On 11 April 2026, Corazón de María School in Palencia held its Families Gathering of the Heart of Mary, a day of fellowship that brought together families of current students, as well as others who remain connected to the school through former students, shared activities, or simply through the desire to continue being part of a community that remains alive over time.
The gathering took place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Alconada, in the town of Ampudia, in the province of Palencia, a setting especially suited to living a day of fraternity, gratitude, and shared joy. Although rain had been forecast, the day passed peacefully without a single drop falling, something many received with simplicity and gratitude under Our Lady’s protection.
The morning began with a Marian Act in the shrine, led by Deacon Luis Turrión, who is responsible for that pastoral area. It was a moment of prayer that helped place the day under Mary’s care and gave spiritual depth to a gathering also marked by closeness and warm fellowship.
This was followed by a violin recital, accompanied on the piano by the father of one of the school’s students. The delicacy of the music and the atmosphere of recollection made this one of the most moving moments of the day.
At around 2:00 p.m., the families shared a meal, prepared from the contributions brought by each family according to the arrangements made beforehand. Everyone’s generosity ensured that there was more than enough, and the shared table once again became a simple and genuine expression of communion.
Later in the afternoon, at 4:00 p.m., family group games began: tug-of-war, musical chairs, the spoon race, and other activities that filled the atmosphere with laughter, participation, and enthusiasm. Children and adults alike enjoyed a relaxed and cheerful time together, highlighting the joy of meeting and sharing the day as one family.
In total, around 60 adults and 50 children of different ages took part in the day, each contributing through their presence, their cooperation, and their good spirit to making it a particularly joyful occasion. Beyond the programme itself, the gathering also left a clear sense that the bonds formed around the school continue to bear fruit and strengthen a sense of belonging that extends into family life and shared community.
The Missionary Daughters of the Heart of Mary give thanks for this initiative of Corazón de María School in Palencia, which helps nurture unity, strengthen the bonds between generations, and make visible, in simple ways, the richness of an educational and faith community that continues walking forward together.
