El Salvador, Misamis Oriental — Yesterday, our community celebrated the Feast of Mother Candida with heartwarming activities for local children and families. The morning began with a special review of Mother Candida's life, together with our devoted neighbors and volunteers.

Generous contributions and lively participation supported the festivities. Tette Batac graciously sponsored the snacks, ensuring everyone enjoyed delicious treats throughout the morning. Sister Lorna captivated the young audience with engaging storytelling, bringing the life and virtues of Mother Candida to life.

In a thoughtful session, the Fi Youth, guided by Sister Lhai, discussed the love of Mother Candida for the poor. The children were inspired to reflect on how they could imitate her virtues in their own lives. They were given the meaningful task of performing random acts of kindness throughout the coming week, a tribute to Mother Candida’s compassionate spirit.

The event was further enriched by generous donations from Grace Abayon, who provided snacks and gifts for the children. Additionally, the Archdiocese of CDO contributed five kilos of rice per family, ensuring everyone had a little extra to take home.

The celebration of the Feast of Mother Candida continued with heartfelt activities throughout the afternoon, extending our festivities to include even other members.

In the afternoon, attention turned to the women involved in our Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) sessions. Approximately 14 women were honored with the same generosity shown earlier in the day, receiving rice as part of the celebration. This gesture shows the community's spirit of sharing and inclusivity.

The youth, numbering 19, also participated actively in the afternoon's events, embodying the virtues of Mother Candida in their interactions and discussions. They engaged deeply with the themes of kindness and charity, enhancing further the day’s celebrations.

Although the children’s group was small, with only 7 participants, their involvement was significant and heartfelt. Their earlier activities, including storytelling and discussions, were well-received and set the stage for their upcoming acts of kindness.

Overall, the day was a beautiful reflection of our community’s commitment to celebrating the Feast of Mother Candida with everyone involved. From the morning’s engaging activities to the afternoon’s inclusive efforts, we did our best to honor the spirit of Mother Candida and bring joy and kindness to all who participated.

Sr. Patrica Anne Aragon, F.I.