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 helped me see the goodness of Mo. Candida. -Audrina Mariana Mendoza, Grade 10-Service

The celebration of Mo. Candida’s Feast Day was meaningful for me as a student as it provided an opportunity to go deeper into her life, even though we commemorate her every year. The highlight for me was the engaging discussion with the guest speakers who shared their life experiences and emphasized feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit when faced with significant opportunities, just like Mo. Candida. An important lesson I took away from the Testimonials is to expect the unexpected, as we never know what God’s plan holds for each of us. -Samantha E. Manio, Grade 9-Temperance

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 my 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

The phrase “deep faith in God” moved me from the sharing of Ms. Larrene Joy Bilangel during the Testimonials about Mo. Candida. With Mo. Candida’s strong and unwavering faith in God, she overcame discrimination and hearsay to thrive.  My trust in God will serve as a cornerstone for me to overcome my own battle in life.  -Ms. Abegail D. Bodopol, New JHS English Teacher

It was inspiring to see the Feast Day of Mo. Candida was celebrated again face-to-face. Though time was limited, the activities were good.  Hopefully, next year, we bring back the tradition of having outreach activity for students and more time to deepen our experience of love toward St. Candida. - Mr. Jenno Roquero, JHS English Coordinator

The different activities during the Feast Day of Mo. Candida served as powerful reminders of my life’s journey with her and with God. Like Mo. Candida, I am never alone because God is always my faithful companion. Mo. Candida is my inspiration to continuously share my gifts and talents as I participate and take part in her mission of Catholic Christian education inside and outside of Manresa School. -Ms. Roselyn Mirambil, JHS Science Laboratory Staff

I had a wonderful experience celebrating Mo. Candida’s Feast Day. The day began with a Eucharistic mass that set a reflective tone and prayerful atmosphere for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the Grade 4-6 activities, especially the Creative Storytelling Activity about the life of Mo. Candida with the outstanding performance of the casts. In the afternoon, the faculty and staff activities were a highlight for me. We started with a short presentation on the life of St. Candida Maria De Jesus, which was both inspiring and informative. This was followed by engaging games and meaningful encounters with my colleagues, making the day truly memorable.  -Ms. Cristal Gahol, GS Librarian

The Feast Day of Mother Candida Maria de Jesus is a deeply spiritual and communal event that brings to light the enduring legacy of a woman dedicated to education and service. For many, this celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the values that Mother Candida lived by—faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Participants often experience a renewed sense of purpose, finding inspiration in her life story to pursue their own goals with greater compassion and dedication. The event fosters a strong sense of community, uniting people under a shared mission of promoting education and service, particularly among the underprivileged. This day also serves as a reminder of the importance of living out these values daily, encouraging a deeper connection to one's faith and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Ultimately, the Feast Day celebration leaves 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. -Ms. Ericka Shane Espejo, New Grade School Science Teacher

I was particularly moved by the talk of Sr. Normida Marquez 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 continues to guide and uplift the whole Manresan community. -Ms. Marjorie Grefal, Personnel In-Charge

I felt so blessed to have been invited to attend the mass in Manresa School in honor of St. Candida Feast Day last August 9,  2024. It was a special day for me to thank her for all the blessings, especially to my children. Thank you FI Sisters, Teachers and Manresa School Community. You have grown God-centered individuals that fulfills the vision-mission of the school and our joy with St. Candida. -Mrs. Suzzette Solis Mirasol, Blessed Candida Maria Foundation