EN 
ES 
FR 
Duitama, Boyacá (Colombia), 10/29/2025, Sr. Rosa Elvira Carvajal Cifuentes.- With deep gratitude and joy, the community of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin celebrates today one hundred years of presence in Duitama, Boyacá. A century of service, faith, and education that has left a lasting mark on generations of children, young people, and families in the region.
From left to right: Sr. Omayra Salazar Diaz, Sr. Elsa Patricia Bernal Cortés, Sr. Rosa Elvira Carvajal Cifuentes, Sr. Ligia Castillo Barrera, Sr. Maria Celina Gómez Rueda, Sr. Berta Inés
A century of history and educational mission
The story began on January 12, 1925, when Sisters Agustina de la Cruz (superior), Eugenia del Carmen, Rosa Ignacia, Luisa Susana, María Blanca, Angélica María, María Natalia, Cristina del Carmen, and Costanza arrived in Duitama to take charge of the city’s teaching house. Their warm reception by the local community encouraged them to sow the Gospel and share the charism of Marie Poussepin in this land of Boyacá.
On February 15 of the same year, the Sisters officially began their educational mission. Despite the poverty and limited resources at the start, their faith and perseverance allowed the work to grow. Gradually, the community obtained the necessary materials, furniture, and eventually a building of its own.
In 1930, the community expanded to secondary education, with the purpose of forming young women in Christian life and preparing them to become exemplary women — as mothers, religious, or lay leaders serving society.
A legacy that continues to transform lives
Today, one hundred years later, the Presentation community continues its educational mission in Duitama, faithful to the Gospel and to Marie Poussepin’s pedagogical vision. Inspired by Catholic values, the Sisters promote an integral education rooted in faith, life, and culture, guided by principles of excellence, creativity, leadership, teamwork, and social commitment.
In a globalized world, the Congregation embraces new challenges: fostering the development of cognitive, artistic, athletic, and emotional talents, while nurturing the human and Christian values that uphold the dignity and identity of every person.
A legacy that continues to transform lives
This centennial celebration honors the dedication of countless Sisters, teachers, and generations who have built, day by day, an education that forms ethical, creative leaders committed to social and technological transformation, men and women who shape the future with hope and service.
We give thanks to God and to all generations of educators who, inspired by the Gospel and the charism of our Foundress, have kept the missionary presence of the Sisters alive in this beautiful city of Duitama,” said the Sisters during the celebration.
One hundred years later, the charism of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation remains alive in every Sister faithful to her vocation, in every child who learns, and in every family supported in the education of their children.
A celebration of gratitude
This centenary reminds us that a good education transforms lives, opens doors, and builds futures. The Sisters of the Presentation express heartfelt thanks to the community of Duitama for their support and closeness throughout these hundred years of shared mission.
With all our hearts, we thank you for celebrating with us the life of a charism that continues to bear fruit. Thank you for walking with us in this mission of joyful and hopeful service.”
