Student/Parent Interest

The Teresian Association

A Mission for lay people

The Teresian Association is a Lay Catholic Association of women and men who are committed to living Christian values in their family and working life.

It was founded by St Pedro Poveda, a Spanish priest and educationalist, in 1911. He sought inspiration in Teresa of Avila because she opened her heart to God and to others, held truly human values, was attentive to the changes happening in the society of her time, was a person of deep prayer and inspired action and a woman of rich human relationships.

As people who seek to be attentive to the needs around us, The Teresian Association aims to build a more just and caring society. We are inspired by Pedro Poveda’s prophetic vision for lay people. Through the way he lived and worked, he taught that, to achieve their potential , Christians need to reach out, work together and live in solidarity with those in need around them.

In the style of St. Pedro Poveda we stress the importance of:

* Giving witness to the Christian faith in our multi-cultural society, convinced of the influence education has in changing people and society for the better.

* cherishing authentic human values

* reaching out to those in difficulty

* having a prayerful attitude towards life and living

* the conviction that we must start by doing

* the commitment to be gentle

Pedro Poveda was inspired by the life of the Early Christians, because of the quality of their presence in society. They worked with everyone for the common good yet without hiding their faith. They lived by the Word of God, celebrated the Eucharist and lived a life of solidarity and sharing.

One mission, different associations

The Teresian Association is present in 30 countries and grouped in several associations: single and married people, children and young adults, and people living out their mission from within similar types of professions.

Our History begins in 1911

Confronted with the growing secularisation of the society of his time, Pedro Poveda searched for new ways of reconciling faith and culture, active belief and human development. He therefore encouraged the effective presence of christians in the world of education and culture. He wanted the members to have a solid human and christian education and a commitment to Christ in their professional life.

He soon gathered people around this ideal and from it, in time, The Teresian Association came into being. It was recognised first by the local Church in 1911 and then officially recognised by the universal Church in 1924. One of his closest associates was Josefa Segovia, who became the first President of The Teresian Association.

Pedro Poveda often stressed the importance of Joy and enthusiasm. He wrote:

"Ours is not a spirit of fear, but a spirit of Fortitude and love"

“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart.”

The Teresian Association is present in:

Europe

* Spain
* France
* Italy
* Ireland
* England
* Portugal
* Belgium
* Germany
* Luxemburg

Latin America

* Argentina
* Bolivia
* Brazil
* Chile
* Colombia
* Dominican Republic
* Guatemala
* Mexico
* Peru
* Uruguay
* Venezuela

Africa

* Equatorial Guinea
* Republic of the Congo
* Cameroon

North America

* United States

Asia

* India
* Israel
* Japan

The Teresian Bursary

Please download the Word document below for full details on the Teresian Bursary