“It was touching to see a huge community in Naic united by St. Candida,” said Joaquin, a student from Manresa School and one of the countless guests present at the parish fiesta of St. Candida Parish in Naic, Cavite last August 9, 2024. That special day, the only parish in the world named after and dedicated to St Candida Ma. de Jesus, foundress of the Congregation of the Hijas de Jesus, opened its celebration with a thanksgiving mass at 9:30 am officiated by none other than the Bishop of Imus Diocese himself, Most Reverend Bishop Rey Evangelista, DD. Some other 17 priests from nearby parishes of the diocese of Imus concelebrated led by Fr. Joseph Montoya, its parish priest.

      On that festive occasion, the beautiful church was fully packed by representatives from various mandated parish organizations, chapel communities, local leaders, benefactors, parishioners, and devotees of St. Candida. Sr. Joji Silorio, FI, Sr. Pacita Legaspi, FI, and Sr.Cecille Sequio, FI came to represent the HIjas de Jesus Sisters with three Manresa School personnel, namely Ms. Concepcion Villagracia, Ms. Krishna Gregorios, and Ms. Ma. Luisa Mandario.  Two Manresan students, Therese Custodio and Joaquin Villanueva; alumna Abbygale Gonzales; and a former Manresan educator, Ms. Carmela Rey, also celebrated with them.

Since the Church celebrates the “Year of Prayer” the parish fiesta had its own theme

 “Santa Candida Patnubay ng Sambayang Samasamang Nananalangin,”. In his homily, Bishop Evangelista said that St. Candida’s life truly touched and inspired the life of many people of Naic especially her trust in God, her willingness to do God’s will always sought in deep and constant prayer, her love for the poor and her missionary spirit that brought the congregation to many parts of the world. He challenged everyone to follow Christ in the path tread by St. Candida Ma. de Jesus, their parish patron saint.

              After the Eucharistic celebration, a sumptuous lunch was served to everyone as they listened to testimonies and conversations of those who deeply experienced St. Candida’s presence and intervention in their faith life. It was also a great time to recall and reconnect with each one who took an active part in building the Church, bringing it to completion, and had it blessed as a parish in November 2021.

             We could never fathom the depth of joy and gratitude that filled the hearts of those who attended that very happy and memorable occasion.

PHOTOS...

“There was a feeling that goes above and beyond knowledge but an inspiration that came from the people who have shared their testimonies and faith about St. Candida”  (Therese, Manresa School Student)

          “ …We came to celebrate the day of our Mother Foundress in her first parish … I felt Mo. Candida’s presence during the mass through the people who imbibe her spirit and charism. The people's sense of simplicity and togetherness manifested the spirit of St. Candida alive that day. May we ask her loving intercession to give us strength to live in Love, Hope, and Faith in our journey in life” (Ms. Krishna Gregorios, MS faculty)

           “ I am very much struck to see how the people of Naic have grown in their faith and love for Mother Candida after all these years. Their great devotion to her made them recipients of her many miracles… I saw how they built this marvelous church from their sacrifices-- sharing their time, labor, and even their little money …They love Mo. Candida, and in return,  Mother Candida loves them too! ” (Sr. Pacita Legaspi,FI )

     “It made our hearts happy and grateful that the spirit of St. Candida is growing stronger in the faith of the people!”  (Sr. Cecil Sequio, FI)