The welcome in Quito
The Welcome in Puerto Quito
Visit to the Shrine
Perpetual Profession Ceremony
With some students from San Placido
With a few students
Mother Maria-Rita and Sr. Maria-Theresia traveled throughout Ecuador from May 21 st to July 16 th to meet with the Oblate communities in that country. Sixty-five Sisters from Ecuador and Colombia, divided into three groups, benefited from a retreat prepared by Mother Maria-Rita. This article outlines the highlights of the visit.
Arrival in Quito
After an incident-free journey, Mother Maria-Rita and her companion arrived in Quito on May 22 nd , where they were welcomed by the Sisters of the Community and the Novitiate. The next day, the Sisters, teachers, associates, and students gave them a welcome that was both joyful and solemn. Children in traditional costumes showcased a unique aspect of the country, introducing them to the history of Ecuador. Traditional dances and songs added a joyful and warm touch to the morning. On Pentecost Monday, the retreat began at La Combe-aux-Loups for 22 Sisters, accompanied by Mother Maria-Rita.
The welcome in Quito
The Welcome in Puerto Quito
Puerto Quito
On June 3 rd , the group set off for Puerto Quito. The travelers caught a glimpse of the equator, which divides the Earth into two hemispheres, and passed through numerous villages as they emerged from a vast forest. Upon arriving at the “Santiago Apostol” middle school, they were warmly welcomed by the community. Puerto Quito, at an elevation of 210 meters, is nestled in a lush green setting surrounded by hills. Nature there is luxuriantly bountiful: fruits of all kinds are found in abundance.
Rocafuerte
The next stop is Rocafuerte, a town located almost at sea level. There, the group has the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to “Nuestra Señora de las Peñas,” situated in the heart of nature: Our Lady is invoked there with confidence as the protector of the surrounding population.
Visit to the Shrine
Manta
The next stop is Manta, a large city on the Pacific coast known as the “tuna capital.” Students from the “Stella Maris” school and then from Santa Leoni in Tarqui give the visitors a warm welcome. Sr. Mirian-Bernadette then leads the group to Our Lady of Monserrat. On June 11 th , a second group of Sisters begins their retreat in Montecristi. The city is well known for its specialty: the crafting of Panama hats, which are entirely hand-woven.
Perpetual Profession Ceremony
June 20 th is a great day of thanksgiving in Manta: Sr. Luisa-Victoria makes her perpetual profession. Sr. Maria de Sales and Sr. Bernadette-Esperanza celebrated their 50 th anniversary of profession, and Sr. Marie-Clotilde celebrated her 75 th anniversary of profession. The Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Portoviejo.
San Placido
The next day, we learned of the passing of our Sr. Maria-Perpetua from the San Placido community, and we set out for her funeral. In San Placido, we received a very warm welcome at the school, and the preschoolers have a lovely green space and playground.
With some students from San Placido
Guayaquil
It is the country’s most important city, both in terms of inhabitants and the economy; however, Quito is the historic capital. This coastal city has become dangerous due to drug trafficking. Here, the community consists of four Oblate Sisters who, among other activities, accompany a group of associates of St. Francis de Sales.
Alausi
After more than a four-hour drive, the travelers arrived on the evening of June 28 th in Alausi, a town nestled in the Andes Mountains. There was a great celebration everywhere in honor of St. Peter, as the town is placed under his protection; in fact, there is a large statue of him on a small hill overlooking the town. The next day, once again, the students gave them a very warm welcome and recounted the arrival of the first three Oblate Sisters in Ecuador.
With a few students
Three years ago, part of the mountain collapsed and people were buried. Since then, many residents have left, leaving their homes for sale. Many beautiful colonial-style houses stand empty… This leaves a rather strange impression.
After a stop in Quito, the most recent retreat for the superiors took place at La Combe aux Loups. Sisters from Colombia also participated.