The entire Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus community is gladdened to welcome for the first time Mother General Graciela Francovig, FI, and her counselor, Sr. Maria Teresa Pinto, FI on April 11, 2023. This canonical visit is meant to strengthen Hijas de Jesus communities and stay connected with the sisters, apostolic centers, and other members of Mother Candida’s family.

To formally welcome Sr. Graciela and other Hijas de Jesus sisters, a program was organized by CHJ right after the flag ceremony. On behalf of the entire student body, representatives of the Student Council and Pupil Government gave their welcome tokens to Sr. Graciela, Sr. Teresa, and to Sr. Emelinda, Provincial Superior of the Hijas de Jesus Indico-Pacific Province. This was followed by a showcase of the singing and dancing talents of selected CHJ students. The members of the PTA board headed by Mrs. Maria Thelma G. Servidad, the CHJ Alumni Association represented by its president Dr. Maria Maita Diaz Sarinas, the CHJ Principal, Mrs. Edna G. Giner, and school treasurer, Sr. Lorna U. Yu Liat, also gave their gifts to the three sisters.

In her opening message for the CHJ community, though apologetic because she is not well-versed in the English language, Mother General expressed how much she loves and adores Iloilo and the Ilonggos. She also said that she is delighted to meet the CHJ students, personnel, and some parents during her brief stay in CHJ. It is also evident that the students, teachers, and some parents are delighted and eager to meet Mother General because, after the program, they patiently waited for their turn just to have a selfie, groupie, or a brief chat with Sr. Graciela.

One student from the Grade 12 STEM even said, “I felt blessed to have had a picture with Mother General. I also felt as if, in a way, my burdens in the past week were lightened. Although it was just a brief encounter with her, the energy that she radiates made me feel lighter and more at ease”. She also shared that meeting Mother General is like an extension of the graces of the Pope and Mother Foundress although she is a little hopeful that she could have a longer chat with Mother General. - Ms Jessa Tugbo