Gracias, queridas hermanas, por la vida compartida en estos días. Mi breve paso por Filipinas ha sido una experiencia profunda de fraternidad: pude poner rostro a nombres, historias, lugares y obras apostólicas que hasta ahora conocía solo por los documentos y los relatos. Me he sentido acogida, acompañada y en casa. Agradezco de corazón el cariño, la cercanía y la oración por el gobierno general. Lamento no haber podido llegar esta vez a Cebú y Mindanao, pero confío en que poco a poco iré conociendo toda la Provincia y la riqueza de cada comunidad. Me llevo gratitud, esperanza y el deseo de seguir caminando juntas. Un abrazo agradecido, Iris

A short write-up on her Visit to Metro-Manila and Panay-Guimaras communities

MOMENTS OF JOY AND SHARED MISSION WITH SR. IRIS

Sr. Iris Altagracia González, F.I., General Counselor of the Hijas de Jesús Congregation, was warmly welcomed to the Philippines by Sr. Ma. Leoly Quitorio, F.I., Provincial Superior, and the sisters of the Indico-Pacific Province. Her arrival on June 11, 2026, was marked by joyful encounters at Tahanan Candida María de Jesús and the Formation House, where her attentiveness and genuine closeness brought joy to the elderly sisters and inspiration to the younger members.

Through prayer, fellowship, and simple meals, her presence embodied the spirit of communion and Mother Candida’s charismatic gift of fraternal care. From June 13–19, Sr. Iris and Sr. Leoly visited the Panay-Guimaras Community, meeting faculty, staff, students, and lay collaborators at St. James Catholic High School in Maasin, St. Joseph School in Guimaras, and Colegio de las Hijas de Jesús in Iloilo City.

Their participation in the opening of the school year became a grace-filled occasion that renewed the shared mission of Catholic education. The communities in Pototan and Guimaras expressed heartfelt gratitude, recognizing in their visit the enduring spirit of Mother Candida—love, service, and faith—alive in the sisters and lay partners. The encounters strengthened bonds of fraternity and deepened commitment to the mission entrusted to them by the Lord.

Returning to Manila on June 20, Sr. Iris visited Manresa School, where her brief stay was marked by warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care. Even in simple exchanges, her presence left a lasting impression of communion and fraternity. The following days included visits to the Marikina community and time for rest before her departure on June 23. Though her visit was short, it was filled with grace, joy, and renewed inspiration, reminding all that in Jesus we have everything, and without Him, all is lost.