JAÉN, Spain.
On December 12, FORO JAÉN awarded the "Hermenegildo Terrados del Cerro" prize to the Teresian Association (TA) in Jaén, after its 103 years of existence in this city. FORO JAÉN is a Cultural Association that gives this annual prize to persons or groups that excel in their work in favor of this province, especially for their effort to project it towards the outside.
This FORO has assessed the significance of the people associated with Saint Pedro Poveda and Josefa Segovia; the task of social advancement carried out by the Teresian Association since its origins through cultural and educational mediations; the universal character of this Association, present "in many countries of the world, promoting a dialogue between faith and science, in which the central reference is the human person.”
The ceremony took place on December 12. In addition to the members of FORO, the event was attended by the Bishop of the Diocese, Amadeo Rodríguez Magro, the Vicar General, Fr. Francisco Martínez Rojas; representatives of the government and culture of Jaén; and representatives of the Teresian Association. More than 200 people were present.
The welcoming words were given by Mr. Pablo Carazo, President of FORO. He drew a profile of Saint Pedro Poveda and Josefa Segovia in a simple manner that framed the act and demonstrated the appreciation and affection for the Association in Jaén since 1913.
Lina Piñar received the award on behalf of the Teresian Association: A bronze statuette representing a female figure anchored on an olive wood base carrying in her arms, extended upward, a ball of the world.
Lina Piñar spoke on behalf of the Teresian Association. Once again, the protagonists of this story emerged with the strength of the charism that the founder gave to his Work. It was essential to highlight the exceptional collaboration of Josefa Segovia: her preparation - first woman in Jaén and province who graduated from “Escuela Superior del Magisterion” in Madrid in the year 1913; her dedication, her demeanor, and her role as President of the Teresian Association.
In her speech, Lina Piñar first spoke about St. Pedro Poveda and Josefa Segovia, pointing out the most outstanding characteristics of their action and contribution to the Church and society. Then she spoke, more broadly, about the past and present of the Teresian Association, starting from its presence in Jaén.
A look at the past: First Academies, The Academy of Saint Teresa of Jaén, year 1913. "In Jaén all kinds of pedagogical innovations are taking place... all the Academies must follow the innovations of Jaén" ... (From the newspaper and explanatory brochure of the Academy)
A look at the present of the TA in Jaén: Pedro Poveda School (primary and secondary education); ACIT Joven; InteRed, an NGO for development; the Rajab Immigration Project; Alumni Association; and individual presences of TA members in secondary and Higher education. Other collaborations in the Diocese: Campus Ministry at the University; Prison Ministry; Migrant Ministry; and Secular Apostolate. In Linares: Poveda Cultural Center, Center for Sociocultural education and leisure education held in the historic headquarters and in the Arrayanes neighborhood, where a social project is developed.
The TA representative also presented, in broad terms, the activity of the Association in countries of Europe, America, Africa, and Asia: the evangelizing action through cultural and educational mediations; Spirituality of incarnation; Faith-cultures-justice dialogue; the lay character, a sign of identity from the origins of the Teresian Work; The binomial prayer-study; care for the marginalized; collaboration and building networks with others; creating movements to work for solidarity ...
In particular, she emphasized the role and presence of women in the charism of the TA. In the history of the advancement of women in the world, Poveda's approach is surprising, opening a wide channel for the development of the multiple possibilities for women to be considered and recognized in their dignity.
The present also continues as dreams become a reality. Lina quoted Maite Uribe, President of the TA, at the inauguration of the Intercontinental Forum on "Opportunities and challenges for the Teresian Association", organized by the Council for Culture of the TA: The Teresian Association today has the challenge of "promoting our evangelizing impact in a creative way, with transformative actions ... it becomes more urgent and luminous from the perspective of a preferential option for the dignity and rights of the excluded, marginalized, and refugees and from our call to new forms of articulation between us and others, strengthening networking and boosting our international character."
The people of the TA that attended the event had the satisfaction of seeing the appreciation and recognition that was manifested towards the Association. We realize that the charism is alive, that it is worth moving on. As Lina pointed out at the end of her speech: "It is time to join forces with others,” with hope. St. Pedro Poveda would invite us to promote a culture of hope, of response, of a horizon of meaning. At the end, a sentence from Poveda had much echo in the room: "We have a lot of faith, a lot of hope, and we do not stop dreaming and some dreams even become a reality."
The musical note to put the finishing touch was given by "Panaceite" choir, which sang 6 original Christmas carols.
Encarnita Molina, from Jaén