The month of August held several celebrations that marked a significant part of the whole educative community of St. James Catholic High School Inc. Maasin, Iloilo. Several events such as the Novena and Feast Day of St. Candida, Bible Enthronement, Mass of the Holy Spirit, Omelet Sharing, Poor Man’s Meal, and Culminating Activity for Buwan ng Wika at ni Sta. Candida. brought in remarkable experiences for all the Jamesians.

Novena and Feast Day of St. Candida.

     At the outset of the academic year, the Jamesians faithfully observed the novena to St. Candida. This time-honored tradition of devotional prayer to the school's founder spanned nine consecutive days, seeking special graces and petitions. It demonstrated the devotion of the hijas and hijos to Mo. Candida, reflecting their love and reverence for her.

      On August 9, 2023, the school commemorated the Feast Day of Mo. Candida Maria de Jesus. The Jamesians gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Joseph Mikhail J. Casidsid, who eloquently illuminated Mo. Candida's life in his homily. He reminded the Jamesians that "Friendships with others can also serve as instruments of God to bring people closer to Him, and that all greatness and accomplishments stem from Him."

     Moreover, Mr. James Christopher L. Barrios, Pastoral In-charge of the school expressed his gratitude to everyone while Sr. Lorna C. Bonghanoy, F.I., School Treasurer also shared her gratitude to Fr. Mike, an alumnus of Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Pototan. She reiterated that the educative community should continue to imbibe the special devotion of Mo. Candida to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Following the Mass, all the Jamesians came together to share simple refreshments, fostering unity and gratitude as they celebrated the Feast Day of Mo. Candida.

“In Jesus we have everything, without Him everything we have is lost.” – St. Candida

Bible Enthronement

     The event has been customary for Jamesians; a celebration of the Word of God through a paraliturgy last August 14. With this activity, each one was able to recognize the true essence of the Bible and how Catholics are expected to evangelize others.

Mass of the Holy Spirit

      In every circumstance, the grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to inspire people towards a higher purpose. Guided by this divine inspiration, the educational community came together on August 23 to commemorate the commencement of the 2023-2024 school year, with Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Gentizon, an alumnus of St. Joseph School in Guimaras, presiding over the event. In his homily, Fr. Niel underscored the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to provide unwavering support and fortitude throughout the school year, preventing weariness and anxiety from taking hold.

Omelet Sharing

"Where there is no room for the poor, neither is there room for me." - St. Candida Maria de Jesus

   After the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the modern-day "Juanito and Juanita" exhibited unwavering dedication as they prepared and cooked egg sandwiches, commonly known as "omelets," for vendors, drivers, and church construction workers. This activity was deeply rooted in St. Candida's charism, which emphasizes filiation-fraternity, and one of her cherished values: love for the poor. Through the act of sharing omelets, these young individuals embodied these principles, spreading joy through the smiles and heartfelt gratitude of the recipients. Their simple yet meaningful sacrifice served as a moving tribute to Mo. Foundress, reflecting her enduring kindness as an inspiration for all.

Tatak Hijas: Kapatid sa Kapwa

Poor Man’s Meal

      Apart from the Omelet Sharing, the whole educative community joined together during the Poor Man’s Meal which was a way to express solidarity and empathy with the hungry and homeless people around the world. This activity pointed out Jesus’ mercy and compassion, St. Candida’s love for the poor, and the school’s motto—Tatak Hijas: Kapatid sa Kapwa. Furthermore, sharing the "Poor Man's Meal" with others was another way for Jamesians to find meaning in this humble dish, provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen friendships.

Culminating Activity for Buwan ng Wika at ni Sta. Candida

      On August 31, 2023, the Jamesians celebrated the Culminating Activity with the theme; "Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan: Pagsasabuhay ng Karisma ni Santa Candida.” In the morning, everyone joined the First Friday Mass and after that, they helped and assisted each other in preparing for the afternoon event.

      Throughout the month and during the culminating, there were also series of activities like Pagsulat ng Tula at Sanaysay, Bahagian ng Kaalaman, Pagbahagi ng Omelet, Pagkakaroon ng Poor Man’s Meal, Masining na Pagkukuwento, Pag-awit, Pagguhit at Paglalahad, Pagpili ng may Magandang Kasuotan, at Pagbabahagi ng Kakanin kasabay ang Pagkakaroon ng Outreach Program.

   In addition to the Omelet Sharing and Poor Man's Meal, two other activities, "Bahagian ng Kaalaman" and the Outreach Program, served to deepen Mo. Candida's charism during the month-long celebration. In the "Bahagian ng Kaalaman" initiative, Grade 10 students from St. Candida dedicated their time and effort to assist Grade 7 students with reading. Simultaneously, the Outreach Program, titled "Shoe for a Cause," was organized in collaboration with selected pupils from Maasin Central Elementary School. These meaningful endeavors were made possible through the generous support of the Jamesian community, particularly the Alumni and PTA Core Group Officers.

      Moreover, each class section also prepared short yet engaging activities such as games, dances, and storytelling sessions about the life of Mo. Candida. These activities fostered a sense of enjoyment and camaraderie among the Maasin Central Elementary School children, who had the opportunity to bond with their older "kuyas" and "ates," including sharing a meal of native food together.

The monthlong celebration may be simple but the memories that the Jamesians experienced and shared were remarkable and meaningful. Jamesians are looking forward to more activities like these.

By Shannel Kristine A. Garrido, Patrizha Marie M. Memorando, and Ms. Clarisa Q. Zorca