of which are mentioned:
In the vocational line, the interprovincial novitiate Santa Clara - Manizales, makes a video to share with the Sisters on the 21st during the months of February, March, April and May, which will favor remembering, recovering the history and the participation of some Sisters with their testimony.
In the communities, in addition to the reflections and study of history, the presentation of a social project is being prepared, directed by the Justice and Peace Solidarity Commission.
With the laity and recipients of the mission, different materials have been prepared in order to make this event known and appreciated: Provincial Calendar with the historical theme of the arrival in Bogotá, especially in San Juan de Dios Hospital; the school agendas of the students of the private institutions, which summarize the details of the missionary mission of the sisters, brochures that compile the history, the route that the sisters followed to get to Bogotá, audiovisual material, talks and visits to the archive of the Central House that help to strengthen the identity and sense of belonging to the Congregation.
Finally, on June 21, 2023, the reopening of the restored Chapel will take place, in the Central House, which after 3 years of intense structural work is being remodeled and will open its doors again to welcome the sisters of the different provincial governments of Colombia and El Carible, to celebrate with joy this great missionary audacity. It should be noted that each one of these Structures gives away the cost of the stained-glass windows that will remember the history of The Presentation in Colombia.
In this way we want to highlight this great event that fills us with joy and gratitude for the generosity and dedication of the first Sisters.
