From 8 to 11 May 2025, Nizhny Tagil (RU, Siberia) became the centre of celebrations and joy for the Vincentian family – many believers, friends and guests were able to share with us the joy and gratitude on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the presence of the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in Russia.
This joy was shared with us by the Ordinary of the Diocese of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Bishop Jozef Wert, who came from Novosibirsk to Nizhny Tagil on the occasion of the current quarter-centenary.
The Visitor of our Province of Slovakia, Sister Damiána Poláková, also attended the celebration, accompanied by Sister Katarína Števicová, who was one of the first Sisters to come to Russia 25 years ago. Representatives of Caritas from Novosibirsk and Omsk were also present.
The celebrations got off to an exceptional start on the evening of Thursday 8 May, when we all watched the election of the new Pope together. Amid thunderous applause and singing of ‘Alleluia’, we thanked God for our new Pope, Leo XIV. It was a moment of great joy for all those present!
On Friday, 9 May, the feast of St Louise de Marillac, our diocesan bishop celebrated a solemn Mass with seven priests from the diocese. In addition, on that day, before lunch, we had a spiritual programme on the life of our Foundress. After lunch, the children’s club ‘Zabota’ (in English, ‘Care’) had organised another programme for us. The children prepared a festive performance for us on the themes of kindness and mercy. They reminded us of the various virtues and vices that can dwell in our hearts.
On Saturday, 10 May, we contemplated the beauty of God in the nature of the Urals – on the White Mountain.
On Sunday, 11 May, together with parishioners and pilgrims from Ekaterinburg and other parishes, we participated in the feast of our Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Nizhny Tagil. The solemn Mass was again presided over by Monsignor Jozef Wert. On that day, we also organised a charity fair, where everyone could buy homemade treats made by our Sisters. During the celebration, our colleagues from the association gave us a hand, and people chatted amiably and were also able to take photos in our photo area.
Thank you to everyone who shared our joy and gratitude to God for all the blessings granted during these 25 years!
