With open hearts and eager minds, the educative family of St. Candida Maria de Jesus—comprising the Hijas de Jesus Sisters, Hijas-Hearter educators, staff members, and maintenance personnel—gathered for the Transmission of the 19th General Congregation’s Determination, facilitated by Sr. Leoly Quitorio, F.I., Provincial Superior of the Indico-Pacific Region.

Sr. Leoly opened the gathering with a prayer inspired by Laudato Si’, “A Prayer for the Earth,” reminding everyone of the call to be responsible stewards of God’s creation. She then shared their experience of the 19th General Congregation, held from April 21 to May 22, 2025, at Casa Curia in Rome, Italy, with the theme “With Him, Pathways to Hope.” In her talk, she also explained the process of the General Congregation, centering her reflections on three key points: hope, relationships, and the challenges of religious life.

Afterward, the members of the Hijas-Hearter educative family took part in “Conversations in the Spirit,” focusing on the Determination on “Nourishing Life.” The following common themes emerged, weaving together the spirit of the gathering: a steadfast hope that sustains, a lived filiation and fraternity that nurture community, an unwavering faith in God, a wholehearted commitment to service in the mission, a mindful observance of Laudato Si’ as a call to care for creation, and the building of networks of care that strengthen solidarity and shared responsibility.

As the Transmission drew to a close, the Hijas-Hearter educative family of St. Candida Maria de Jesus is impassioned with a renewed sense of mission and unity. Strengthened by shared reflections and inspired by the Determination of the 19th General Congregation, they committed themselves to walking together in hope, deepening relationships rooted in faith and fraternity,  embracing the call to nourish life in all its forms. In this spirit, they moved forward—anchored in God, guided by the charism of Mother Candida, and united in their journey of service for the greater good.

By Mrs. Genelyn Ocariza

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