Category: History

Church defends Indigenous peoples: ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ was never Catholic

Posted on by Diane Smyth

A “Joint Statement” from the Dicastery for Culture and the Dicastery for Integral Human Development formally repudiates “those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent human rights of indigenous peoples, including what has become known as the legal and political ‘doctrine of discovery’.”

Pope Francis greets an indigenous leader as he addresses representatives of Indigenous Peoples of the First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit gathered in Maskwacis Park, near Edmonton, Canada, during his 37th Apostolic Journey.
Image: Vatican News

The document states that the “Doctrine of Discovery” – a theory that served to justify the expropriation by sovereign colonizers of indigenous lands from their rightful owners – “is  not a part of the teaching of the Catholic Church.” It further affirms that the papal bulls that granted such “rights” to colonizing sovereigns have never been a part of the Church’s Magisterium.

This important text, coming eight months after Pope Francis’ penitential journey to Canada, clearly reaffirms the Catholic Church’s rejection of the colonizing mentality. Read more

In its statement, issued on 30 March, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expresses gratitude towards the Holy See for issuing the Declaration.

Source: Vatican News

 

Una “Declaración Conjunta” del Dicasterio para la Cultura y el Dicasterio para el Desarrollo Humano Integral repudia formalmente “aquellos conceptos que no reconocen los derechos humanos inherentes a los pueblos indígenas, incluyendo lo que se ha dado en llamar la “doctrina del descubrimiento” jurídica y política.”

El documento afirma que la “Doctrina del Descubrimiento” -teoría que sirvió para justificar la expropiación por colonizadores soberanos de tierras indígenas a sus legítimos propietarios- “no forma parte de la enseñanza de la Iglesia católica”. Afirma además que las bulas papales que concedieron tales “derechos” a los soberanos colonizadores nunca han formado parte del Magisterio de la Iglesia.

Este importante texto, que llega ocho meses después del viaje penitencial del Papa Francisco a Canadá, reafirma claramente el rechazo de la Iglesia católica a la mentalidad colonizadora.

En su declaración, emitida el 30 de marzo, la Conferencia Canadiense de Obispos Católicos (CCCB) expresa su gratitud hacia la Santa Sede por la emisión de la Declaración.

Fuente: Vatican News

 

Peru’s Struggle for justice and Equality. La lucha de Perú por la justicia y la igualdad.

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Sheila Curran is an Irish Sister of Mercy who spent many years in Peru.  In January 2023 she visited Peru and recently wrote this reflection of the current social and political situation in that country.

Shanty town in Lima, Peru. The once gray houses of the impoverished district of the Peruvian capital Lima shine in all colors. The campaign aims to attract tourists and improve the lives of residents.

My years of ministry in Peru changed my life. I have always said when you come to work in Peru, the Peruvian people will steal your heart, and they will never give it back.  This is so true. How delighted I was then in January 2023 to be invited back to Peru to give some biblical and theological workshops for a number of weeks to local people.

Today, Peru is making international headlines due to the many protests and civil unrest that have gripped the country since December 2022. I am writing this short article which I hope will enable people to understand some of the issues confronting the people of Peru in their struggle for justice and equality at this critical time and about which I learned more in January.

Peru is a land of striking contrasts: natural beauty, diversity of peoples, cultures and natural resources. It is also a land of conflict, oppression and persecution, the roots of which stem from the time the country was colonized over 500 years ago. The country is highly centralised and inequality is rife.  At times it may seem that the country is devoid of opportunity for ordinary people. Lima, the capital, is where most of the decision making takes place, but Lima is not Peru.  Peru is probably the only country in the world where the last 5 presidents ended up in jail found guilty of either human rights abuses or corruption.

In early December 2022, the former president, Pedro Castillo, who was elected in 2021, was forced out of office after he attempted to temporarily suspend congress in an effort to avoid impeachment for “moral incapacity” – a charge stemming from multiple corruption allegations. He tried to leave the country but failed. He is now in prison in Lima, awaiting trial for an attempted coup and facing corruption charges.

Prior to becoming President, Pedro Castillo was the leader of a teacher’s union in a poor rural part of Peru. The people were hoping that urgent problems afflicting the poor both in the high Andes and in coastal shanty towns, would be addressed. Issues such as racism, inequality, destructive mining practices, deforestation of the amazon region, abject poverty, educational reform, giving a voice to the rural people are some of the issues that needed to be addressed in the country. The hopes of the rural community rested on the first indigenous President. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Pedro Castillo has been replaced by the vice-President Dina Boluarte, his former running mate, a campesina and a member of his own party. The majority of the people throughout the country have refused to accept her as president as she has been appointed to the position. ..

Download the complete article (PDF)

Sheila Curran es una Hermana de la Misericordia irlandesa que pasó muchos años en Perú. En enero de 2023 visitó Perú y recientemente escribió esta reflexión sobre la actual situación social y política de ese país.

Mis años de ministerio en Perú cambiaron mi vida. Siempre he dicho que cuando vienes a trabajar a Perú, los peruanos te roban el corazón y nunca te lo devuelven. Esto es tan cierto. Qué feliz me sentí cuando en enero de 2023 me invitaron a volver a Perú para dar algunos talleres bíblicos y teológicos durante varias semanas a la población local.

Hoy, Perú está en los titulares internacionales debido a las muchas protestas y disturbios civiles que se han apoderado del país desde diciembre de 2022. Estoy escribiendo este breve artículo que espero permita a la gente entender algunas de las cuestiones a las que se enfrenta el pueblo de Perú en su lucha por la justicia y la igualdad en este momento crítico y sobre las que aprendí más en enero.

Perú es una tierra de contrastes asombrosos: belleza natural, diversidad de pueblos, culturas y recursos naturales. También es una tierra de conflictos, opresión y persecución, cuyas raíces se remontan a la época en que el país fue colonizado, hace más de 500 años. El país está muy centralizado y reina la desigualdad. A veces puede parecer que el país carece de oportunidades para la gente corriente. Lima, la capital, es donde se toman la mayoría de las decisiones, pero Lima no es Perú. Perú es probablemente el único país del mundo donde los últimos 5 presidentes acabaron en la cárcel declarados culpables de abusos de los derechos humanos o de corrupción.

A principios de diciembre de 2022, el anterior presidente, Pedro Castillo, elegido en 2021, se vio obligado a abandonar el cargo después de que intentara suspender temporalmente el Congreso en un intento de evitar la destitución por “incapacidad moral”, un cargo derivado de múltiples acusaciones de corrupción. Intentó abandonar el país, pero no lo consiguió. Ahora se encuentra en prisión en Lima, a la espera de juicio por intento de golpe de Estado y acusado de corrupción.

Antes de convertirse en Presidente, Pedro Castillo era dirigente de un sindicato de profesores en una zona rural pobre de Perú. La población esperaba que se abordaran los problemas urgentes que aquejan a los pobres, tanto en las alturas de los Andes como en los barrios marginales de la costa. Cuestiones como el racismo, la desigualdad, las prácticas mineras destructivas, la deforestación de la región amazónica, la pobreza extrema, la reforma educativa, dar voz a la población rural, son algunas de las cuestiones que deben abordarse en el país. Las esperanzas de la comunidad rural descansaban en el primer Presidente indígena. Desgraciadamente, no fue así. Pedro Castillo ha sido sustituido por la vicepresidenta Dina Boluarte, su antigua compañera de fórmula, campesina y miembro de su propio partido. La mayoría de la población de todo el país se ha negado a aceptarla como presidenta, tal y como ha sido designada para el cargo…

Descargar el artículo completo (PDF)

 

Great Works of Newfoundland Artist, Gerald Squires, to be sold at Auction

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Gerald Squires, one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most distinguished artists, died October 3, 2015 at the age of 77 after battling cancer.

Since his earliest years Gerald had the mind, heart and soul of an artist. Although not “religious” he was a man moved by the Spirit and who lived with kindness, gentleness, generosity and love. His life and his art are testament to that.

At this date a large collection of Gerald’s art is on the auction block  https://bartlettauctions.com  His large acrylic paintings depicting the Last Supper, death and resurrection of Jesus were commissioned by the parish of Queen of the World in St. John’s, NL and fed the faith of thousands of faithful parishioners and visitors over the years.  Only in the past twenty years were complementary stained glass windows, also designed by Gerald,  installed  in the church.

Today that church has been sold to meet obligations of court ordered payment to victims of sexual abuse at the former Mount Cashel orphanage.  The sale of the church is part of the bankruptcy protection process established for the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation which was found vicariously liable for the abuse.  The paintings among other treasures that are being sold.

Listen to Gerald Squires in this interview where he gives an explanation of his work of art

Gerald Squires was also a sculptor applying his genius to clay, fired in a kiln, then in a pit and covered in sawdust to form a Raku style ceramic.  The Sisters of Mercy commissioned a panel of six units in raku depicting the history of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s.

“Mercy” was depicted in six different languages to represent the people who live in or frequented the shores of this part of Canada.

In 2014 Gerald created another panel of six pieces to depict the images of giving and receiving for The Gathering Place, a social and health service centre for the most vulnerable population in St. John’s.

In a film produced by award-winning Director Kenneth Harvey, “I Heard the Birch tree Whisper in the Night”Gerald Squires speaks of his own immanent dying.

March is Irish Heritage Month

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Throughout the month of March, Canadians are encouraged to learn more about the rich history of Irish-Canadian communities, to remember and honour their legacy, and to celebrate their continued contributions to our country.

The story of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland is a story of valiant women, women of faith and vision, of courage and commitment, of hope and fidelity. It is a story pulsating with life and energy, a story to be remembered, celebrated and shared.

“Standing on Their Shoulders”, a book by Charlotte Fitzpatrick rsm tells the stories of 60 Sisters of Mercy who left Ireland  between 1842  and 1907 , all aged between sixteen and twenty years, to minister with the people of Newfoundland .

These portraits, most two or three pages in length tell in rich detail their compassion, courage, commitment and creativity.

Download the PDf of their stories here

St. Joseph’s Convent Celebrating 100 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

December 3, 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of St. Joseph’s Convent. 

An early photo of St Joseph’s Convent

Sisters of Mercy however, had been ministering in the area around Signal Hill, St. John’s,  as early as 1863, making the daily trek from Mercy Convent on Military Road.

In an address to the people of St. Joseph’s Parish, reported in  the September 10, 1918 issue of The Daily News, Archbishop Roche recalled the long history of the Sisters of Mercy in the area:

The people of St. Joseph’s have obligations of a special nature toward the Sisters of Mercy.  For more than half a century, they have been, practically without interruption, teaching the children of this end of town…    I hope that it may not be too much to expect that in the not- too- distant future the Sisters may have a home in this parish, so as to be near their work and to be able to do for the children what they cannot do under these conditions…

Four years later, the Archbishop’s hopes were realized when St. Joseph’s Convent (known in earlier years as Castle Rennie or Castle Lindberg) was formally blessed and opened.  The Sisters who formed the first community were: Sisters M. Benedicta Fitzgibbons, M. Michael Gillis, M. Ignatius Molloy and a postulant, Margaret Kent.

One hundred years later, six Sisters call St. Joseph’s their home.

Una foto antigua del convento de San José

Sin embargo, las Hermanas de la Misericordia ya ejercían su ministerio en los alrededores de Signal Hill, St. John’s, desde 1863, haciendo el trayecto diario desde el Convento de la Misericordia en Military Road.

En un discurso a los habitantes de la parroquia de St. Joseph, publicado en el número del 10 de septiembre de 1918 de The Daily News, el arzobispo Roche recordó la larga historia de las Hermanas de la Misericordia en la zona:

La gente de St. Joseph tiene obligaciones de naturaleza especial hacia las Hermanas de la Misericordia.  Durante más de medio siglo, han estado, prácticamente sin interrupción, enseñando a los niños de este extremo de la ciudad… Espero que no sea demasiado esperar que en un futuro no muy lejano las Hermanas puedan tener un hogar en esta parroquia, para estar cerca de su trabajo y poder hacer por los niños lo que ellas no pueden hacer en estas condiciones…”.

Cuatro años más tarde, las esperanzas del Arzobispo se hicieron realidad cuando el Convento de San José (conocido en los primeros años como Castillo Rennie o Castillo Lindberg) fue formalmente bendecido e inaugurado.  Las Hermanas que formaron la primera comunidad fueron: Las Hermanas M. Benedicta Fitzgibbons, M. Michael Gillis, M. Ignatius Molloy y una postulante, Margaret Kent.

Cien años más tarde, seis Hermanas llaman a San José su hogar.

Prayer/Reflection for 12 December, Foundation Day

Posted on by Diane Smyth
Statue of Catherine McAuley in the grounds of Baggot Street

12 December 1831  marks the date on which Catherine McAuley and her companions, Anna Maria Doyle and Elizabeth Harley, returned to Baggot Street from the Presentation Convent at Georges Hill, having just professed their vows as the first Sisters of Mercy. And so began the story of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy,  brought to Newfoundland on 3 June 1842, the first foundation of the Sisters of Mercy in the New World.

Join us in celebrating this special date in the Mercy story using the prayer reflection prepared for the occasion.

El 12 de diciembre de 1831 marca la fecha en que Catalina McAuley y sus compañeras, Anna María Doyle y Elizabeth Harley, regresaron a Baggot Street desde el Convento de la Presentación en Georges Hill, tras haber profesado sus votos como las primeras Hermanas de la Misericordia. Así comenzó la historia de la Congregación de las Hermanas de la Misericordia, llevada a Terranova el 3 de junio de 1842, la primera fundación de las Hermanas de la Misericordia en el Nuevo Mundo.

Acompáñanos en la celebración de esta fecha especial en la historia de la Misericordia utilizando la reflexión de la oración preparada para la ocasión.

 

St. Clare’s Celebrates 100 Years

Posted on by Diane Smyth

In May of this year St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its founding.

In this special year of celebration, the Congregational Leadership Team and the members of St. Clare’s Advisory Council made plans to celebrate Mercy Day at the hospital.

On September 27 we met for a special morning prayer in St. Clare’s chapel, along with a number of managers from the hospital. Following the prayer, members of both groups went through every unit and work- place in St. Clare’s, distributing the specially-designed anniversary pins, along with a package of Lindt chocolates for each staff member, a total of nearly 1300.

Managers and staff were most appreciative of the gesture, and were especially delighted to have the opportunity of meeting members of the Advisory Council and seeing the sisters around the units.

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 3:

Anniversary of the Founding of Mercy on West Coast of Newfoundland

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On July 28, 1893, Sisters M. Antonio Egan, M. Corsini Dempsey, M. Veronica Payne and M. Sylvester Carver, former members of the Sisters of Mercy of Providence, Rhode Island, left Boston, bound for Sandy Point on the west coast of Newfoundland. Mrs. Henrietta Brownell, a friend of Sister M. Antonio and a benefactor of the mission, along with Bishop Michael Howley, Vicar Apostolic of Western Newfoundland, accompanied the band of missionaries to their new home.

Upon arrival at Sandy Point, the sisters received an enthusiastic welcome from the people of Sandy point. The Evening Telegram of August 12, 1893 reported as follows:

As the steamer neared the wharf, a great crowd gathered and salvos
of guns were heard on every side. The line of procession from the wharf to the
Bishop’s house (where the nuns are to be temporarily located) was spanned
by several arches of evergreens … and decorated with wreaths, mottoes and
flags, among which the tri-color of France was particularly conspicuous.

From the Annals of St. Michael’s Convent, St. George’s we learn that once the festivities were over, “the sisters found themselves face to face with the stern difficulties of mission life in a new and poor country.” The annalist went on to say that “the contrast between the school environment of Sandy Point and that of Providence, Rhode Island can be better imagined than described …”

Although plagued with many difficulties and struggles in both community and ministry,the sisters remained steadfast in their dedication to the ideals of the mission they had undertaken so eagerly. In 1899 with the construction of the railway line in St. George’s, the sisters moved from Sandy Point to the new St. Michael’s Convent and school in St. George’s, where they were able to enjoy better accommodations and easier access to resources. The first two boarding students – Sarah Blanchard and Sarah Doyle from Codroy Valley – arrived at St. Michael’s Academy in 1900 to avail of the educational opportunities of the new school. Sarah Doyle entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1906, taking the religious name of Sister Mary Dominic. She was a great-aunt of Sister Sylvia Doyle.

Foundation of Sisters of Mercy, Sandy Point from Diane on Vimeo.

More stories documenting our Newfoundland Mercy Story can be read in “Archival Moments“

El 28 de julio de 1893, las Hermanas M. Antonio Egan, M. Corsini Dempsey, M. Veronica Payne y M. Sylvester Carver, antiguas miembros de las Hermanas de la Misericordia de Providence, Rhode Island, salieron de Boston con destino a Sandy Point, en la costa occidental de Terranova. La Sra. Henrietta Brownell, amiga de la Hermana M. Antonio y benefactora de la misión, junto con el Obispo Michael Howley, Vicario Apostólico de Terranova Occidental, acompañaron al grupo de misioneras a su nuevo hogar.

A su llegada a Sandy Point, las hermanas recibieron una entusiasta bienvenida por parte de los habitantes de Sandy Point. El Evening Telegram del 12 de agosto de 1893 informaba de lo siguiente:

Cuando el vapor se acercó al muelle, una gran multitud se reunió y salvas
de armas se oian por todas partes. La linea de la procesion desde el muelle hasta la
de la ciudad, y de la ciudad, y de la ciudad, y de la ciudad, y de la ciudad, y de la ciudad.
y decorada con coronas, lemas y banderas, entre las que destacaba la tricolor.
banderas, entre las que destacaba la tricolor de Francia.

En los Anales del Convento de San Miguel, St. George’s, nos enteramos de que, una vez terminadas las festividades, “las hermanas se encontraron cara a cara con las duras dificultades de la vida de misión en un país nuevo y pobre”. El annalista continuó diciendo que “el contraste entre el ambiente escolar de Sandy Point y el de Providence, Rhode Island puede ser mejor imaginado que descrito…”

Aunque plagadas de muchas dificultades y luchas tanto en la comunidad como en el ministerio,
las hermanas se mantuvieron firmes en su dedicación a los ideales de la misión que habían emprendido con tanto entusiasmo. En 1899, con la construcción de la línea de ferrocarril en St. George’s, las hermanas se trasladaron de Sandy Point al nuevo convento y colegio de St. Michael’s en St. George’s, donde pudieron disfrutar de mejores alojamientos y un acceso más fácil a los recursos. Las dos primeras alumnas internas – Sarah Blanchard y Sarah Doyle de Codroy Valley – llegaron a la Academia de San Miguel en 1900 para aprovechar las oportunidades educativas de la nueva escuela. Sarah Doyle ingresó en las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1906, tomando el nombre religioso de Hermana Mary Dominic. Era tía abuela de la Hermana Sylvia Doyle.

 

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 2:

Sr M.Francis Creedon

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Today, July 15 is the 167th anniversary of the death of our Newfoundland Mercy founder, Sister M. Francis Creedon.

She died at the age of 44, having been professed as a Sister of Mercy for fourteen years. A woman of great fortitude, zeal for mission and commitment to the ideals of Mercy instilled in her by Catherine McAuley, Francis gave her all to the Newfoundland mission.

She faced many trials and hardships both in community and ministry, but the urgency of the mission and her conviction of the loving Providence of God at work in her life impelled her ever onward. Four young women had joined her since the death of her faithful companion, Sister M. Joseph Nugent in 1847.

The last to enter was Anastasia Tarrahan, the first native Newfoundlander, whom she received into the novitiate on July 2, less than two weeks before her death. Following that ceremony, she responded to a call to visit a dying person in the town and upon her return to Mercy Convent from that visitation she was confined to bed until her death.

The following notice was written in Bishop Mullock’s diary on July 15:

Mrs. Creedon, Superioress of the Convent of Mercy died this morning, a victim of overwork for the poor and the sick.

Hoy, 15 de julio, es el 167 aniversario de la muerte de nuestra fundadora de la Misericordia de Terranova, la Hermana M. Francis Creedon.

Murió a la edad de 44 años, habiendo profesado como Hermana de la Misericordia durante catorce años. Mujer de gran fortaleza, celo por la misión y compromiso con los ideales de la Misericordia que le inculcó Catalina McAuley, Francis lo dio todo por la misión de Terranova.

Se enfrentó a muchas pruebas y dificultades tanto en la comunidad como en el ministerio, pero la urgencia de la misión y su convicción de la amorosa Providencia de Dios actuando en su vida la impulsaron a seguir adelante. Cuatro jóvenes se habían unido a ella desde la muerte de su fiel compañera, la Hermana M. Joseph Nugent en 1847.

La última en ingresar fue Anastasia Tarrahan, la primera nativa de Terranova, a quien recibió en el noviciado el 2 de julio, menos de dos semanas antes de su muerte. Después de esa ceremonia, respondió a una llamada para visitar a un moribundo en la ciudad y a su regreso al Convento de la Misericordia de esa visita fue confinada a la cama hasta su muerte.

La siguiente noticia fue escrita en el diario del obispo Mullock el 15 de julio:

La Sra. Creedon, Superiora del Convento de la Misericordia murió esta mañana, víctima del exceso de trabajo para los pobres y los enfermos.

Remembering Our Newfoundland Mercy Story 1: Burin Peninsula

Posted on by Diane Smyth

One hundred fifty-nine years ago this coming week, the Burin Peninsula welcomed the first Sisters of Mercy to its shores.  

Persistent efforts by Burin’s zealous pastor, Father Michael Berney, for whom the education of the children of his parish was of prime importance, finally convinced Mother Xavier Bernard to make a positive response to his entreaties.  St. Anne’s Convent (pictured at right) opened on July 12, 1863. The founding sisters were: Irish-born Sister M. Liguori Carmody; Sister M. Xavier Tarrahan, a Newfoundlander; Sister M. Charles McKenna, also Irish; Mary McAuliffe, a postulant.

The Newfoundlander of July 20, 1863 published a letter describing the arrival of the sisters at the government wharf in Burin on board the steamship Ariel, after a journey of more than twenty-four hours. There, a “tasteful Triumphal Arch” had been erected,  and the long -awaited sisters were greeted with cannon shots and loud cheering from the throngs of people gathered to welcome them. After a visit to the church to receive the bishop’s blessing on the new venture, they were escorted to the priest’s housefor “a collation” by a procession of little girls in white dresses who strewed their path with flowers.

It was an auspicious beginning for St. Anne’s, and the start of a wonderful relationship between the sisters and the people of Burin. The subsequent story of this foundation bears witness to the marvelous ministry of many gifted and dedicated Sisters of Mercy over the years.

Read: Sisters of Mercy presence on the Burin Peninsula

La próxima semana hará ciento cincuenta y nueve años que la península de Burin acogió en sus costas a las primeras Hermanas de la Misericordia.

Los insistentes esfuerzos del celoso párroco de Burin, el padre Michael Berney, para quien la educación de los niños de su parroquia era primordial, convencieron finalmente a la madre Xavier Bernard para que respondiera positivamente a sus súplicas. El convento de Santa Ana (en la foto de la derecha) abrió sus puertas el 12 de julio de 1863. Las hermanas fundadoras fueron: Sor M. Liguori Carmody, de origen irlandés; Sor M. Xavier Tarrahan, de Terranova; Sor M. Charles McKenna, también irlandesa; Mary McAuliffe, postulante.

El Newfoundlander del 20 de julio de 1863 publicó una carta que describía la llegada de las hermanas al muelle gubernamental de Burin a bordo del vapor Ariel, después de un viaje de más de veinticuatro horas. Allí se había erigido un “elegante Arco de Triunfo”, y las tan esperadas hermanas fueron recibidas con cañonazos y fuertes vítores de la multitud de gente reunida para darles la bienvenida. Después de una visita a la iglesia para recibir la bendición del obispo, fueron escoltadas a la casa del sacerdote para “una colación” por una procesión de niñas vestidas de blanco que llenaron su camino de flores.

Fue un comienzo auspicioso para Santa Ana, y el inicio de una maravillosa relación entre las hermanas y el pueblo de Burin. La historia posterior de esta fundación es testimonio del maravilloso ministerio de muchas Hermanas de la Misericordia dotadas y entregadas a lo largo de los años.