1938- Nazareth: From Retreat House to School

The desire of the Hijas de Jesús to establish a presence in Manila was closely connected with their growing apostolic mission in the Philippines. An opportunity arose when Fr. Juan Anguela, S.J., director of La Ignaciana Retreat House for men, invited the Sisters to establish a similar retreat ministry for women.

Responding to this invitation, the Sisters established Nazareth Retreat House. The retreat house and its chapel were blessed on June 25, 1938. To support the new work, a group called the “Daughters of Protection,” headed by Doña Leonor Tambunting, was organized to provide regular financial assistance. Besides offering retreats, the Sisters also reached out to the neighborhood by organizing catechism classes for children.

As Filipino vocations to the Congregation increased, the Novitiate was eventually established at Nazareth Retreat House. At the same time, the Sisters continued to hope for the establishment of another school in Manila. This plan, however, was initially delayed because the Bishop considered that the city already had an adequate number of schools.

The situation changed after World War II, when many schools and school buildings had been destroyed, and the need for educational institutions became urgent. In response to this new situation, Nazareth Retreat House began its transition into a school. In July 1947, classes opened with Kindergarten and Grades I and II.

As the school developed, the retreat ministry gradually came to an end. By 1954, Nazareth had completely given up its retreat work and became a full-time school. Consequently, the Novitiate had to be transferred to another location.

From its beginnings as a retreat house, Nazareth had thus evolved into an important educational center of the Hijas de Jesús in Manila. It continued to expand its educational programs and eventually offered a complete elementary curriculum and a high school program for girls.

The community’s mission also extended beyond the classroom. The Sisters engaged in guidance and counseling, parish pastoral work, and outreach to hospitals and charitable institutions, allowing the apostolic presence of Nazareth to reach the wider community.