“Let Christ reign in our wounds”: Bishop Casimiro Lopez Llorente presided over Holy Mass on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the community of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Benicàssim celebrated a special Eucharist on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation. The celebration, which took place in the sisters’ convent, was presided over by the bishop of the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón, Casimiro Lopez Llorente. The Holy Mass brought together numerous faithful who wished to join the Sisters in this act of thanksgiving.
This event crowned a day of celebrations commemorating the anniversary, which encourages us to “look back with gratitude and look to the future with hope,” recalling the life and mission that Blessed Frances Siedliska, Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, began in 1875. Her desire was to make the spirit of Nazareth present in the world: a home where God dwells in everyday life, in simplicity, family love, and quiet fidelity.
Christ reigns from the cross
In his homily, the bishop emphasized the profound meaning of the celebration: “Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe; he is the center toward which history is moving and the source from which all hope flows.” He reminded us that Christ reigns from the cross and explained that he does so not through human power, success, or appearances, but through love that gives itself completely.
“To reign is to love to the point of giving one’s life,” said the Bishop. “If we allow Christ to reign in our wounds, He will transform pain into a path to salvation.” These words found a special resonance among married couples and families, whom he encouraged to recognize the Lord in their daily crosses: in fatigue, worries, conflicts, illness, or financial difficulties.
150 years of service: The charism of Nazareth in practice
Bishop Casimiro also expressed his gratitude to the Sisters of Nazareth for their 150 years of service. He recalled that throughout all these years, the Congregation has cared for others in many ways, providing education, comforting and accompanying them in their suffering, always being a living sign of the Good Shepherd who walks with his people. He emphasized that the history of the Congregation is a silent testimony to Christ’s way of reigning, always marked by service and closeness.
He also emphasized that the Congregation has been present in the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón for seven years, “touching on the essence of two essential vocations in the Church: consecrated life and Christian marriage and family.”
The bishop emphasized in his reflection that Nazareth is not a spectacular place, but a humble home where God dwells among us. We also experience this truth in Benicàssim thanks to the Sisters’ prayers, the hospitality of the community, and the spiritual accompaniment of so many people.
The Church that walks as a community
The celebration was also a vivid image of the communion experienced in the Church: nuns, families, children, young people, priests, and lay people united around the Eucharist. “No one walks alone,” recalled the Bishop, inviting everyone to experience faith as a communal pilgrimage, where each vocation is important and supports the others.
“The Church grows when there are hearts that give themselves unreservedly,” said the Bishop, thanking the sisters and married couples for their presence and witness.
Looking to the future with confidence
In conclusion, Bishop Casimiro encouraged the sisters to live their charism with hope: “The Lord says to you today: ‘Thank you for what you have already done… and do not be afraid, for I am with you. He also conveyed a message to married couples: “Jesus says to you: reign with me, serving, forgiving, raising children in the faith, and building a Christian home.”
The celebration concluded with the prayer of the good thief from today’s Gospel: “Jesus, remember me” — remember us! The bishop encouraged everyone to let Christ reign in their families, communities, and hearts, asking for the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, and St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family.
Sr. Katarzyna Nowak
Spanish-language Facebook page of the Sisters:
www.facebook.com/hermanasdelasagradafamiliadenazaretspain
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCC2mu
