Madrid, August 26, 2026. With deep emotion, joy and enthusiasm, Madrid welcomed this midday the pilgrim relic of Saint Francis Coll, which continues its journey as a sign of communion, a living memory of the charism and a renewal of the Congregation’s evangelizing mission.
The relic arrived at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport accompanied by the Delegate of Brazil, Sister Marina Estêvam de Jesús, who brought it to Madrid. Upon arrival, it was welcomed by the Provincial Prioress, Sister María Isabel Andrés, together with several sisters from the Provincial House. Also present were the Prioress General, Sister Ana Belén Verísimo García, and all the sisters of the General Council.
The moment of encounter was marked by deep emotion. When Sister Marina appeared at the exit carrying the relic of Father Coll, the sisters present experienced a special moment of joy and gratitude. Spontaneously, the song “Santo Fundador” rose from their hearts as an expression of affection, veneration and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of Saint Francis Coll.
From the airport, the sisters went to the Provincial House, where the sisters of the community and some representatives of Santa Catalina de Sena School – FEFC were eagerly awaiting them. The arrival was welcomed with flags, joy and songs dedicated to Father Coll, creating a festive and deeply meaningful atmosphere.
The relic was placed on a specially prepared altar, carefully arranged and rich in symbolism. The colors, flowers and each of its elements expressed the richness of the charism received from Saint Francis Coll and the desire to keep alive his passion for proclaiming the Gospel.
A Shared Table and a Celebration of Communion
After the welcome, a fraternal meal was shared. This simple gesture of sharing the table also became an expression of fraternity, encounter and communion.
Later, the sisters from the communities of General Oraá, Aluche and the General House arrived and joined this special moment in the pilgrimage of the relic.
Official Prayer of Welcome in the Rosa Santaeugenia Province
The day continued with the official prayer of welcome for the relic of Saint Francis Coll in the Rosa Santaeugenia Province – Communities of Spain. The celebration began with a solemn candlelit procession to the chapel, in an atmosphere of prayer, silence and recollection.
An opening introduction helped prepare hearts for this moment of grace. This was followed by the hymn “Un Profeta”, recalling Saint Francis Coll as a man of God, evangelizer and prophet of hope.
In a particularly meaningful moment, several symbols representing essential aspects of Father Coll’s life, spirituality and mission were presented:
- The burning lamp: Christ is the true Light who illuminated Father Coll’s life and always guided his path.
- The Bible: the source of Dominican preaching and nourishment for the evangelizing mission.
- The painting of the Annunciation: the mystery that gave the Congregation its name, soul and style.
- The rosary: a sign of Mary’s presence in Father Coll’s life, accompanying him on all his routes and journeys.
- The white flowers: a sign of the inner clarity, purity of intention and joy that characterized Saint Francis Coll.
The celebration continued with Psalm 26, followed by the proclamation of the Word of God. A profound moment of meditative silence then allowed everyone to welcome the Word inwardly.
The prayer continued with the prayers of petition, entrusting to the Lord the needs of the Congregation, the communities, the Church and the many people whom the sisters are called to serve. Together they prayed the Our Father, followed by the prayer of thanksgiving and the request for Saint Francis Coll’s intercession.
The celebration concluded with the hymn “Santo Fundador”, once again uniting all those present in gratitude, joy and commitment.
The arrival of the relic in Madrid thus becomes an invitation to return to the source of the charism, renew our “yes” and walk together in communion, allowing the life and spirit of Saint Francis Coll to continue illuminating the mission of the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation today.
The pilgrim relic will continue accompanying the communities as a visible sign of communion and shared mission, inviting every sister and all who participate in the charism of the Annunciation to keep the flame received alive and continue proclaiming the Gospel with the passion, confidence and joy that characterized the Holy Founder.
