The Congregation of the Immaculate Conception was founded in Spain in the 15th century, while today it is especially important in Latin America. In Europe, its convents are still present, mainly in Spain, but there are also convents in India and Equatorial Guinea.
The Conceptionists – as the religious of this order are also known – lead a contemplative life of silence and prayer.
Their convent in Ipiales, in southwestern Colombia, was founded in 1970. Two years earlier, two sisters from the convent in Pasto had, each on her own, harbored a fervent desire to found a convent in Ipiales, a town in the Andean highlands near the border with Ecuador. They communicated this desire to their abbess in June 1968, and since the month of June is dedicated in a special way to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – highly venerated by the abbess – she accepted on condition that the new convent be consecrated to Him.
When, two years later, the first nuns arrived in Ipiales, they were warmly welcomed by many people, and at the consecration ceremony the bishop said that the convent was “the beating heart” of his diocese. Indeed, the convent has a great impact on the faithful of the diocese.
There are currently 13 perpetually professed sisters living there, and there are also young women who wish to join them. The contemplative nuns in Ipiales live very modestly and make handicrafts to earn their living. However, their income is barely enough to cover the daily needs of the convent. The faithful love the convent and bring food to the sisters, but there is always a lack of money to pay for electricity, water, telephone and other expenses. In addition, there are unforeseen expenses, such as repairs or necessary medical treatments.
We would like to help these 13 contemplative nuns in Ipiales to make ends meet, again this year, with a total of 11,000 euros. They are praying for you!