“To found a new congregation with the title of Daughters of Jesus, dedicated to the salvation of souls, through education and instruction of children and youth”
On April 2, 2016, we met as the community of Leopoldina/Rio, to celebrate together the “new horizon” that unfolded for young Juana Josefa – later Candida Maria de Jesus – before the altar of the Holy Family in Rosarillo.
The Bishop of Leopoldina, Monsignor Jose Eudes, presided at the Eucharist in a familial and affective way, highlighting the presence and strength of testimony of the Sisters in the particular church of Leopoldina. In addition, we extended our celebration tent to welcome two lay persons: Maria Alice and Pedro – she, alumna and former teacher at the “Colegio Inmaculada” of Leopoldina; he, her husband, and chancellor of the Diocese of Leopoldina … and our neighbors in Leopoldina.
The celebration was followed by a festive lunch and long dessert, washed down with much joy, sharing and celebration.
In the afternoon, we continued the meeting, as extended community, taking some more steps in the search for a new horizon for our life in mission, in the face of new circumstances and new signs of the times.
Nourishing ourselves from the source of the experience of Saint Candida at the Rosarillo, we intuited new ways of concretizing the will of God, in revitalizing the local level of our government, mediated by the strength of his Spirit and the maternal care of our Immaculate Mother who “again and again” will show us ways.
Thank you, Father, because you keep calling us to be your daughters. With Saint Candida Maria de Jesus, we want to be faithful in our history today.
