Pallerols is universal, open to the world

When Tom Ye and Chengcheng Li, both hailing from the Chinese mainland met in Barcelona during their studies, little did they know about the beautiful turn their lives would take. While love blossomed between the two, both were discovering the grace of Catholic faith. During this time, they were guided by Professors such as Dr. Hanjo Kollmann, a German priest who attends the spiritual formation of IESE students; Jess Estanislao, from the Philippines, and a professor at IESE and Remei Agulles, from the Faculty of Humanities of the UIC, of Barcelona. After a deep formation for nearly 3 years, the two decided to be baptized. Shortly after, on October 8, they entered a civil marriage at the Chinese consulate in Barcelona. Their baptism of admission to the Catholic Church was celebrated on November 1, at a parish in Barcelona.

Finally, Tom & Chengcheng exchanged vows in a beautiful celebration on November 10 in Pallerols with a catholic wedding, together with a Mass of Thanksgiving for their entry into the Catholic Church. Some one hundred thirty people, among friends and relatives, from 37 different countries attended the thanksgiving feast; some of them flew in from China for this event, as was the case with Chengcheng’s mother and some of her brothers. A great celebration followed, as the couple revalidated their promises of fidelity and lasting commitment.

As to why the couple chose the day and date of their grand celebration, we bring you the words of Chengcheng, the bride herself: “We chose November 10 because it was possible to have our family and friends with us on the most important day of our lives. My mother, who is a doctor in China, was also able to join us. The reason why we chose Pallerols is because when my godmother, Rosa Fite, who also works at IESE proposed this idea of celebrating this feast in the Church of Saint Esteve de Pallerols, together with the incredible story of the founder of the Opus Dei, we were very moved. It seemed a very special and divine place. Besides, we also wanted to promote Pallerols among the international community of IESE.“

Once again, we are reminded of what Javier Echevarría told us on September 3, 2015, on the occasion of the blessing of Pallerols rector: “Pallerols is not just a place in this territory. It is a place of grace and blessings for the many women and many men who live in different continents, and who want to follow concretely the path of daily fidelity that St. Josemaría always undertook.”

With Tom & Chencheng’s beautiful journey of love, we have proved yet another time that Pallerols is universal and all embracing. It is increasingly common for people from all over the world to come, attracted by the favours that the Virgin of the Roser dispenses and the example of sanctity of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer.