Bucaramanga (Colombia), 09/14/2024, Sr. Adelaida Alba Botello.- The restructuring has brought with it the experience of synodality in the willingness to walk together as the new province of Our Lady of the Presentation. For this reason, a very special celebration was held to honor the Lord's faithfulness to six sisters who were celebrating their 60 years of consecration, five sisters who were celebrating 25 years, and, in the spring of her life, the religious consecration of novice Yenny Paola Flórez Álvarez.
The chapel of the Holy Trinity in Turena was beautifully prepared for the occasion. The festive tone of the environment was felt in the greetings exchanged between the Sisters, their families, and the honorees. The choir tuned the notes of voices and instruments as the chapel gradually filled to capacity. The procession began, led by the banner and then the cortege of Sisters with their lights lit—first 60, then 25, followed by the novice, Sr. María Elizabeth Caicedo, provincial prioress, and Father Segundo Antonio Anacona, who led the retreat and would preside over the Eucharist. The voices of the entrance hymn emphasized the reason for the celebration: to give thanks and celebrate the Lord’s love.
The call of Sr. María Elizabeth to the novice Yenny Paola and her response, “Here I am, Lord, You have called me,” was deepened in the homily, where Father Segundo revisited the Lord's invitation in the Liturgy of the Word: “Come and you will see,” a communal experience of following as disciples of the only Teacher, in His school of humility. A desert journey experienced in various stages and meaningful moments by the sisters being honored. The "Suscipe" expressed the consecration and renewal made by the Sisters, who then presented their offerings before the altar: roses, a clay vessel, bread, and wine. The solemnity of this celebration culminated with the singing of the Magnificat.
The corridors of Turena bore witness to the joy in the congratulatory embraces, photos, fraternal dialogue, and the toast—a moment to raise the glass and recognize that God is always faithful. Music and dancing extended the family celebration. Finally, the fraternal table was shared in simplicity, a moment to enjoy the closeness of God in those who have accompanied this journey in various ways.
This experience left in us a deep sense of fraternity. The care in each detail, the messages and gifts received, the dedication of the sisters who prepared the ceremony and celebration—everything experienced is a sign of the hundredfold promised by the Lord and brought to life in the Community. Infinite gratitude to the Province for fostering these beautiful family moments.
