Today, we begin our Novena: A Life Fully for God - In the Spirit of Mother Foundress- Novena of Hope in the Life and Death of Mother Candida María de Jesús (Based largely on the Last Chapter of “Juanitatxo” by Sr. Ma. Luisa Matemala, F.I.) Except Day 1- July 31, Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Opening/Closing Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhDR9qGz5m4 " Instrumental Accompaniment- Hymn for the 150th Anniversary Foundation of Hijas de Jesus, By Lee, FI., Photo Collection of Sr. Thelma, F.I., and Lee, FI.

A Little Introduction to this Novena

This novena begins on July 31, the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose spirituality shaped her vision and whose motto—to find God in all things—became her own way of living and dying. With that same gaze, she welcomed joys and trials, poverty and possibility, action and silence, all as part of God's loving Providence.

As we approach the anniversary of her death on August 9, we remember a woman who, even in her final days, radiated peace, faith, and unwavering trust. We enter these nine days of prayer in the spirit of hope to recognize God's hand in everything, as Mother Candida herself so often said.

In the light of our GC XIX determination— “I wish to be called of the Hijas de Jesús...”, “deseo se llame de las Hijas de Jesús…” —we are invited to return to the very heart of our charism: filiation. It is this living relationship with the Father, modeled on Jesus and embraced by Mother Candida, that gives meaning to our identity and mission. During this novena, we pray for the grace to live out this filiation with renewed fidelity and zeal, with the same hope that carried Mother Candida through every joy and trial.

May these days of prayer help us walk more closely in her footsteps, with eyes open to God’s presence, hearts steady in hope, and lives offered fully as true Hijas de Jesús, for His greater glory.