06 Feb Triduum for renewal of vows in Palmela, Portugal
From January 23 to 26, the triduum for renewal of vows took place in Palmela, Portugal. Twelve Sisters from six countries gathered for three days of retreat led by Clara Lito, aci, and Joana Barbado, aci.
But what is a triduum for renewal of vows and why do it? Two words: triduum and renewal.
Let’s begin with the renewal: Every year, the Sisters renew their vows (of poverty, chastity, and obedience) to the Lord in the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, during the time when they have not yet made their final vows. Before renewing them, they go through what is called a triduum. This word comes from Latin and means ‘three,’ referring to three days of spiritual retreat.
It is a time to step away from the hustle and bustle of our noisy lives and listen to what the Lord wants to say to us. It allows each one to come before the Lord and offer everything we have lived, but also, and above all, to listen to Him. It is the moment to listen again to the Lord who calls us, speaks to our hearts, and to reorient our commitment as a gift from the Lord.
Every year, the Sisters present in Europe gather, either in Madrid (Spain) or in Palmela (Portugal), to live this triduum together. Each Sister could do it on her own, but we have been called to the same Congregation. The fact of coming together allows us to root our call in the same land and share fundamental moments of our lives as Handmaids: the moment of renewing our ‘yes’ before the Lord.
This triduum concludes with the renewal of vows during the final Mass of the triduum. Before the Blessed Sacrament, each Sister repeats in her own language her ‘yes’ to the Lord who has called her.
This year, the triduum was celebrated in January in Palmela, in our spiritual house, a very special place.
Clara, one of the Sisters who accompanied the group of Sisters, shares with us:
From January 23 to 26, we welcomed here in Palmela 12 Sisters, coming from different countries in Europe, for their triduum of renewal of vows.
It has been a grace to accompany them during this time. During these days, with Joana Barbado, aci, we proposed to follow a path from thanksgiving for the consecration to allowing ourselves to be renewed by the Lord in each one’s ‘yes’… through Christ, with Christ, in Christ…
For me, it was very good to prepare this triduum with Joana and to be able to share, as Sisters, what we are living as Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was also a time to, once again, experience the universality of the Institute, as each Sister renewed her vows (during the Sunday Mass at the House) in her own language, a total of 5! A testimony for all those present!
I am very grateful for these days… of the Institute. Moments like these help us grow in our vocation.”
Michelle, Ota y Filipa, sisters in the triduum…
Michelle from the Philippines:
Throughout the triduum, my heart was filled with gratitude towards the Lord, who is so kind, generous, loving, and merciful with me. It was a journey of thanksgiving to Jesus, who called me and loved me first, without conditions or limits. He loves me as I am, with a boundless love that only He can give me, and He allows me to experience it at different moments in my life.
In response, I renew my ‘yes’ with all my heart as His Handmaid, with His grace.
It was also particularly meaningful because I was able to live it alongside my sisters from different countries. I feel deeply blessed to have been with them.
Ota from Timor – Experience of Monte Tabor
I looked forward to this moment with emotion, convinced that, like for Peter, James, and John on the top of Mount Tabor, it is a moment of great revelation. And indeed, it was! He revealed to me how much He has loved, cared for, and protected me, and He showed me that He will continue to do so. That love drives me to say: ‘I am Yours, and I am here for You.’
The experience in Palmela has also given me the joy of walking with Mary as a Mother.
Filipa from Portugal:
“Being able to take a few days to be with Jesus and look at our life as Handmaids with Him is a gift… even more so when we do it with other Sisters from so many parts of the world. We pray together with the desire to go in His company, where His Love and His steps will show us the way, making space for Him to continue growing in us and us in Him. And with this desire, we renew our vows!”
