On the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, we would like to share with everyone an excerpt from Circular Letter No. 55 from our Superior General, Graciela Francovig, fi, addressed to all the Daughters of Jesus, which can also enlighten and help the entire Mother Candida Family.
Today, in Rome, the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major is celebrated, known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows. There, the ancient icon of Mary, the Salus Populi Romani, Protector of the Roman People, is venerated, and the remains of Pope Francis also rest there.
On this day, we also commemorate a congregational event: Mother Cándida fell ill and, five days later, passed away to the Father’s house. This historic event holds a profound spiritual significance: it invites us to reflect on the final days of a life wholly dedicated to God. I invite you to reread “Five Days,” which Sister María del Carmen Cruz Tapia wrote with such affection for Mother Cándida, as we prepare for the feast of our Foundress.
The letter continues with some updates, such as the Meeting of Provincial Superiors: “We have just concluded the first in-person meeting of the provincial assemblies during this six-year term, held July 23–31 in Rome. These were days of gathering, of getting to know one another, and of deepening our understanding of each province. Days of formation and guidance to foster the calls set forth in the Resolution of the 19th General Chapter.”
He continues to discuss his visits to Indonesia and Japan, which took place in June, stating: “Thank you so much, sisters from Indonesia and Japan, for all we shared and dreamed of together during those days! They were days of genuine conversations in the Spirit.
He ends the letter by stating:
“I bid farewell to each of you until the 9th. During these five days, let’s pray for one another and live this time with a deep sense of spirituality, allowing the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts and ask us this question: How does Saint Candida encourage me to live my faith today, in the light of each day’s Gospel? I am deeply grateful for all the birthday wishes and good wishes I have received on my birthday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
In response to this invitation from our Superior General, let us prepare our hearts for the feast of Saint Candida. You can access the text here:
