Last May 31, 2026, the community of Nekang, Ruteng, Indonesia, joyfully gathered to honor the 181st birthday of our beloved Mother Foundress, St. Cándida María de Jesús. The celebration began with a Eucharistic service, joined by the sisters, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Ruteng.

It was also a blessed morning for our community as we welcomed Suci from Kitang Village, lovingly accompanied by her family, to our Congregation, expressing her heartfelt desire to join the Hijas de Jesús in Indonesia. Her arrival is so significant because it fell on the 181st birthday of our dear Mother Foundress.

In the evening, the celebration was graced by the presence of around 35 families, all members of our Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), who came together to pray the Holy Rosary in our residence. After praying the Rosary, which was offered for world peace and the intentions of the FI sisters, Sr. Emerensiana, our junior Indonesian sister, shared a brief reflection on the life of St. Cándida, especially her charism, which is an inspiration for us to continue living our lives with simplicity, trust in God’s providence, and dedication to the mission of education and evangelization. Children, youth, and parents listen attentively to the sharing of Sr Eme.

The gathering became a moment of communion among families. Shared meals, fellowship, and cultural expressions enriched the night, reminding everyone that the Basic Ecclesial Communities are living witnesses of faith in action. The presence of 35 families symbolized the strength of collective witness: together, they incarnate the living presence of Christ in their neighborhoods, transforming daily life into spaces of care, solidarity, and hope. As we celebrated this milestone, we renewed our commitment to carry forward the mission entrusted to us by Mother Foundress. Her legacy challenges us to remain steadfast in faith, creative in service, and united in building communities that radiate the joy of the Gospel.

The 181st birthday celebration was not only a remembrance of her life but also a call to action— to embody her virtues in our families, our communities, and our apostolate.

Sr. Mary Juelar, F.I. Ruteng Indonesia