After dedicating his entire life to the service of the Province and the Congregation, Carlos Arense begins a new chapter in his life.
A celebratory event was held at the provincial house in Olivos. Lola Herrera, Provincial Superior, her Council, a large group of Sisters from the Province, and three General Councilors—Lerma, Françoise, and Marta—gathered alongside colleagues from the Provincial Treasury and Ownership Department to honor Carlos’ more than 40 years of service to the Congregation. The celebration was marked by joy, gratitude, and heartfelt emotions as the time had come for Carlos to embrace a well-deserved retirement.
Accompanied by his wife, some of his children, and a granddaughter, Carlos participated in a Eucharist of thanksgiving. Together, they gave thanks to God for all these years in which his stewardship of the Province's financial matters ensured the sustainability of its projects and evangelizing mission. His love for Saint Marie Eugenie and the Congregation was the foundation of his wise and respectful guidance towards responsible and solidarity-driven financial management.
During lunch, Sisters who had worked closely with Carlos shared touching testimonies about the impact of his life and decisions on their hearts.
On behalf of Sister Rekha and the General Council, Lerma addressed Carlos with these words: “Good morning, everyone. Today is a special day, as God has brought us together to share our sentiments. On behalf of Sister Rekha and the General Council, I want to express our gratitude to Mr. Carlos Arense. We thank God for the gift of your life and for the dedicated service you have so generously provided to the Province of Spain and the entire Congregation over these many years. You are a man of faith and vision. Thank you for your help and guidance in managing our financial resources for the Kingdom. You have been a blessing to us. Please remember us in your prayers, just as we ask God to bless you and your family as you move forward. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; and may He turn His face toward you and grant you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).”
Carlos responded with heartfelt words of gratitude to the Sisters and laypeople with whom he had worked. His message was filled with memories, anecdotes, and lessons learned from his shared experiences. He concluded by saying, "I know you are by my side."
Working with numbers, interpreting balances, and managing resources takes on a deeper meaning when every decision involves the faces of people, the works, and the places where the Assumption serves its mission of evangelization and transformative education.
Thank you, Carlos, for your dedication in both the small and the significant tasks entrusted to you by the Assumption. Thank you for everything you have done, serving with a heart full of humility and purpose.