1957- The Beginnings of Mission in Cebu: Education and Outreach

The presence of the Hijas de Jesús in Cebu grew out of their collaboration with the Jesuits, who had come to the Philippines after being expelled from Mainland China. In Cebu, the Jesuits established a school for boys from the Chinese community. Its founder and rector, Fr. Francisco Heras, later invited the Hijas de Jesús to collaborate in this educational mission and to consider opening a school for Chinese girls.

The proposal received the blessing of Msgr. Juan Velasco, O.P., Bishop of the Chinese community. In June 1956, several Sisters arrived in Cebu and began working at the Jesuits’ Sacred Heart School for Boys. Their presence soon developed into a school of their own. In November 1957, the Sisters opened a school for girls, and its first building was blessed on December 3 of the same year at Don Jose Avila Street, Cebu City.

The school site was acquired by the Philippine Delegation under the name “Retiro de Manresa.” The construction of the school buildings was made possible through the assistance of the Propagation of the Faith, the school’s Board of Directors, and generous benefactors from the Chinese community of Cebu. Among those remembered for their support were Mrs. Go Chong Kong, Mr. Elias Chiu, Mr. Perfecto Gotauco, Mr. Santiago Tanchan, Mr. Joseph Gotianuy, and Mr. Esteban Go Sing King.

From its beginning, the school sought not only to provide academic formation but also to educate young people in freedom, responsibility, and personal decision-making. It eventually offered programs from nursery and kindergarten through elementary and high school, serving more than a thousand students.

The mission of the Sisters extended beyond the school. Their apostolic presence included catechetical work in the parish, campus ministry, outreach to the Cebu Juvenile Home, programs for the poor, and ministry among the Chinese community.

Thus, the Cebu mission developed as a broad apostolic presence in which education, pastoral ministry, social outreach, and service to the Chinese community complemented one another.