On September 5 and 6, sisters and educators from the schools of the Daughters of Jesus Network in Brazil gathered at the Corazón de Jesús Educational Institute in Bragança Paulista for a meaningful experience of fellowship, exchange, training, and professional development in the field of education.
The days leading up to the conference were marked by anticipation, preparation, and a desire to participate.
A conference to strengthen identity and a sense of belonging
We know that we are living in a historic time of rapid change. In this context, the conference was organized to help identify paths and solutions to current challenges, strengthening—among schools—their religious identity and sense of institutional belonging.
The presence and contributions of professionals from various fields of education made it possible to have meaningful opportunities for professional development, new learning, and knowledge acquisition, fostering, above all, experiences marked by connection, exchange, new learning, and a focus on humanity.
The Charisma of Cándida María de Jesús: An Inspiration That Remains Relevant Today
Throughout this formative experience, the charismatic dimension of Cándida María de Jesús was present in a cross-cutting way; her life and mission continue to inspire the way education is understood and carried out in the schools of the Daughters of Jesus Network in Brazil.
In every lecture, reflection, and forum for exchange, it was possible to recognize aspects of an inspiration that remains relevant today: attention to the needs of the times, a commitment to holistic formation, care for each person, confidence in the potential of education, and the courage to respond—with creativity and discernment—to the challenges posed by reality.
Thus, the conference was not merely a forum for professional development, but also an opportunity to revisit the charismatic roots that underpin the Network’s educational mission, while identifying new paths in the present to continue weaving this story.
Specific moments of spirituality also played a significant role throughout the Congress, providing opportunities for reflection, prayer, and an encounter with God amid the educational sessions.
These were moments that allowed us to find silence, give thanks, listen, and renew our faith, remembering that the educational mission of the Daughters of Jesus Network draws its strength and meaning from the Christian experience.
The celebrations, prayers, and moments of reflection helped bring together formation, spirituality, and mission, renewing our confidence that education is also a way to serve, care for others, and collaborate in building a more humane and hopeful society.
Gratitude and Hope to Continue Weaving the Mission
As these days come to a close, we are filled with gratitude for everything we have experienced, learned, and shared. Gratitude for the gathering that strengthened our sense of belonging; for the experiences that broadened our horizons; for the insights that sparked new questions; and for the spiritual experiences that renewed our faith and sense of mission.
Every presence, every word, every welcoming gesture, and every shared experience contributed to making the Congress much more than just a place of learning: it was an experience of fellowship, belonging, and hope.
May everything that has been woven together and experienced during these days continue to inspire new practices in the daily life of our schools, strengthening the identity of the Daughters of Jesus Network and renewing, in each sister and each educator, the commitment to educate with competence, sensitivity, faith, and hope.
Patricia Coimbra, FI.
You can watch the video summary of this experience:
You can also access all the photos and presentations here:
