On August 9, 2024, Manresa School was one with the parishioners of St. Candida Maria de Jesus Parish as they celebrated their third annual feast day in honor of their patron saint, St. Candida Maria de Jesus, after its declaration as a parish on October 18, 2021. 

The Eucharistic celebration was held at 9:30 in the morning and was presided by His Most Reverend Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D., Bishop of Imus, Cavite.  He was joined by Rev. Fr. Joseph Mayola, the parish priest, 2 concelebrants and 15 priests from the different parishes of the Diocese of Imus and neighboring places. The Mass was attended by various religious organizations, chapel communities,  local leaders, benefactors, parishioners, visitors and devotees of St. Candida. The occasion was also graced by the presence of 3 Sisters: Sr. Joji Silorio, Sr. Pacita and Sr. Cecille Sequio; 3 Manresan personnel namely Ms. Concepcion Villagracia, Ms. Krishna Gregorios and Ms. Ma. Luisa Mandario; 2 students, Therese Custodio and Joaquin Villanueva; Manresan alumna Abbygale Gonzales; and former Manresan educator, Ms. Carmela Rey.

The homily given by Bishop Evangelista commemorated the inspiring life of St. Candida that had touched and inspired many people in Naic. The bishop reiterated eloquently Mo. Candida’s trust and confidence in God and her openness and willingness to do God’s will. He also stressed how Mo. Candida loved the poor by serving them omelets from her own salary, and the missionary spirit of Mo. Candida that spread the Hijas de Jesus Congregation around the world including the parish in Ciudad Nuevo. In the context of the Mass Readings and theme, Santa Candida Patnubay ng Sambayang Samasamang Nananalangin, the Bishop challenged each one to live their Christian life patterned after the Gospel message and St. Candida as their model and guide.

By the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the bishop led the blessing of the statue of St. Candida while the choir sang one of the four beautiful compositions of the parishioners for Mo. Candida.

The Eucharistic celebration was followed with a sumptuous lunch and conversations about how St. Candida has touched the lives of many people in Naic and the journey towards the building of the St. Candida Maria de Jesus Parish Church. It was a complete occasion for a meaningful fraternal and familial connection among the members of the family of St. Candida. As Therese shared, “There was a feeling that goes above and beyond knowledge but an inspiration that came from the people who have shared their testimonies and faith about St. Candida.” Listening to the stories of a few parishioners of St. Candida Maria de Jesus Parish, the people went through a challenging spiritual journey, but they found strength in St. Candida to continuously have an unwavering faith in God. Joaquin added, “It was touching to see a huge community in Naic united by St. Candida.” 

Indeed, St. Candida has forged a path for everyone to be inspired in following a Christ-centered way of living. These teachings have been passed down through the people who have come our way, from one generation to another. As Sr. Cecille had said, “It made our hearts happy and grateful that the charism of St. Candida is growing stronger in the faith of the people!” Her legacy remains in the heart of every member of the community, may it be the parishioners, the youth, the educators, and most especially the Hijas de Jesus sisters. 

As we remember St. Candida on her feast day, may we be reminded to also live by her example - putting God in the center of our lives and being of service not only to those who are less fortunate, but also to those poor in spirit. Reaching out to every soul with faith, hope, love, and joy! Viva, Santa Candida! 

By Abbygale Gonzales