On May 31, 2024, a day filled with profound significance, two sisters celebrated their Golden Jubilee of religious life. This date was chosen not only for its importance but also for its spiritual resonance, marking the Feast of the Visitation and the 179th birth anniversary of their mother foundress. The occasion was a beautiful confluence of thanksgiving, joy, and reflection, highlighted by the sisters’ unwavering commitment to their vocations.

The celebration began with a warm and heartfelt introduction by one of the jubilarians. She eloquently recounted their vocational journey, setting a tone of gratitude and joy for the Eucharistic celebration. Her words reflected the deep spiritual journey both sisters had undertaken, a path filled with dedication, service, and love for their community and faith.

The event was graced by the presence of relatives, former classmates, benefactors, friends, and sisters from various Metro Manila communities. The diverse assembly underscored the broad and lasting impact the sisters had on many lives through their years of service.

Father Bobby Buenconsejo, S.J., who officiated the mass, delivered an inspiring homily (see the  Complete Text below)  that resonated deeply with all attendees. He focused on the profound meaning of being an "Hija de Jesus," weaving in personal anecdotes and reflections on the lives of the two sisters. Father Bobby's words not only honored their journeys but also highlighted the collective spirit and mission of their religious community.

A poignant moment of the celebration was the renewal of vows before the Blessed Sacrament. The sisters, in a deeply moving act of recommitment, renewed their vows in the presence of the assembly, reaffirming their dedication to their spiritual path and their mission.

Following this, two of their relatives offered flowers to Mother Mary, symbolizing love and devotion. As the assembly joined in singing the Magnificat, the atmosphere was imbued with a sense of unity and reverence, celebrating both the sisters' milestones and their enduring faith. It was preceded by a heartfelt word of thanks from one of the sisters, encompassing their entire lives and expressing gratitude to their parents, family, relatives, formators, friends, classmates, co-sisters, and many others. She especially made mention of their gratitude to God, the source of all goodness and unending love, Mother Mary, and St. Candida Maria de Jesus.

The celebration continued with a photo session, capturing the joy and fellowship of the day. These moments of shared happiness were followed by an agape, where attendees gathered to share a meal and continue the festivities in a spirit of community and conviviality.

The Golden Jubilee celebration of the two sisters was a testament to their unwavering faith, commitment, and the many lives they have touched over fifty years. It was a day of heartfelt gratitude, joyous celebration, and profound spiritual renewal, marking a significant milestone in their religious journey.

By Sr. Lee, F.I.

SOME IMAGES OF THE DAY...

The Homily of Fr. Bob Buenconsejo, S.J.

HOMILY ON THE OCCASION OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF SRS. JULIET CONDE AND ROSARIO REMIGIO, HIJAS DE JESUS - 31 MAY 2024

What do you affirm when you claim to be Hijas de Jesus?

What does your filiation – being daughters – mean? Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging anak? Maari kang isang anak pero wala kang asal bilang anak.

First, your being a daughter means you are beloved. You are a beloved daughter – you belong to the Lord. That is your deepest identity. Your entire history, your whole life is marked by His special love for you

Much, much earlier than your childhood, your Lover, the Crucified and Risen Lord already claimed you as His precious ones. Una ka Niyang minahal – panaginip ka pa lang ng iyong mga magulang, hinirang ka na Niyang maging anak. Bago pa namulat ang inyong munting kamalayan sa inyong tahanan sa Tondo at sa Sampaloc, He already whispered your name: Beloved.

Over again, He whispers in your hearts that you are His beloved, and here I paraphrase Jan Richardson’s “Beloved Is Where We Begin”. You entered into the journey of life and then embarked on your 50 years as Hijas de Jesus with a special blessing and favor: you are His Beloved.

Second, your being a daughter means that you have been called to participate in the Lover’s work. Being the beloved daughters, continue being His faithful companions in the vast vineyard of the Father. Sr. Juliet, you are a silent and dedicated worker, always ready to render humble service to those in need. Now that you are missioned in Tahanan, we beg you to continue offering the broken world to the Crucified and Risen whom you adore. As you remain in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, you make an offering not only of your life—you also make an offering of our lives, our toils, our pains, and aspirations through your ministry of prayer.

Sr. Rose, until now, you still accompany students as a guidance counselor at St. Joseph School. Indeed, your ministry of guidance continues to touch lives, opening doors of hope and meaning to countless youth, hungry for love and searching for meaning. Sr. Juliet and Sr. Rosario, in your contemplative and active ministries, place the wounded world in the pieced Hands of Jesus. And so, being an “Hija” means you are Beloved. It also means you participate in the grand enterprise of the Kingdom.

The third meaning of being an “Hija” is to be grateful.

As His beloved daughters, let your hearts burst with deep gratitude and gladness. With Mary, may you brim with thankfulness for the countless blessings through people, events, ministries, and many surprises. In your vowed existence, you have received such deep and strange graces the world has not known. In your poverty, He has filled you with good things. In your chastity, you have cared for countless children who embraced you like their own mothers. In your obedience, He has lifted you up and looked on you as His lowly servants with favor. Celebrate the Lord’s more than 50 years of fidelity to you. Dance in freedom, and joyfully sing your unique song of praise and thanksgiving.

In some years, you will move more deeply into your diminishment. May you never cease being gracious. Age with grace and let not divisiveness bring bitterness in your hearts. Glide with the movement of grace and spiral not into negativity and self-destructive bickering.

Set your eyes upon Jesus, your Lover, and let not trivial misgivings and pettiness take away that vibrant peace that will gently accompany you to your holy years of diminishment. Let this truth sink deep in your consciousness: you are His beloved and everything else is but a distraction.

As the years unfold, may you be blessed with the graces you need, surrounded by these wonderful sisters and formators who have journeyed with you, loving you to where you are now. Your formators are here and are proud of you.

Your beloved parents, mentors, formators, and the Hijas who have gone to their rest, smile on you. They are part of the divine chorus singing the Magnificat, blessing you with deep gladness and sanctity.

Carry the torch of love with greater vigor, beloved Hijas de Jesus. Like Mary, the anawim, proclaim what God has done for the poor and the lowly. In your humility, proclaim the great mercy of the Lord on those who fear and love Him.