DIOCESE OF PLASENCIA | Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church, 150th anniversary of its foundation
22 Jan Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church, 150th anniversary of its foundation
in News
“This anniversary will be an opportunity to look to the future with hope”
The religious Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church, at the head of the Madre Matilde Placentine school, known in the city as ‘The Blues’ (for the color of their habit) have been awarded the San Fulgencio prize awarded by the Placentine City Council. “The San Fulgencio awards are a distinction that is awarded every January 16 and that aims to recognize people or entities with notable benefits or services provided to the municipality, who have distinguished themselves especially in the fulfillment of their purposes and which clearly result in a benefit. for the city.”
The Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church received the Saint Fulgencio “for their 150-year career in the service of education, social assistance and spiritual accompaniment. “His contribution to the city of Plasencia since 1907, especially highlighting the founding of the Madre Matilde School and his commitment to the most vulnerable and his work to expand values in different parts of the world.” Sister María Isabel Herrero, Mother Superior General, learned of the news, “through a phone call from the mayor of Plasencia. It was an unexpected call for us and a source of great joy, as we realized that the 150 years of the Foundation of the Institute is not something that goes unnoticed in the city.”
Founded in the Diocese
The Congregation Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church was founded on March 19, 1875 in Béjar (Salamanca) by Mother Matilde Téllez Robles, a native of Robledillo de la Vera (Cáceres). Throughout these 150 years, the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church have extended their mission to different parts of Europe, America and Africa, in 27 communities, 15 schools, two residences and a spirituality house. They have established and managed shelters for people in vulnerable situations and residences for the elderly. His work has been an example of dedication and service. “It is a great satisfaction to realize that the task carried out by our sisters throughout so many years of presence and service, ‘loving and teaching to love’ each person, our world, in the heart of the Diocese, has not been waste, but it has greatly enriched the people of Placentia and this is recognized by its City Council with the awarding of the San Fulgencio Prize to our Institute.”
In Plasencia
The presence of the Congregation in Plasencia dates back to 1907, when they established themselves in the city to perform services for the Church and care for the most vulnerable people. Since then, his commitment to the city has been constant and fruitful. In 1974, the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church founded the Madre Matilde school, an educational center that currently offers early childhood, primary and secondary education. This school has become one of the educational benchmarks, recognized for its academic excellence and its comprehensive training based on values.
In addition to its educational work, the Congregation has promoted different social and solidarity initiatives in Plasencia. “Receiving this award has been like the outstanding beginning of the celebrations that are scheduled to take place in the Commemoration of the 150 Years of the Institute,” explains Sister Emilia, Superior of the Community of the Madre Matilde de Plasencia school.
For the 150th anniversary, this congregation of nuns asked Rome for the granting of a Jubilee Year and “it has been granted to us. For this double reason we are going to carry out multiple activities with students, alumni, parents and non-teaching staff of our centers and with all the people who want to accompany us in the different places where the Institute has a presence” adds Sister María Isabel Herrero.
A Vigil will be celebrated on March 22 and the opening of the Jubilee Year in Béjar on the 23rd. The closing will be in March 2026 in Don Benito (Badajoz), the town where Matilde Téllez died. Charismatic Spiritual Exercises will be carried out in Salamanca. Different days of reflection and coexistence throughout the year in the founding house of Béjar. Conferences on the History of the Institute, charisma, spirituality… In May there will be a pilgrimage to Robledillo de la Vera, the birthplace of the founder. “We know that the 150th Anniversary will be a privileged opportunity to gather as a congregational and ecclesial community; to share, to win the Jubilee in this Our Jubilee Year, and to look to the future with hope and strong determination to keep alive the charisma and mission of Mother Matilde Téllez, giving life to her words: “Let us go through the world doing all the good that we can, without noise, or the illusion of fame,” says Sister Emilia.
Report published in Iglesia en Plasencia, number 619 of January 19.
