May 31st is always significant for us Hijas de Jesus. It is not just an ordinary day in May; it is the feast of the Visitation of the Mother of God and the birthday of our dear Mother Foundress, St. Candida Maria de Jesus. It marks the anniversary of our entrance into the postulancy, our temporary or perpetual Profession, and the celebrations of the Golden and Diamond Jubilees in Religious Life. This year’s Indico-Pacific Province’s 50th-year jubilarians are: Sr. Delia Pedroso, F.I., Sr. Alice Peruel, F.I., and Sr. Pacita Legaspi, F.I.  

The Panay-Guimaras community solemnized and celebrated Sr. Delia Pedroso’s Golden Jubilee at Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus in the city of Iloilo in the morning, on that bright sunny day of May 31, 2025. Amid the Readings of the Word of God, the beautiful liturgical, joyful songs rendered by the CHJ faculty and students resonated in the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Nathaniel Gentizon, as the main celebrant and homilist of the occasion.  Fr. Nat, as his friends fondly call him, was then a student of Sr. Delia, who mentored him in high school while she was the school principal at St. Joseph School in Guimaras.  Fr. Bong Dahunan, SJ, was his concelebrant and graced the occasion by reading the Gospel. It was a familial moment to pray together as we joined Sr. Delia’s great day. Her family and the F.I. sisters took part in the offerings and prayers during the Mass.

Sr. Emelinda Falsis, the Provincial Superior of the Indico – Pacific and the newly elected 1St Counselor of the 19th General Congregation stood by as Sr. Delia recited the Formula of the Vows of the Daughters of Jesus before the Holy Eucharist held by the main celebrant and in the presence of the faithful gathered at the Lord’s table. 

Sr. Delia’s “Magnificat was expressed in her thanksgiving words at the culmination of the Eucharistic Celebration. Like Mary, she was filled with gratitude for God’s goodness and mercy and for His faithfulness and love that sustained her all these years.  

Thereafter, a sumptuous lunch awaited everyone at the CHJ school’s 2nd-floor hallway. Thanks to all who catered and prepared the hearty menus, the decorations, and the ushering done by Sr. Delia’s family, the CHJ sisters, faculty, staff, and students.  

As part of this significant day, Fr. Nathaniel consecrated the Prayer Room of the CHJ sisters by blessing a cozy and cute corner in the sisters’ quarters.

Fr. Nathaniel’s homily today was summarized in three synchronizing words: Gratitude, Faith, and Service. These three words encapsulate our journey, not just for Sr. Delia on her Golden Jubilee Celebration, but for all of us who appreciated the day’s gift of the Spirit to reflect on and pray for as we navigate our journey through life.

Some Photos:

Written by:

Ma. Rosario P. Remigio, F.I.