What Is the Significance of the Teresian Association’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in the Philippines?

Brief Overview

• The Teresian Association, founded in Spain in 1911 by St. Pedro Poveda, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its pontifical approval in 2024, marking a century of global mission.
• In the Philippines, the milestone was commemorated with a Mass led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at Saint Pedro Poveda College in Quezon City.
• The association, which arrived in the Philippines in 1950, focuses on education and culture as key avenues for evangelization.
• Ms. Gregoria Ruiz became the first Filipina president of the Teresian Association International in August 2023, a historic leadership milestone.
• The organization operates in over 30 countries, with a strong presence in Philippine cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
• The anniversary highlights the association’s commitment to a synodal, lay-driven mission rooted in the Gospel and St. Pedro Poveda’s vision.

Detailed Response

Historical Roots of the Teresian Association

The Teresian Association was established in 1911 in Covadonga, Spain, by Fr. Pedro Poveda, a priest who sought to address the social and religious challenges of his time. Poveda, later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003, recognized the need for a faith-based response to the growing divide between culture and Christianity in early 20th-century Spain. He envisioned an organization that would integrate faith and culture to foster human flourishing and social transformation. The association’s early initiatives included founding academies in cities like Oviedo, Jaén, and Madrid, focusing on education as a primary mission. In 1917, the Diocese of Jaén granted the association its first approval, laying the foundation for its growth. On January 11, 1924, Pope Pius XI recognized it as a Primary Pious Union, granting pontifical right and enabling its international expansion. This approval was a pivotal moment, affirming the association’s mission within the universal Church. By 1990, the Pontifical Council for the Laity further recognized it as an international association of the faithful, solidifying its global presence. The Teresian Association’s commitment to education and culture reflects the Catholic understanding of evangelization as a transformative presence in society, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 905). Today, it operates in over 30 countries, with a focus on fostering Gospel values through professional and cultural engagement.

Arrival and Growth in the Philippines

The Teresian Association arrived in the Philippines in 1950, a time when the country was rebuilding after World War II and seeking to strengthen its educational systems. Its presence was quickly felt in colleges and universities, where it promoted a holistic approach to education rooted in Christian values. The association established itself in key cities, including Bacolod, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Manila, Tagaytay, and Zamboanga. These locations became hubs for its mission, which emphasizes forming individuals who integrate faith into their professional and personal lives. The establishment of Saint Pedro Poveda College in Quezon City became a cornerstone of its work, serving as a center for educational and cultural initiatives. The association’s efforts align with the Church’s call to educate in a way that promotes human dignity and social justice, as noted in CCC 1913-1917. Over the decades, the Teresian Association in the Philippines has managed schools, university residences, and socio-cultural programs, contributing to the nation’s intellectual and spiritual landscape. Its work has been particularly impactful in fostering lay leadership, a priority emphasized in Lumen Gentium (31). The association’s growth in the Philippines reflects its adaptability to local contexts while remaining faithful to its founding charism. By 2024, it had celebrated 75 years of presence in the country, a testament to its enduring impact.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration

The Teresian Association marked the 100th anniversary of its pontifical approval on January 11, 2024, with celebrations worldwide, including a significant event in the Philippines. In Quezon City, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presided over a Mass at Saint Pedro Poveda College. The event was attended by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, highlighting the Church’s support for the association’s mission. Cardinal Tagle emphasized the milestone as a blessing for both the association and the universal Church, underscoring its role in evangelization through education and culture. He urged members to emulate Jesus’ humility in their mission, aligning with the Church’s call for a missionary spirit (CCC 849-856). The Mass was a moment of gratitude and renewal, reflecting on a century of service since Pope Pius XI’s approval in 1924. In Davao, another Eucharistic celebration took place at San Pedro Poveda Parish Church, with 11 priests concelebrating, showcasing the association’s deep ties to the local Church. The anniversary was not only a commemoration but also a call to look forward, as expressed by the association’s leadership. The global celebrations, including an academic ceremony at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, further emphasized the association’s international scope. These events reaffirmed the Teresian Association’s commitment to its founding vision and its ongoing relevance in the Church.

St. Pedro Poveda’s Vision and Legacy

St. Pedro Poveda’s vision for the Teresian Association was rooted in his belief that faith and culture must dialogue to transform society. At a time when secularism was rising in Spain, he saw education as a means to form Christians who could live their faith authentically in the world. His approach was innovative, focusing on laypeople as agents of evangelization, a concept later affirmed by Vatican II (Apostolicam Actuositatem 2). Poveda’s emphasis on humility and fellowship, inspired by the early Christians, shaped the association’s spirituality. He believed that Christians should be “salt and leaven” in society, a metaphor drawn from Matthew 5:13-16. His martyrdom in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War underscored his commitment to this mission, as did the martyrdom of Victoria Díez, a Teresian Association member. Poveda’s canonization in 2003 by Pope John Paul II highlighted his enduring influence. His writings and initiatives, such as the founding of academies and the Alumnae Association in Jaén, laid the groundwork for the association’s global outreach. The establishment of the Pedro Poveda Chair at the Pontifical University of Salamanca further reflects his academic legacy. The Teresian Association continues to draw on his vision, adapting it to contemporary challenges while remaining faithful to its core mission.

The Role of Education and Culture

Education and culture are central to the Teresian Association’s mission, reflecting the Church’s teaching that education is a means of integral human development (CCC 1928-1933). The association views these areas as critical for evangelization, enabling individuals to engage with society in a way that promotes Gospel values. In the Philippines, this mission is evident in its management of schools, university residences, and socio-cultural centers. Saint Pedro Poveda College, for example, serves as a hub for forming educators and students who integrate faith into their professional lives. The association’s programs emphasize teacher training, youth formation, and international cooperation, aligning with UNESCO’s goals, with which it holds consultative status. Cardinal Tagle, during the anniversary Mass, highlighted the importance of attentiveness to culture in carrying out this mission. The association’s approach is rooted in the belief that faith must engage with contemporary culture to remain relevant, as emphasized in Gaudium et Spes (58). By fostering dialogue between faith and culture, the Teresian Association contributes to a just and solidarity-based society. Its initiatives in the Philippines include projects that address the needs of the marginalized, reflecting the Church’s preferential option for the poor (CCC 2444-2448). This focus ensures that its educational efforts are not only academic but also transformative, promoting human dignity and social justice.

Gregoria Ruiz’s Historic Leadership

In August 2023, Ms. Gregoria Ruiz was elected as the first Filipina president of the Teresian Association International, marking a significant milestone. Her election during the 19th General Assembly in 2023 reflects the association’s growing diversity and the increasing prominence of Filipino leadership within the global Church. Ruiz’s leadership is guided by a vision of renewal, emphasizing a synodal approach that aligns with Pope Francis’s call for a listening Church (Evangelii Gaudium 171). In her message for the centenary, she expressed hope that the milestone would inspire new paths for evangelization and consolidation. Ruiz urged members to boldly renew their lay vocation, emphasizing collaboration with others in the Church’s mission. Her presidency builds on the legacy of previous leaders, such as Josefa Segovia, who served as the first president from 1919 to 1957. Ruiz’s election also highlights the Philippines’ significant role within the association, given its active presence in multiple cities. Her leadership team, including Vice-President María Rita Martín Artacho and others, is tasked with guiding the association through 2028. The focus on synodality reflects the Church’s broader call for communal discernment and missionary outreach (CCC 904-907). Ruiz’s presidency signals a commitment to adapting Poveda’s vision to contemporary challenges while maintaining its core principles.

Synodality and Lay Vocation

The Teresian Association’s emphasis on synodality, as articulated by Gregoria Ruiz, aligns with the Church’s vision of a collaborative and inclusive mission. Synodality, as described in CCC 911, involves the active participation of the laity in the Church’s life and mission. The association’s lay-driven approach, rooted in Poveda’s vision, empowers members to live their faith in everyday contexts, such as workplaces and families. This approach is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where lay movements play a vital role in evangelization. The association’s structure, with its Primary Association and Cooperating Associations (ACIT), fosters collaboration among members with varying levels of commitment. The ACIT associations, present in 25 locations worldwide, including several in the Philippines, enable broader participation in the association’s mission. During the 2023 General Assembly, the theme “Teresian Association, a people reaching out” underscored the call to share Poveda’s charism collaboratively. This synodal spirit is evident in initiatives like InteRed, the association’s NGO focused on solidarity and development. The involvement of Filipino members, such as Rosalinda Basas, in national lay leadership roles further demonstrates this commitment. By fostering a synodal approach, the Teresian Association strengthens its role as a transformative presence in the Church and society.

The Role of Women in the Teresian Association

Women have played a central role in the Teresian Association since its inception, reflecting Poveda’s belief in their capacity to transform society through faith and education. Josefa Segovia, the first president, worked closely with Poveda to establish the association and led it through challenging times, including the Spanish Civil War. Her leadership set a precedent for women’s prominence within the organization. Today, women like Gregoria Ruiz and Lucia S. Subaldo, Sector Director in the Philippines, continue this legacy. The Primary Association, composed mainly of women dedicated to the mission through promises, remains the heart of the organization. The association’s focus on forming women as educators and cultural influencers aligns with the Church’s recognition of women’s unique contributions to evangelization (CCC 904). In the Philippines, women have been instrumental in expanding the association’s educational and socio-cultural initiatives. The emphasis on lay spirituality, inspired by figures like St. Teresa of Avila, empowers women to live their vocation authentically in diverse contexts. This focus resonates with Mulieris Dignitatem (26), which highlights women’s role in the Church’s mission. The Teresian Association’s commitment to women’s leadership ensures that its mission remains dynamic and responsive to contemporary needs.

Contributions to Philippine Society

The Teresian Association has made significant contributions to Philippine society since its arrival in 1950, particularly in education and social transformation. Its management of Saint Pedro Poveda College and other institutions has provided quality education rooted in Christian values. The association’s presence in multiple cities has enabled it to address local needs, from urban centers like Manila to rural areas like Bukidnon. Its socio-cultural programs promote human dignity and solidarity, aligning with the Church’s social teaching (CCC 1929-1933). Initiatives like teacher training and youth formation have empowered Filipinos to become agents of change in their communities. The association’s collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, as seen in Rosalinda Basas’s role in the Council of the Laity, underscores its commitment to the Church’s mission. Its international cooperation programs, supported by InteRed, address issues like poverty and education access, reflecting the Church’s preferential option for the poor. The association’s work in the Philippines is a model of how lay organizations can contribute to nation-building while remaining faithful to their spiritual roots. Its 75th anniversary celebration in 2024 highlighted its enduring impact on Philippine society. By fostering a culture of faith and service, the Teresian Association continues to shape the nation’s moral and intellectual landscape.

Global Impact and Collaboration

The Teresian Association’s global presence in over 30 countries reflects its commitment to a universal mission of evangelization through education and culture. Its consultative status with ECOSOC and collaboration with UNESCO demonstrate its influence beyond the Church, contributing to global development goals. In the Philippines, this global perspective is evident in initiatives like international volunteer programs and partnerships with local dioceses. The association’s publications, such as Crítica and Novamérica, foster dialogue on faith and culture across continents. The 2023 International Meeting of Member Associations (TAAIM) set new priorities for 2023-2028, emphasizing collaboration and outreach. These priorities align with the Church’s call for a missionary Church that engages with the world (Evangelii Gaudium 20-24). The association’s global network, including 25 ACIT associations, facilitates the sharing of resources and best practices. In the Philippines, this global-local synergy is seen in events like the centenary celebrations, which connected local communities with the universal Church. The association’s ability to adapt its mission to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining unity is a testament to its charism. Its global impact reinforces its role as a vital contributor to the Church’s mission in the modern world.

Challenges and Future Directions

The Teresian Association faces several challenges as it moves toward its next century, particularly in adapting to a rapidly changing world. Secularism, technological advancements, and cultural shifts pose questions about how to engage contemporary society effectively. In the Philippines, the association must address issues like educational inequality and the needs of marginalized communities. Maintaining its lay spirituality while navigating diverse cultural contexts requires ongoing discernment. Gregoria Ruiz’s emphasis on synodality offers a framework for addressing these challenges collaboratively. The association’s commitment to forming future educators and leaders, as highlighted by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is critical for its continued relevance. The Church’s call to care for creation (CCC 2415-2418) also presents opportunities for the association to expand its socio-cultural initiatives. By focusing on youth formation, as seen in programs like ACIT Joven, the association can engage younger generations in its mission. The priorities set for 2023-2028, including outreach and solidarity, provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges. The Teresian Association’s ability to remain faithful to Poveda’s vision while embracing new opportunities will shape its future impact.

The Role of Youth in the Mission

Youth are a priority for the Teresian Association, reflecting St. Pedro Poveda’s belief in their potential to transform society. In the Philippines, programs like ACIT Joven engage young people in faith-based initiatives that promote leadership and service. These programs align with the Church’s emphasis on youth as protagonists in evangelization (Christus Vivit 170). The association’s youth movements, present in countries like the Philippines and Peru, foster a sense of mission among young members. Lucia S. Subaldo, Sector Director in the Philippines, has highlighted the challenges youth face, such as secular influences and social media, and the need for authentic formation. The association’s educational initiatives provide spaces for young people to grow in faith and leadership. By integrating faith and culture, these programs prepare youth to live as Christians in a complex world. The centenary celebrations included events focused on youth, emphasizing their role in the association’s future. The Church’s call for a synodal Church includes listening to young people, a priority the Teresian Association embraces (CCC 904). By investing in youth, the association ensures the continuity of its mission for generations to come.

The Importance of Community and Communion

The Teresian Association’s mission is deeply rooted in community, reflecting the Church’s understanding of communion as essential to Christian life (CCC 946-953). In the Philippines, this sense of community is evident in the collaboration between members, co-workers, and local dioceses. The centenary Mass in Davao, concelebrated by 11 priests, showcased the association’s integration into the local Church. Poveda’s vision of fellowship, inspired by the early Christians, emphasizes mutual support and shared mission. The association’s structure, with its Primary and Cooperating Associations, fosters a sense of belonging among members with diverse commitments. This communal approach aligns with the synodal vision of a Church that walks together (Lumen Gentium 13). In the Philippines, events like the Lay Congress, where members like Rosalinda Basas play key roles, strengthen this sense of communion. The association’s international meetings, such as the 2023 TAAIM, further reinforce global solidarity among members. By prioritizing community, the Teresian Association creates a network of support that sustains its mission. This emphasis on communion ensures that its work is not individualistic but collective, reflecting the Gospel call to unity (John 17:21).

The Teresian Association’s Spirituality

The spirituality of the Teresian Association is characterized by a lay vocation lived in the world, inspired by St. Pedro Poveda and St. Teresa of Avila. This spirituality emphasizes incarnation, meaning the integration of faith into everyday life, as seen in John 1:14. Members are called to be “leaven” in society, transforming it from within through their professional and personal lives. The association’s focus on prayer, study, and action reflects the Church’s teaching on the universal call to holiness (CCC 900-913). In the Philippines, this spirituality is lived out in educational and socio-cultural initiatives that promote human dignity. The association’s commitment to dialogue between faith and culture ensures that its spirituality is dynamic and relevant. Figures like Victoria Díez and Elisa Giambelluca, whose causes for beatification are ongoing, exemplify this spirituality through their lives of service and sacrifice. The centenary celebrations highlighted this spirituality, with leaders like Gregoria Ruiz calling for a renewed commitment to Poveda’s vision. The association’s publications and academic initiatives, such as the Pedro Poveda Chair, deepen this spiritual reflection. By fostering a spirituality of engagement, the Teresian Association equips members to live their faith authentically in diverse contexts.

Collaboration with the Universal Church

The Teresian Association’s work is deeply integrated with the universal Church, as evidenced by its pontifical approval and collaboration with Church leaders. In the Philippines, the involvement of figures like Cardinal Tagle and Bishop Ongtioco in the centenary celebrations underscores this connection. The association’s recognition as an international association of the faithful by the Pontifical Council for the Laity in 1990 affirms its role within the Church. Its alignment with Vatican II’s teachings on the laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem 10) strengthens its mission. The association’s participation in events like the Lay Congress in the Philippines demonstrates its commitment to the Church’s broader goals. Its collaboration with UNESCO and ECOSOC also reflects the Church’s call to engage with the world for the common good (CCC 1905-1912). In the Philippines, members like Rosalinda Basas contribute to national Church initiatives, enhancing the association’s impact. The centenary academic ceremony in Rome, attended by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, highlighted the association’s role in renewing the Church. By working in communion with the Church, the Teresian Association amplifies its mission of evangelization. This collaboration ensures that its work remains rooted in the Gospel and responsive to the Church’s needs.

The Teresian Association and Social Justice

Social justice is a core component of the Teresian Association’s mission, reflecting the Church’s social teaching (CCC 1928-1942). In the Philippines, the association addresses issues like poverty, education access, and environmental concerns through its programs. Its NGO, InteRed, focuses on solidarity with marginalized communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The association’s emphasis on forming educators and leaders equips individuals to advocate for justice in their communities. In the Philippines, initiatives in rural areas like Bukidnon and Zamboanga target the needs of underserved populations. The association’s commitment to the preferential option for the poor aligns with Caritas in Veritate (42). Its international cooperation programs promote sustainable development, reflecting the Church’s call to care for creation (CCC 2415). The involvement of members in events like the Lay Congress, where social transformation was a key theme, underscores this commitment. By integrating faith and social action, the Teresian Association contributes to a more just society. Its work in the Philippines exemplifies how lay organizations can address societal challenges while remaining faithful to their spiritual mission.

Celebrating a Century of Mission

The 100th anniversary of the Teresian Association’s pontifical approval was a moment of gratitude and renewal for its members worldwide. In the Philippines, the celebrations highlighted the association’s contributions to education, culture, and evangelization over 75 years. The Mass led by Cardinal Tagle in Quezon City was a focal point, emphasizing the association’s role in the Church’s mission. The event in Davao, with its communal Eucharistic celebration, further showcased the association’s integration into local communities. These celebrations were not merely retrospective but also forward-looking, as articulated by Gregoria Ruiz’s call for new paths of evangelization. The global academic ceremony in Rome, with contributions from figures like Cardinal Farrell and Sister Nathalie Becquart, underscored the association’s universal impact. The centenary reaffirmed the relevance of Poveda’s charism in addressing contemporary challenges. It also highlighted the association’s commitment to synodality, lay leadership, and social justice. As the Teresian Association looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of transforming society through faith and culture. The celebrations in the Philippines and beyond serve as a testament to its enduring legacy and ongoing vitality.

Looking Toward the Future

As the Teresian Association moves beyond its centenary, it faces the challenge of remaining relevant in a rapidly changing world. Gregoria Ruiz’s leadership emphasizes a forward-looking approach, with priorities set for 2023-2028 focusing on outreach and collaboration. The association’s commitment to synodality ensures that it will continue to listen to the needs of its members and the broader Church. In the Philippines, the focus on youth, education, and social justice will guide its future initiatives. The association’s global network provides opportunities for sharing resources and best practices, strengthening its mission. The Church’s call for a missionary Church (Evangelii Gaudium 33) offers a framework for the association’s future direction. By remaining rooted in Poveda’s vision, the association can adapt to new challenges while maintaining its core identity. The centenary has energized members to pursue their mission with renewed zeal, as seen in the Philippines’ active engagement. The association’s emphasis on forming leaders and fostering community will ensure its continued impact. As it embarks on its second century, the Teresian Association is well-positioned to contribute to the Church’s mission of evangelization and human flourishing.

Conclusion

The Teresian Association’s 100th anniversary celebration in the Philippines marks a century of faithfulness to St. Pedro Poveda’s vision of transforming society through education and culture. The milestone, celebrated with Masses and events across the country, reflects the association’s deep integration into the Philippine Church and society. Gregoria Ruiz’s historic presidency signals a new chapter of leadership and renewal, emphasizing synodality and outreach. The association’s focus on lay vocation, women’s leadership, and social justice aligns with the Church’s mission as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (904-907, 1928-1933). Its contributions to education, youth formation, and community-building have left a lasting impact in the Philippines and beyond. The centenary celebrations, supported by Church leaders like Cardinal Tagle, reaffirm the association’s role in the universal Church. As it looks to the future, the Teresian Association remains committed to its charism of being “leaven” in the world (Matthew 13:33). Its work in the Philippines exemplifies how lay organizations can live out the Gospel in diverse contexts. The association’s global presence and local engagement ensure that it will continue to foster human dignity and evangelization. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Teresian Association is poised to carry forward its mission into the next century.