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We delve into the legacy of Mother Bernarda through panels and presentations

Santiago, Chile, August 2019 –

For the exhibition “Mother Bernarda in memories and hearts”, the Committee of Laity Pro-beatification wanted to present the life and work of the Servant of God through the exhibition of objects and documents from Mother Bernarda and the Congregation, and also through various panels and presentations. The purpose was to generate a conversation and a thorough analysis about what our foundress meant and still means for life in Bernarda Morin Province and in Chile.

The round of talks began on Thursday, August 22, with a panel on the theme “Mother Bernarda Morin’s contributions to the society of her time”, during which we heard presentations from Mr. Juan Rodríguez, State Professor of History and Geography and a Providence Associate, as well as from Sister Mariana Peña, SP psychologist, who is currently working at the Diocesan Council for the Prevention of Victimization, in the diocese of Valparaiso, and Mr. Fernando Aliaga, Ph. D. in Church historian and a member of the Bernarda Morin Centre team, where the positio for the Cause of Beatification of the Servant of God is currently being written. The complete expositions of Sister Mariana Peña and Mr. Juan Rodríguez will be published on our website in the “Providence Voices” section.

On Friday 23, it was the turn of Mr. Yerko Quitral to present, “The Role of the Educators in the Conservation of Materials”. As a scientist and curator for objects of art and heritage, he gave information about the importance of conservation, especially considering documents and objects conserved in community residences and libraries of educational institutions. “Mother Bernarda in my own life: sharing experiences” was the title given to the panel held on Tuesday August 27, which included Mr. Juan Carlos Bussenius, from the Providence Spirituality Centre (CEP); Mrs. Juanita Tapia, Providence Associate and volunteer at the Comedor Emilia Gamelin; and Sister Hortensia Tapia, from the Bernarda Morin local Community.

On this occasion, Sister Hortensia shared her experience as a Sister of Providence and also spoke about the great example of Mother Bernarda, indicating that the foundress “cared to maintain joy, sisterhood and friendship between sisters; she cared that we remain affectionate with each other and love each other with all our hearts, and that we accompany and help one another. “The example of Mother Bernarda is alive and multiplied, not only in the Sisters but in each one of you, and beyond you,” she told those present, especially for the children of School San Jose who listened to her words with respect and attention.

The series of panels and presentations concluded with the presentation of Sister Gloria García, Ph. D. in Education, Administrator of Santa Clara Educational Centre and a Provincial Councillor. “Mother Bernarda and Education” was the theme she of her presentation, focusing on the great example of the Servant of God, who was visionary in promoting education among the needy of her time as a means for them to earn a living and to improve their situation in society, encouraging in this way the dignity of human beings, and especially of the women of that time.  Sister Gloria also focused her presentation on the current status of Providence educational institutions, emphasizing that the example of Mother Bernarda continues to be an incentive to work for academic excellence and dedication to the values and the spirituality of the Providence Congregation.

Communication Office – Bernarda Morin Province – Sisters of Providence