Manresa School celebrated the Feast Day of Mo. Candida last August 9 with the theme: Mo. Candida: Tagapaghatid ng Pag-asa, Pag-ibig at Pananampalataya. The Pastoral Ministry Team of Manresa School headed by Mr. Archee Curiba prepared categorized activities for the pupils and students to deepen their knowledge, love and appreciation of Mo. Candida’s life, charism and mission.  On the other hand, the Manresa School Faculty and Staff Organization (MSFSO) Officers headed by Ms. April Vida, got everything set for the afternoon’s activities for the Sisters, teachers, staff, maintenance personnel and security guards. The activities started in the morning with the Eucharistic celebration in the gym which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Kevin Cosme, Manresa School alumno. The Holy Eucharist was attended by the different sectors of the Manresa School Educative community. It was graced by the presence of the Hijas de Jesús Provincial Superior of the Indico-Pacifico Province, Sr. Emelinda C. Falsis, F.I., who had her Canonical Visit to the FI sisters in Paranaque Residence and Manresa School from August 5-10, 2024.

The different Grade levels enjoyed the half day categorized activities in the school, while some levels like the Senior High School attended the Mass via live stream and had an asynchronous Digital Poster Making Contest as part of their online attendance and participation.

The Nursery 2, Grade 2 and Grade 3 pupils took to heart and enjoyed their activities such as Para-Liturgy, Storytelling and other meaningful and fun activities. 

After the para-liturgy and storytelling about Little Juanita, the Nursery 2 pupils gave omelets to the maintenance personnel, guards, school bus drivers and conductors. This is a traditional activity for the preschoolers to develop the value of appreciation about Little Juanita’s generosity and their own towards others. 

After the para-liturgies, storytelling and short quiz about Mo. Candida, the Grades 2 and 3 pupils had floral and prayer offerings to Mo. Candida in Manresa School El Rosarillo chapel.

The Creative Storytelling delighted and touched the hearts of the Grade 4 to 6 pupils. The narration of Sr. Nitz Tenoso, F.I. and the superb performance of the casts inspired and moved in a special and spiritual way the young minds and hearts of the pupils to imitate and live out Juanita’s filiation in her unwavering faith, hope and love to God as her father and her fraternal charity to others especially the poor.

The casts of the Creative Storytelling Activity about the life of Mo. Candida were composed of selected teachers, faculty, staff and maintenance personnel.

The Testimonials about Mo. Candida held in the school gym made an impact on the Junior High School students through the sharing and experiences of the speakers about Mo. Candida in their lives.

The first speaker was Ms. Larrene Joy Bilangel who was a  beneficiary of youth formation activities and product of Manresa School and F.I. outreach program in Ciudad Nuevo, Naic, Cavite. She was a former Parish Youth Ministry Leader of Santa Candida Maria de Jesus Parish in Ciudad Nuevo, Naic, Cavite.  She is a new JHS Teacher in Manresa School. During the Testimonials, she shared a rich and inspiring story about her relationship with Mo. Candida that made her strengthened her faith and made her love grow stronger for God.

Another speaker was Mrs. Roehlyn Del Rosario, who together with her husband, was the Vice President of Manresa School Parents Auxiliary (MSPA) in the school year 2023-2024.  She is currently a parent volunteer in Manresa School Pastoral Ministry Office. She spoke eloquently well about her personal experiences with Mo. Candida, being both an alumna of Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus (CHJ) in Iloilo City and a Manresan parent. 

In the afternoon, the teachers and staff attended the Talk of Sr. Nori Marquez, F.I. in the Main AVR who talked about the life and virtues of Mo. Candida specifically contained in the newly reproduced books entitled Juanitatxo. 

The Manresa School Faculty and Staff Organization (MSFSO) Officers, headed by Ms. April Vida, facilitated the enjoyable and enriching activities that did not only showcased the wit, talents and creativity of all through group games and activities, but had also deepened knowledge and appreciation about Mo. Candida; and strengthened everyone's faith, hope and love of God through her story and inspiration. The celebration ended with a salu-salo and the singing of Mo. Foundress Hymn, Clara Estrella.

Some reflections and impressions about the Feast Day celebration in honor of Mo. Candida:

I felt joyous to be celebrating Mo. Candida’s Feast Day with my friends and fellow Manresans. The Testimonials about her ignited a passion in me to pursue what I love, and to keep God with me in the process. I truly felt loved during the celebration and the activities helped me see the goodness of Mo. Candida. -Audrina Mariana Mendoza, Grade 10-Service

The Feast Day of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus was a deep spiritual and communal event that provided  an opportunity to reflect on the values that she lived by - faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. I experienced a renewed sense of purpose, finding inspiration in her life story to pursue my own goals with greater compassion and dedication. The event fostered a strong sense of community, uniting people under a shared mission of promoting education and service, particularly among the underprivileged. The day also served as a reminder of the importance of living out these values daily, encouraging a deeper connection to my and everyone else’s faith and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Ultimately, the Feast Day celebration left participants with a renewed sense of belonging, a deeper spiritual connection, and a strengthened resolve to continue Mother Candida’s mission of love and service to all. -Ms. Ericka Shane Espejo, New Grade School Science Teacher

As a new employee of Manresa School, the celebration of the Feast Day of Mo. Candida was truly a wonderful and unique experience for me. The celebration started with the Holy Mass followed by many events such as the Creative Storytelling which I was honored to be part of.  It made me feel happy to see the pupils’ joys and laughter during the play. In my preparation and participation in the Creative Storytelling Activity, I got to know more Mo. Candida as I read her story in the book entitled “Juanitatxo” which left me feeling inspired, motivated and more attached to Manresa School. -Mr. John Anthony Jesswani, New JHS IMC Staff

I was particularly moved by the Talk of Sr. Normida Marquez, F.I. about St. Candida’s unwavering faith and devotion to God that serve as an inspiration for many, strengthening their spiritual journey. Her unwavering devotion to God and her compassionate love for others served as a powerful inspiration. As I reflect on the feast day activities, I am challenged to examine my own life. Am I living my faith with the same depth of commitment as St. Candida? Am I serving others with the same selfless love? These questions will serve as guides to me as I continue my journey here in Manresa. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this year’s Feast Day celebration. May St. Candida continuously guides and uplift the whole Manresan community. -Ms. Marjorie Grefal, Manresa School Personnel In-Charge

By Ms. Loi Mandario