The 2026 International Charism Gathering took place from July 5 to August 15, 2026, around the theme: “Drink from the Source, Renew Our Yes, Walk in Communion.” It brought together 22 participating sisters from Africa, America and Asia.
The gathering took place in two stages: first in Madrid, at the General House, and then in Vic, at the Mother House.
The second part, held in Vic, was devoted to strengthening our Congregational identity and deepening our knowledge of the life of our founder, Saint Francis Coll, as well as that of the first Superior General, Mother Rosa Santaeugenia, presented as a model of a Dominican Sister of the Anunciata and an educator. We also revisited the history of the Congregation and the testimony of courage and apostolic dedication of so many generations of sisters.
The reflections devoted to vocational growth and human and spiritual maturity enabled us to deepen our understanding of the challenges related to our consecrated life. They particularly highlighted the importance of self-knowledge and of welcoming God’s love. These teachings helped us renew the way we look at ourselves and at others, while inviting us to marvel at the mystery of God present in the human person.
The Congregation’s commitment to Safe Environments also occupied an important place, raising awareness and emphasizing the need for further formation in order to better protect vulnerable people. Interculturality and itinerancy were two other aspects that prompted personal questioning and reflection.
The discovery of the cradle of the Dominican Order (Prouilhe and Fanjeaux), the village and birthplace of Father Coll, the journey in his footsteps, and the visits to the places of death and burial of our Martyred Sisters were particularly intense experiences. These experiences rekindled our apostolic zeal and renewed our commitment to bearing witness to their faith. It was also very meaningful to visit places connected with Father Coll and the Congregation in Vic, Moià, Puigseslloses…
The visits to the sisters’ communities, especially those where elderly sisters live or where sisters are facing illness, also allowed us to give thanks for their consecrated lives and their commitment to the service of the Congregation.
Furthermore, the celebrations, moments of leisure, meals, group work and preparation of the various activities encouraged sharing and strengthened the bonds of intercultural sisterhood among the participants.
The gathering concluded with the celebration of the 170th anniversary of the Congregation. On this occasion, Sister Ana Belén, Superior General, sent the participants forth on mission, inviting us to be signs of hope in our communities.
We, the participants, wish to express our gratitude to the General Council of the Congregation for the efforts made to ensure the success of this gathering, and we pray that it may continue to bear abundant fruit in our lives, communities and mission.
Long live the Anunciata, today and always!
Sister Audrey HOUNYO
