75 Years of Life—and Still Growing

Sister María Crescencia Pérez Province

75 Years Generating Life with Gianelli in Pamplona

Seventy-five years ago, the city of Pamplona, a land fertile in vocations and deeply marked by Christian tradition, welcomed the discreet yet courageous arrival of a small group of religious from the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden. They came from Guriezo and Argentina, driven by a single desire: to expand and embody in this land the charism received from Saint Anthony Gianelli

The location where they settled was not accidental. At the suggestion of the bishop at that time, the Sisters established themselves outside the city walls, on the outskirts, where the need seemed greatest. Within Pamplona, numerous religious communities already existed; outside, however, a new field for mission was opening. That humble and obedient decision was profoundly evangelical: to go out, to move, to sow where no one had yet sown. And time has proven the fruitfulness of that initial gesture.

Since then, seventy-five years of uninterrupted presence, of intense and quiet mission, of daily dedication, have passed. Entire generations of Pamplona residents have been educated in the warmth of Gianelli’s educational and pastoral style: a style marked by closeness, firm tenderness, personalized attention, trust in people, and a profound passion for holistic education. It was not just about teaching content, but about forming hearts, about awakening vocations to life, to service, to social and Christian responsibility.

The history of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden in Pamplona is, therefore, a history of life created. Life in the classrooms, in the playgrounds, in the homes, in the communities; life in so many women and men who learned to read the world through the lens of love, commitment, and faith. A love received and given, a love that—as the Gospel reminds us—is always expansive.

Today, those of us who have received the torch from those first Sisters feel profoundly grateful and responsible. Grateful for the legacy we have received; responsible for safeguarding it and making it fruitful in the present. We want to continue generating life with Gianelli, especially in this significant time when two anniversaries converge: 75 years of presence in Pamplona and 75 years since Gianelli’s canonization, the Church’s recognition of the holiness of that profoundly human and deeply rooted in God.

For all of this, we can only give thanks to God. Thanks for the journey, for the people we have met, for the good sown, often quietly. During 2026, we wish to make this spirit visible through diverse, open, and shared celebrations with all those who, in one way or another, have had the joy of knowing Gianelli in Pamplona through the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden.

Celebrating is not just about looking back, but about renewing a commitment: to continue living and offering a love that educates, cares, and expands. Because true love never stands still.

 

Province Mother Caterina Podestà

For A Community Journey Of Liberation

On 7 and 8 January, at our Generalate House, the meeting of the Superiors took place, strongly desired by the Provincial Mother, with the aim of fostering a renewed awareness of the present-day role of the Superior within the community context

We were guided by Sister Donatella Forlani, professor of spirituality at the Antonianum in Rome.

She immediately focused our attention on interpersonal relationships, in the light of the relationship that God has chosen to establish with us: a relationship of unconditional love, a love that goes “to the very end”.

To love the other with all one’s heart means seeking to understand her sufferings and expectations, certainly different from my own, and becoming a guardian of her vocation, while also allowing myself to be safeguarded by her in my own vocation. I must always ask myself: from each sister, even the difficult one, what am I learning?

My way of living always shapes (or deforms!) the conscience of those who live beside me.

We often define ourselves by comparison with others; instead, let us compare ourselves with God who loves us, and then our behavior will change and, as a consequence, our relationships. Even limitations and fragilities are precious before God, who has always made use of fragility to carry forward His plan of redemption.

What gives quality to my relationships, therefore, is my spirituality, my spirit of transcendence

God loves me because, in His eyes, I am lovable. For this reason, He allows me to share in His evangelising mission.

 

 

St. Mary’s Province

Day of Joy and Togetherness at Divya Sadan, Sonkatch

The New Year was celebrated in our community with great joy, warmth, and a deep sense of togetherness. The gathering wasthoughtfully organized to create an atmosphere of relaxation, gratitude, and mutual bonding, allowing every member to begin the New Year in a spirit of unity and hope.

A special highlight of the celebration was the honouring of our senior sisters—Sr. Assunta, Sr. Cecily, and Sr. Sophia—for their lifelong dedication, wise guidance, and faithful service. As a token of love and appreciation, they were felicitated with a shawl and a bouquet. On behalf of the community, Sr. Jossy expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging their inspiring presence and their invaluable role in nurturing and strengthening the community spirit

The celebration continued with outdoor games and a lively session of housie, filling the atmosphere with laughter, enthusiasm, and joyful participation. These moments of shared fun brought everyone closer and reflected the vibrant bond within the community. The winners of the various activities were later honoured during a prize distribution ceremony.

The day concluded on a warm and joyful note with a common lunch, where members gathered as one family, sharing food, conversations, and smiles. The celebration truly marked a New Year begun in gratitude, harmony, and renewed commitment to walk together in love and service.

— Sr. Priyanka, Divya Sadan, Sonkatch

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mary’s Province

Online Meeting on the Year of Communication

The Communication Team of the Province organized two online meetings as part of the Gianellian Year of Communication. The first meeting was held on 4th January for all the Superiors of the Indian communities, and the second meeting took place on 10th January for all the Sisters of the three communities in the USA.

These meetings were organized to introduce and reflect on the Gianellian Year of Communication, with the theme “Nurturing Communication as We Nurture Our Garden.” The sessions provided a space to share the Congregational vision on communication and to present the Provincial Action Plan prepared by the Communication Team.

Both meetings were marked by active participation, attentive listening, and meaningful sharing. The Superiors and Sisters appreciated the initiative and offered valuable insights and suggestions, strengthening the spirit of communion and shared responsibility. Despite the difference in time zones, the presence and involvement of the Sisters from the USA reflected their commitment and unity with the Province.

Overall, these online gatherings became moments of family spirit, dialogue, and common discernment, encouraging all to grow in mindful, caring, and life-giving communication within the communities and in mission.