Queluz de Baixo – From 27 to 30 July 2026, the community of the Canossian Sisters of Queluz de Baixo joyfully welcomed the canonical visit of the General Councillor, Mother Albertina Luiz Dos Santos. The occasion was experienced as a privileged opportunity for encounter, dialogue and sharing with the religious community.
Mother Albertina’s arrival was warmly welcomed by the sisters. At 19:00 the community gathered in the chapel to celebrate the opening liturgy of the Canonical Visit; after Vespers, the communal meeting took place.
During these days, Mother Albertina closely accompanied the life of the community, listening to the sisters’ experiences and encouraging each one to continue living the charism of Saint Magdalene of Canossa with renewed enthusiasm.
The symbol of this Canonical Visit was a candle placed upon a dove made of ceramic. The dove, one of the most beautiful symbols of the Holy Spirit, recalls his action that guides, illuminates and renews the life of the Church and of every believer.
The dove reminds us that this time of visit is an opportunity of grace, of listening, of discernment and of renewal. It invites each sister to open her heart to the action of the Holy Spirit, in order to grow in fraternal communion, in the educational and charitable mission and in service to the poorest, according to the Canossian spirit.
The Opening Mass of the Canonical Visit took place on 28 July, at 19:00, in the Church of Queluz de Baixo, open to the whole community; after the Eucharistic celebration, a shared supper was held in the house of the Canossian Sisters. The Canossian Laity and the parish priest, Fr Raimundo, were present. An atmosphere of joy and fraternity was created, leaving a renewed commitment to continue serving with dedication, following the example of Saint Magdalene of Canossa and responding generously to the needs of the Church and the community. During the supper with Mother Albertina, each participant was offered a special memento: a hand made of modelling clay with a candle. Each finger was painted with the colour of a continent, symbolising that the light of Christ must reach all people, in all places of the world.
On 28 and 29 July 2026, moments of listening, sharing and dialogue took place between Mother Albertina and the teaching and non-teaching staff of the nursery and preschool facilities. The sessions were held at 15:30 on 28 July and at 10:00 on 29 July.
The aim of the meeting was to listen to the teachers regarding their professional experiences in carrying out their educational activity within the charism, as well as the relationship they establish with the Sisters of the educational community. It was also intended to identify perceived difficulties and to gather suggestions that could contribute to strengthening this educational mission.
On 30 July, Mother Albertina met with the Canossian Laity at 15:30. In this meeting she presented the general picture of the Canossian Charismatic Family in all its dimensions.
After the presentation there was a time of dialogue and exchange of experiences, in which the laity shared how they live the Canossian spirit in their daily lives (family, work, etc.).
Before refreshments, the Laity offered an apron as a sign to commemorate Mother Albertina’s visit.
The apron represents her passage through Lisbon – Portugal (decorated with a typically Portuguese azulejo tile) and also symbolises being always ready for service to one’s neighbour.
The apron offered was placed inside a suitcase made of EVA. Inside the suitcase, also made of EVA, are an image of a white dove and of the globe, as well as photographs of the municipality of Oeiras and the district of Lisbon. The white dove symbolises the peace of Christ; the globe symbolises the universal mission, to remind us that the heart and prayer of the community reach out to the whole world. The photographs of Oeiras and Lisbon symbolise the roots from which the Laity come.
The community of Queluz de Baixo expressed its gratitude for Mother Albertina’s presence, considering this visit a moment of spiritual renewal, closeness and encouragement to continue the educational and evangelising mission entrusted to the Canossian Sisters.
