Pope’s blessing on Teresian Association on centenary

(July 22, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed his blessing on the Catholic lay movement, the Teresian Association, on the occasion of its centenary celebration, wishing its members be able to bear much fruit in awakening the Christian and human soul of society. The Catholic lay movement whose members commit themselves to witnessing to the Gospel values in ordinary life, was founded by St. Pedro Poveda in 1911, during a wave of secularization in northern Spain. A message sent on the Pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, was read during the Teresian Association’s general assembly taking place in Madrid, Spain, July 19-28. Cardinal Bertone said the Holy Father joins them thanking in God for the many gifts received during the 100 years, particularly the fruits of holiness of their founder St. Poveda and their two outstanding members Blessed Victoria Díez and Venerable Josefa Segovia. Pope Benedict wished that the association may bear much fruit in the exciting task of awakening the Christian and human soul in the world of education, culture, and the promotion of the human person. The Teresian Association is named after St. Teresa of Avila, a doctor of the Church, who Poveda found an excellent model of contemplation and action. The association is present in 30 countries today. Members make their profession a means of their apostolate and can be found schools and universities, involved in pastoral work, the mass media, in health care and research.