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On December 19th, the spirit of Christmas filled the air as groups gathered excitedly at the entrance of the Amaranta Foundation Centre in Madrid. Women with children greeted each other warmly, their joy and excitement palpable as they reconnected after a long time apart. The Adoratrices sisters, as always, extended a heartfelt welcome, with hugs, laughter, and shouts of happiness echoing through the space.
Inside, a beautifully decorated Christmas panel stood welcomed all the invited guests, symbolizing the celebration and the shared journey of those present. The event brought together women currently residing in the house, apartments, or other projects of Amaranta Foundation, along with the Adoratrices sisters, volunteers, and, most notably, women who had been part of the program in the past and had since rebuilt their lives. These women proudly introduced their children and shared updates about their current activities, creating an atmosphere of pride and mutual encouragement.
Figure 1- The Adorers novices with their novice mistress
A Shared Journey of Transformation
The annual Christmas gathering is more than just a festive occasion; it is a celebration of the transformative journey from victimhood to survivorship. The Adoratrices sisters extend invitations to those who have supported and accompanied these women on their path to healing and empowerment. This includes professionals, volunteers, and other collaborators who work tirelessly toward creating a just world filled with opportunities for all.
As everyone moved to the hall prepared for the occasion, the sight was heartwarming: in the middle a long table laden with delicious food, set up by young volunteers from a nearby school, stretched the length of the room. The atmosphere was one of joy and togetherness. Before diving into the feast, the Novitiate community of the Adorers sisters led a prayer, expressing gratitude for the past year and preparing hearts for the true spirit of Christmas. The prayer was also a moment to honour the resilience of the women whose courage to rewrite their stories inspires everyone involved.
Moments of Joy and Reflection
The children added a delightful chaos to the event, their laughter and playful antics filling the room as they explored the long tables and sampled their favourite treats. Their uninhibited joy was a reminder of the innocence and hope that Christmas embodies. Meanwhile, the women, volunteers, sisters and professional seated and standing moving from group to group, shared heartfelt conversations, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
A highlight of the evening was a special surprise: a recognition ceremony for two remarkable women, Marta and Iris, who had dedicated 25 years to the work at Hope Project, now called Amaranta Foundation Madrid. Their contributions have profoundly impacted the lives of countless women, transforming the project into a beacon of hope and renewal. Their commitment, marked by empathy, respect, and a deep alignment with the charism of Saint María Micaela, the founder of the Adorers, was celebrated with flowers and a small token of appreciation. While Marta couldn’t attend due to a family loss, Iris, deeply moved, expressed her gratitude and passed the microphone to a current participant of the program.
Figure 2- From left to right: Sr Ramona, Carmen, Iris, Sr Lumi at the service of Amaranta Foundation Madrid.
Testimonies of Hope and Gratitude
The testimonies that followed were the heart of the evening. Women currently in the program and those who had been part of it in the past shared their stories of transformation. They spoke of arriving at the Project in moments of despair and finding not just support but a home where they felt valued and accompanied on their journey.
The women expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the Adorers sisters, educators, professionals, and volunteers, whose warmth and respect created an environment where they could heal and rebuild. While the program’s structure and rules initially seemed challenging, the women later realized how essential these were for achieving stability and growth.
The celebration of milestones—birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays—strengthened their sense of belonging and brought moments of joy and connection. One woman summed up the collective sentiment beautifully: “Here, we didn’t just find help; we found a family.”
Figure 3 – Epiphany morning at breakfast is an important moment in Spain.
A Community United in Solidarity
The evening concluded with hugs and goodbyes, as attendees accompanied each other to buses and metros, promising to reunite at the next celebration. This Christmas gathering was more than an event; it was a testament to the power of community, shared experiences, and unwavering support.
The transformation witnessed in the women who have passed through Amaranta Foundation is a source of joy and hope, not only for them but also for those who walk alongside them. Their courage inspires everyone to continue striving for a world filled with greater solidarity, love, and hope.
As the celebrations ended, it was clear that this shared journey is far from over. Together, they look forward to more milestones, more lives transformed, and more reasons to celebrate the beautiful bonds of friendship and resilience.
Begoña Iñarra,
Volunteer at Amaranta Foundation Madrid
Member of RENATE