María Arinero, from the Formation Team, explains the history and purpose of this gathering. From April 13 to 17, at our Olivos house, the 2nd edition of the formation in Faith and the Charism of the Assumption took place. This training, held every two years, allows teachers from the different Assumption schools to deepen their understanding of our identity and what it means to be Assumption.
At the Assumption, special attention has been given to pastoral formation for many years. In 2015, schools were offered a “Expert in Educational Pastoral Ministry” program coordinated by the Edelvives publishing house, which provided training for pastoral agents over one week for three consecutive years.
During the pandemic, this program was suspended and, a few years later, the possibility emerged of offering formation specific to the Assumption Charism and Faith. For this reason, in April 2024, the first edition took place, aimed at Assumption personnel with knowledge, lived experience, and pastoral and religious practice, who could also transmit what they had learned in their own schools.
Usually, two people participate per school in order to enrich the exchange. It takes place in Madrid over five full days, morning and afternoon. It combines lectures and workshops, all focused on the experience of faith, theology, encounter with God… and its pastoral application. At the end of the week, each pair prepares a training session for their school on a chosen topic. In this way, we promote cascade training, turning this initiative into a true “train-the-trainers” program.
At the end of the 2026 edition, we can say we are very satisfied, both with the level of speakers and participants. We selected “expert” speakers, many from other congregations and ecclesial realities. We also had a significant number of “in-house” speakers, religious and lay people, who show that the charism is alive and still relevant today.
The participants’ response has been very positive, both regarding the content and the relationships, community life, and the family atmosphere that was created, something very characteristic of the Assumption.
Many highlighted that these were “days of reflection, listening, and sharing, exchanging experiences that enrich both personally and communally,” “Without a doubt, an experience that leaves a mark and strengthens our commitment.”
Sara Encinas shares her experience as a participant: “This week, at our Olivos house, the second edition of the formation in faith and charism of the Assumption took place. Teachers from different schools were able to deepen their understanding of our identity and what it means to be Assumption, thanks to the valuable talks given by great professionals and religious sisters. These were days of reflection, listening, and sharing, exchanging experiences that enrich both personally and communally. Without a doubt, an experience that leaves a mark and strengthens our commitment.”