Last  August 8, 2026,  the community in Ruteng, Indonesia joyfully gathered to celebrate the feast of St. Candida Maria de Jesús, with a   Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Patrick Guru from Ruteng Cathedral. It was a special evening for the community, since we commemorate the 114th death anniversary of our Mother Foundress.

During the Homily, Fr Patrick said that the motto of St Candida, “I am for God alone,” connects beautifully with the Gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. A powerful motto which means “My life belongs to God. My time belongs to God, My gifts belong to God, My vocation belongs to God.” He continues... And if I belong to God, then I am ready to be sent. His homily invited all of us to live out her charism in daily life, especially through acts of compassion, filiation and service.

 The celebration was not only a remembrance of St. Candida’s feast but also a renewal of commitment to continue her work of evangelization and service in today’s world.

On August 9, 2026, the joy of St. Candida’s feast overflowed into an act of service and mission. Together with the three STIPAS student teachers, the sisters visited the St. Jerome Emilian Orphanage, home to 21 children. The day began with a catechesis session on the life and virtues of St. Candida Maria de Jesús. The children listened attentively as they learned about her deep trust in God, her love for the poor, her love for Jesus, her love for the Blessed Virgin, and her courage in founding the Hijas de Jesús Congregation. Through stories and reflections, the orphans were encouraged to see St. Candida as a model of faith and hope in their own lives.

After catechesis, the group shared a simple yet joyful lunch with the children. The meal was followed by a short program filled with songs, laughter, and warm interaction. This gathering was more than just a celebration—it was a living witness to St. Candida’s charism of compassion and care for the most vulnerable.

The visit to the orphanage highlighted the true spirit of the feast: faith expressed in action, love shared in community, and hope nurtured in young hearts.

FI Indonesia