The community was founded at the request of Bishop Manuel Casares Hervás, from the Diocese of Almería, to serve in the Almanzora region. At that time, Huércal-Overa was a significant town with about 10,000 inhabitants, and it became the chosen destination. The presence of the Sisters began on September 5, 1975, with the arrival of the first Sister, Pilar Díez, a teacher. She was later joined by Carmen Prieto and Benigna Vega, forming the first community.
After a temporary stay with the Claretian Sisters, the community moved several times to modest homes, seeking to live close to those in need. Eventually, they purchased and rebuilt their permanent residence on Arrieros Street. The current house and chapel were inaugurated and blessed in 1999 by Bishop Rosendo Álvarez Gastón, designed as a place of prayer and hospitality open to all.
Throughout these fifty years, their mission has focused on evangelization and human development, in collaboration with priests, religious, and lay people.
Catechesis for children, youth, and adults, and the formation of catechists.
Work with young people through the Youth Fraternity, which encouraged vocations.
Liturgical celebrations in the absence of priests.
Support for the elderly through the Vida Ascendente movement.
Parish and spiritual ministry (office work, prayer groups, Bible seminars).
Religious education in several public schools and at the Albujaira Vocational Training Institute.
Health and chaplaincy service at the local hospital and maternity ward.
Support for migrants, initially through Huércal-Overa Acoge and later with Caritas, offering comprehensive assistance.
Some of these ministries are no longer active today. The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the community and the canonization of Saint Marie Eugénie were deeply meaningful events for the Assumption presence in Huércal-Overa.
September 27 – Huércal-Overa was in celebration. The parish bells rang joyfully, and the faithful rejoiced. What was happening? The Religious of the Assumption were celebrating fifty years of presence in the town — a day filled with joy and thanksgiving. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
On Friday evening, Sisters who had once lived in Huércal began to arrive. Saturday morning opened with the festive morning prayer in the parish hall. The Sisters gathered with many friends from the parish, joined by their pastor, Fr. Francisco Jerónimo. The antiphons of Saint Marie Eugénie, recalling their charism, accompanied the reflections shared by those present. The sharing was heartfelt — words of gratitude for the many Sisters who had served faithfully as Religious of the Assumption in Huércal-Overa. These testimonies of closeness and thanksgiving, recognizing God’s work through the Sisters, moved everyone deeply and filled hearts with emotion and praise.
The fraternal meal brought together Bishop Ginés García Beltrán, Bishop of Getafe and native of the town, local priests, members of Assumption Together, friends, and Sisters. It was a warm and joyful moment of reunion, sharing, and renewal of bonds.
In the afternoon, a solemn Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Antonio Gómez Cantero, Bishop of Almería, concelebrated and accompanied by the parish choir. The church was full. The day continued with a beautiful musical performance at the town’s main theatre, which, through songs, photos, and testimonies, portrayed the Sisters’ life and mission over the past fifty years. The intense day concluded with a shared gathering and light meal, in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude.
We express our heartfelt thanks to the parish, the municipality, and to all those who have surrounded us with affection. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this celebration of our fifty years in Huércal a day of profound joy and thanksgiving.
With the desire to continue the legacy of our Sisters who came before us, we know that we must keep opening new furrows, feeling the weight and richness of the earth beneath our hands.
For those interested:
Read the article from the Diocese of Almería: https://diocesisalmeria.org/50-anos-de-las-religiosas-de-la-asuncion-en-huercal-overa/
Watch the musical performance: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18ma55HB7a/