A true school of life
A group of fourteen young pilgrims from Taiwan, accompanied by Teresita Tsai FI, lived a unique experience for three weeks in Europe: they participated first in the III International Meeting of FI Youth in RomeThey participated in the III International FI Youth Meeting in Rome, within the framework of the Jubilee of the Youth, together with thousands of young people from the Universal Church. After this experience, they had the opportunity to follow the route of Mother Candida in Spain, visiting the places where the foundress of the Daughters of Jesus was born and grew up.
The young people, accompanied by Carmela Papa FI in Rome and Belén Brezmes FI in Spain, allowed themselves to be challenged by the life and witness of St. Candida Maria de Jesus. Many of them hardly knew her before the pilgrimage, but this journey became a true discovery of her figure, her spirituality and the charism she bequeathed to the Church.
In Rome, staying at the Casa Curia, they participated in moments of prayer, fellowship and international encounters. There they were able to pray in the chapel, contemplate the objects of the exhibition of the Foundress and share with young FIs from different countries. In Spain, they visited Tolosa and Andoain, significant places in the life of St. Candida, and also learned about the history of Blessed Maria Antonia Bandrés.
Resonances of experience
Some testimonies express the mark that this pilgrimage left on them:
- “We lived together, sleeping, eating, praying and sharing. It was a real school of life, learning about friendship and teamwork, like a big family. Wherever we went, we felt the warm hospitality of the sisters.”
- “During this pilgrimage I got to know deeply the history of the foundress. I was impressed by her simplicity and devotion, especially when I saw the chair she prepared with such care to participate in each Mass.”
- “Visiting Toulouse, I discovered Mother Candida’s steadfast faith, even in the midst of poverty. It was truly extraordinary.”
- “The sisters welcomed us with such patience and joy that I could feel God’s love flowing among us. I was touched by this spirit of giving and I take with me the challenge to care more for others in my daily life.”
As a family
The experience became an authentic school of life, where faith, friendship and family spirit became palpable. The young people recognized in the sisters of the Congregation the face of Mother Candida and understood that her charism is still alive in every community.
They gratefully returned to Taiwan with the desire to live and pass on what they had learned, becoming witnesses of hope.
