MADRID, Spain, JAN. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the founding inspiration of the Teresian Association was an idea to give renewed courage in an exacting Christian life.
With this affirmation, the Pope alluded to phrases cherished by the Teresian spiritual family in a message to them for the 100th anniversary of foundation.
The Teresian Association was founded by St. Pedro Poveda in Covadonga, Spain, in 1911. Today it is present in 30 countries and is classified as a private international association of the faithful.
Recalling these beginnings, the Holy Father said: «An idea was born before the loving gaze of Our Lady of Covadonga, a good idea to give renewed courage to an exacting Christian life and to a generous mission to evangelize and humanize the various social sectors.»
The official ceremony to open the centenary celebrations took place last Saturday in Madrid.
Benedict XVI referred to the founder, whom he said «brought [the Teresian Association] to life with determination, gentleness and competence.»
The Pope joined in thanksgiving to God «for the many gifts received from his goodness during these years, for the fruits of holiness attained, particularly in the holy founder, and in Blessed Victoria Díez and Venerable Josefa Segovia.»
He invited «Teresians and their associates to renew with joy their commitment to cultivate diligently in their heart the presence of Christ, according to the great teacher in the things of the spirit, St. Teresa, so that their lives are an example in the world and their activities project the light of God in every human being.»
The Pope entrusted to Mary the initiatives and celebrations of the commemoration «so that they will attain many fruits in that passionate task of awakening the Christian and human soul in the world of education, culture and integral promotion of the person» and he imparted to all the members of the association his Apostolic Blessing.
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