Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Beatrice da Silva

From September 15 to 18, the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Beatrice da Silva, founder of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, took place in Toledo, Spain. About 170 nuns from all over the world gathered for the occasion. 

At the opening, Br. Fabio César Gomes, General Delegate pro Monialibus (for cloistered religious women), presided over the Eucharistic celebration and read the message of the OFM General Minister, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, addressed to the sisters.

Saint Beatrice lived her last earthly stage right in Toledo and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1976, on October 3, the day of the Transitus of St. Francis: "This is not just a coincidence to be noted with curiosity, but a light from which to reread your vocation", wrote Br. Massimo.

A rereading that leads to the Franciscan depth of the charisma of the Conceptionists, based on the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary that St. Francis called the Advocate of his Order, the Virgin made Church. "It was the Franciscan school that defended and developed the truth of the Immaculate Conception when it was still the subject of debate: that same truth that Beatrice put at the center of your life centuries before it became dogma. Your devotion to the Immaculate Conception does not merely stand alongside the Franciscan charisma: it constitutes the Marian heart of it".

The jubilee event, organized by the Confederation of Conceptionist Sisters of St. Beatrice da Silva, was also attended by Br. José María Alonso OFM (conference "The historical, religious and social context of 15th century Spain. Beatrice in Toledo”); Br. Ángel Pinedo OFM, Assistant of the Our Lady of Aránzazu Federation ("The spirituality and charisma of Santa Beatrice"); Br. Joaquín Zurera OFM, Minister of the Province of the Immaculate Conception; Br. Santiago Agrelo OFM and Br. Juan Oliver OFM, the bishops emeriti, who participated in the final Eucharist and gratitude for the meeting.

Download the message from the Minister General: Español – Português
Download the program of the event: Español