From the heart of France, a spark ignited. This spark became a flame that reached across oceans and continents, eventually finding a home here at Verbo Encarnado in Mexico City. Verbo Encarnado, meaning “Word Incarnate,” reflects the spirit of the order that built this sacred space: the Congregation of the Incarnate Word. Their story begins in 1625 in Roanne, France with a woman named Jeanne Chézard de Matel. She felt a calling to establish an order dedicated to honoring the Incarnation of the Son of God.
Verbo Encarnado in Mexico City stands as a testament to the order’s global reach. The order first arrived in Mexico in 1894, settling in San Juan Bautista, now known as Villahermosa, Tabasco. Their mission was education, and they established schools throughout the country. One of these is the Instituto Pedagógico Anglo Español, with roots in the Verbo Encarnado schools. Jeanne Chézard de Matel, the founder, believed that her order would reach the furthest corners of the world. Her vision proved true. The Congregation of the Incarnate Word extended their mission throughout the Americas, to Europe, Africa, and here to Mexico.
The order faced challenging times, particularly during the Mexican Revolution. They persevered, however, much like they had during the French Revolution. The sisters demonstrated unwavering faith amidst persecution, leading to further growth and expansion. Verbo Encarnado in Romita stands as a symbol of their resilience and dedication. It reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the global impact of one woman’s vision. Here in Mexico City, the Verbo Encarnado continues to serve as a beacon of faith. It carries on the legacy of Jeanne Chézard de Matel and her unwavering devotion to the Incarnate Word.