CIC’s  90^th FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CIC’s 90 Years of Journeying Together in Mission with Faith and Gratitude

Time is a gift, and every moment in which God’s plan unfolds is a blessing. Truly, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion (CIC) has been blessed from the very beginning—from the time its first seeds were sown as an expression of the mission of the Hijas de Jesus to the present, as that mission continues to touch and transform the lives of people in Pototan and the neighboring municipalities.

Ninety years ago, the people of Pototan became the grateful recipients of a strengthened and renewed faith through the arrival of the six pioneer Sisters from Spain. They came with little more than their faith, courage, and missionary zeal. Beginning almost from nothing, they entrusted themselves to God, who guided their journey in fulfillment of St. Candida’s desire to go to the ends of the world in search of souls.

God’s ways are indeed marvelous. Despite the difficulties and challenges encountered along the way, the first Hijas de Jesus mission in the Philippines took root, flourished, and eventually spread across different regions of the country. Nothing could hinder the growth of a mission sustained by faith and guided by God’s providence.

Reaching 90 years of fruitful existence and continuing to form young people through an integral Christian education is both an honor and a blessing. It is a milestone that invites the CIC community to look upward in praise and thanksgiving—to thank God for the gift of St. Candida to the Church and to His people, and for the legacy of faith and education that continues through CIC.

As CIC celebrated its 90th Foundation Anniversary, CICnians from near and far joyfully and actively took part in the festivities. Alumni returned to their beloved alma mater, carrying with them memories of their years at CIC, stories of success and fulfillment, and deep gratitude for the school and for the mentors who helped shape their lives.

The celebration began with a Youth Camp on July 8–9, followed on July 9 by a virtual recollection for the alumni, facilitated by Sr. Ma. Leoly Quitorio, F.I. On July 13, the opening of the exhibits was graced by the presence of Sr. Emelinda C. Falsis, F.I., Provincial Superior of the Indico-Pacific Province, together with Sisters from different communities, alumni, parents, and friends of CIC.

True to the spirit of St. Candida, the celebration also remembered those who are often at the margins of society. The poor and those who serve the community in simple ways were given a special place in the festivities. Street sweepers, tricycle and trisicad drivers, among others, were welcomed and offered simple snacks as part of the celebration.

The festivities culminated on July 16 with a mobile procession carrying a framed image of St. Candida. The presence of the six pioneer Sisters was beautifully evoked by young alumnae dressed in replicas of the habit worn by the Sisters at the beginning of the mission. The float, adorned for the occasion, was a beautiful sight as it made its way through the community.

Mother Candida was truly the woman of the day. Her presence, however, was not merely commemorative; it was a reminder that her missionary spirit continues to live in the people and mission of CIC. The celebration of nine decades of her presence in the Philippines, particularly in Pototan, was made even more meaningful through the ceremonial enthronement of her relic and image in the parish church. This solemn gesture presented St. Candida to the wider community not only as an important figure in the history of the Hijas de Jesus, but as a servant of God whose life and mission continue to lead people closer to Him.

The Eucharistic celebration became a particularly memorable moment with the presence of Most Rev. Archbishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D., as the main celebrant. He was joined by concelebrating priests who were alumni of CIC: Msgr. Maurillo Silva, Fr. Julius Almeria, and Fr. John Michael Casidsid, as well as Msgr. Rolando Haguisan, parish priest; Fr. Eldefonso Cachuela, Jr., assistant parish priest; and Msgr. Ely Rafael Fuentes, Rector of St. Joseph Parochial School in Pototan.

Following the Mass, everyone proceeded to the CIC-covered gymnasium for a festive lunch. The gathering included a re-enactment presentation that brought the story of CIC’s beginnings to life. Sr. Emelinda C. Falsis, F.I., Provincial Superior, also delivered a message of gratitude, expressing her heartfelt thanksgiving to God and to the alumni, stakeholders, benefactors, and all those who have contributed to the life and mission of CIC throughout the years.

The entire morning was filled with joy and excitement, especially among the alumni, who were themselves the jubilarians of this 90th anniversary celebration. Their return to CIC became a celebration not only of the school’s history but also of the many lives that have been formed and transformed through its mission.

As Mother Candida would often say, “Blessed be God!”

With grateful hearts, the CIC community celebrates 90 years of God’s faithfulness, St. Candida’s missionary spirit, and generations of people journeying together in mission.

—Ms. Lane Sumagaysay

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