Province of Spain: Historic visit of Pope Leo XIV, a gift of faith and hope for the Province

The recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain has left an indelible mark on the Church, but in a very special way on the heart of the Assumption. Sisters, laypeople, teachers, alumni and students who came from Dalías, Gijón, Ponferrada, Málaga, Vallecas and Madrid took part in days filled with vibrant and joyful faith, peaceful fellowship and devoted service.

Before the weekend, the Religious of the Assumption made the news. At the Eucharist of Corpus Christi, Pope Leo XIV used for the first time in a major celebration the historic "Queen's Chalice," belonging to the Almudena Museum. The piece was a nineteenth-century gift from Queen María de las Mercedes to the Religious of the Assumption, the congregation in which she was educated in Paris and with which she maintained a close affectionate bond. In 2022, the religious gave the chalice to Cardinal Carlos Osoro for his 50 years of priesthood; he later donated it to the cathedral museum, which kept it safe until this historic papal visit.

Under the motto "Lift up your gaze," the gathering not only made it possible to accompany the Holy Father at the central events in Madrid, but also became a profound experience of fraternity and a deepening of our charism.

Preparation for this historic event began long before the days in Madrid. A clear example of enthusiasm and creativity was that of the La Asunción School in Gijón. To pay for the trip, 16 students and three teachers launched an original solidarity campaign that combined craftsmanship and good deeds, crocheting plush toys to fund their goal.

Upon arriving in the capital, the effort turned into wonder. The Santa Isabel school threw its doors wide open to welcome the pilgrims. "They received us with open arms, making us feel part of their family," recounts Mercedes, a mother from Dalías who traveled together with her son Blas. For the young people in their first year of Bachillerato from Dalías, such as Mario, Blas and Gabriel, despite the effort of the journey, "every moment was worth it" as they reunited with friends from different cities.

Moments of an unforgettable weekend

These moments of profound spiritual and community depth are worth highlighting:

• The gathering at Santa Isabel: young people from very diverse backgrounds (Gijón, Dalías, Vallecas, Málaga…) connected quickly. "I realized that, however different we were, we were all gathered by Him," shares Carolina, a student from Málaga. The Santa Isabel school became the epicenter of a gathering that brought together more than 170 people, including children, young people, sisters and laypeople. There were two workshops and an introduction about Pope Leo, which helped to delve into the personality of the Pontiff. The workshops served to deepen the meaning of the Eucharist and Adoration in the Assumption, drawing on the spiritual experience of Saint Marie Eugénie. This served to warm the heart and to live an experience of Church. These workshops were the prelude to savoring the Vigil and the Eucharist that we later celebrated with the Pope.
• The Cuestablanca school opened its doors to host more than a hundred young pilgrims from the Jaén Delegation.
• The Vigil, silence and commitment. In the midst of the crowd, Pope Leo XIV invited young people to "lift up their gaze," to flee from noise and to be "a spark of a new humanity." Gala, a student from Cuestablanca, described the weekend as a moment in which "she connected with God more than ever."
• Corpus Christi at Cibeles: a direct call for faith to be fulfilled in charity. As the Pontiff recalled, "the virtue of charity changes history… Do it with love!"
• The eruption at the Bernabéu and the volunteers: a burst of universal joy and an explicit word of thanks from the Pope for hidden service. In addition, a group of 18 sisters represented the Assumption religious life.
• Communion: at the celebration of Sunday's Eucharist, the provincial council and a sister from the Olivos community had the privilege of going out through the streets of Madrid carrying the Lord. On the day of Corpus, we gave communion to the thousands of people who, with respect and affection, approached us to receive Him. The five of us experienced this service with great emotion.

Echoes of the Heart

"Our charism is still alive. I deeply felt the joy of walking together, united by one same spirit. It was a true grace to share these days with sisters, young people and laypeople who desire to live the Gospel through closeness and service. As an Assumption family, we are called to be a welcoming and courageous presence, especially among the young and the most vulnerable." Bego Vila, ra

"To evangelize in the everyday. As an educator, the call to truly accompany and listen resonated within me. This gathering reminded me that evangelization begins in the everyday: in a conversation, in a glance or in the affection with which we carry out our work." Ana Mata, teacher at La Asunción School, Gijón

"To see hearts awaken." On Friday I was telling my colleagues that this weekend THINGS were going to happen (in capital letters). And I was not mistaken. I have seen hearts awaken… Listening to the Pope, I understood better that service is a concrete way of living the Gospel. The one who truly passes by is Christ." Pilar Muñoz, teacher at Asunción Vallecas

A Church that "crosses the threshold"

The visit of Pope Leo XIV, after his time in Barcelona, also extended its echoes to other corners of the Spanish landscape. His passage through Tenerife was very significant, where a gathering was experienced centered on the dignity and accompaniment of migrant persons. There, the Holy Father recalled an idea that is fully in tune with the values of the Assumption: "to welcome is not only to open a door, but to help cross the threshold and walk together." The sisters of the Santa Cruz community and of the international Community were fortunate to be able to experience the visit of Leo XIV very closely. It is the first time that a Pontiff has visited the Canary Islands.

Back in the classrooms and the communities, the teachers of the Assumption Ponferrada sum up the general sentiment: the Pope's message is a direct invitation to "be protagonists of a better world… always placing love, faith and service at the center of our actions."

At every stage of his journey he has shown great humanity, a great capacity for listening and a desire to be close to God's preferred ones, those who suffer for any cause, opening us to look migration in the face, highlighting the dignity that every person possesses and encouraging us to commit ourselves to the building of one single family, in love.

Everything that was lived was made possible thanks to the voluntary collaboration, both in the preparation of workshops, hospitality, communication, organization and management, of all of us who are the Assumption. It is right and necessary to give thanks that generous and boundless service is worthwhile because it builds the Kingdom.

With hearts full of gratitude and a renewed apostolic impulse, the Assumption Family returns to its daily activities overflowing with thankfulness, knowing that the Church, in which there is room for all, is alive. Let us keep lifting up our gaze!

Communication Team

Province of Spain