Lima, Peru – August 19, 2024 – In a moving event, the Congregation of the Canonesas de la Cruz celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of its foundress, Venerable Mother Teresa de la Cruz. This event, held at the Santa Teresita Motherhouse in Lima, brought the community together to honor the life and legacy of a woman who, through her deep faith and devotion to Christ, gave hope and spiritual guidance to thousands of people.
Mother Teresa de la Cruz, born on August 19, 1874, is an outstanding figure in the Catholic Church in Peru and far beyond. Endowed with an extraordinary vocation, in 1924 she founded the Congregation of the Canonesas de la Cruz, a religious community dedicated to education and spiritual accompaniment. Her vision was to live a life of deep union with Christ and to place this spirituality at the service of charity and evangelization.
The Canonesas de la Cruz, whose name means "Canons of the Cross", are a community of women who live and work according to the principles of the Cross. Their charism is marked by the spirituality of the Cross and they strive to reflect in their lives and work the mystery of suffering and redemption embodied in the Cross of Christ.
Anniversary celebrations and gratitude
The anniversary began with a Eucharist celebrated by a priest and grand-nephew of Mother Teresa de la Cruz. This Mass was a deeply spiritual moment that brought the community together in gratitude and prayer. The participants, including Mother General Alicia Tasayco, the Sisters of the Grand Council, as well as many members of the Congregation, felt strongly inspired by the presence of God and the spiritual legacy of the Foundress.
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Photos:Sister Margarita |
In her speech, Mother General Alicia Tasayco thanked all those present and emphasized the importance of unity and common faith, which is evident in the work of the Canonesas de la Cruz. "All in Christ," the motto of the congregation, was the heart of the celebration and called on those present to continue to make Christ the center of their service and life.
In addition to the members of the Congregation, teachers and educators from the schools run by the Canonesas de la Cruz, as well as friends and partners of the community, also participated in the celebrations. This diverse gathering of believers reflected the broad impact that the work of the Canonesas de la Cruz has had in Peru and beyond.
A legacy of charity and education
Since their foundation in 1924, the Canonesas de la Cruz have worked tirelessly to implement the vision of their founder. They are primarily active in education, running schools and educational institutions where they impart not only knowledge but also values and faith. Educating people in Christian charity and promoting a deep spiritual relationship with Christ are central elements of their educational approach.
The Canonesas de la Cruz have also been very socially active in recent decades. They work in hospitals, social institutions and support disadvantaged communities throughout Peru. Their work reflects Mother Teresa de la Cruz's conviction that true following of Christ consists in actively loving one's neighbour and serving those most in need.
Looking to the future
While the 150th anniversary is a moment of reflection and gratitude, the Canonesas de la Cruz community also looks to the future. They remain committed to keeping the legacy of their founder alive and to providing a firm anchor of faith and charity in a changing world.
The anniversary of Mother Teresa de la Cruz is a reminder of how deeply faith can shape a community and enable it to spread light and hope across generations. May the work of the Canonesas de la Cruz continue to touch many hearts and illuminate the path of many people in the years to come.
