We continue to learn more about the Final Probation: that final stage of the formation process, the time leading up to a Daughter of Jesus’ definitive “yes.” Earlier, we shared what it is and how it is lived. We also mentioned that these months are lived in community, under the guidance of an instructor who accompanies the Daughters both personally and as a group.
Today we want to put a face and a voice to that key figure: Magda Zhang, the instructor who is accompanying the seven junior members through this Final Probation experience for 2026–2027. We spoke with her about what this guidance entails, what is at stake during these months, and what she hopes for from this shared journey. Here are her words…
What did it mean to you to receive this request to serve as an Instructor for the Final Probation?
For me, it’s a calling. Back in 2023, when the Superior General appointed me as a translator for the previous group of Final Probation (UP), she was already considering this possibility. I didn’t know if that moment would come, or if it would be me. So when she spoke to me about this again last year, I wasn’t surprised. Faced with a need within the Congregation, I wanted to respond with my full availability. That is why I accepted this assignment with gratitude and joy.
How did you experience this during your personal discernment: doubts, joys, resistance?
I did not feel resistance, but rather a certain unease in the face of the challenges inherent in this new mission, especially due to the language barrier and my desire to be able to respond adequately to the needs of the junior sisters. This concern has led me to approach the process with confidence, striving to prepare myself as best as possible and humbly accepting help. Along this journey, I have been able to count in a special way on the close guidance of the General Government, which is supporting me in various ways.
In addition, the August spiritual exercises were a special grace for me: I experienced great peace and saw how God has been preparing me step by step. Mother Cándida’s experience touched me deeply: “Don’t always think about your poverty; I know whom I have chosen, I know your limitations; the One who gave you the desire will also give you the grace and strength to fulfill it.” This helped me let go of my own strength and trust in His grace.
What does this service mean for your own life and current mission?
This service means experiencing more deeply the Spirit’s presence and listening to the Spirit in others. It is a service that also calls me to live with greater depth of trust and surrender to God, placing my security in Him rather than in my own abilities.
How have you prepared yourself to navigate this very specific time?
The study of the Congregation’s own documents, a deeper exploration of the Constitutions with the general government, and above all, the eight days of Spiritual Exercises in August were key to our inner preparation.
In your opinion, what is the essence of the Final Test?
For me, the heart of this stage is the month of Spiritual Exercises. It is a special time to experience the “school of affection”: to deepen my affective relationship with the Lord and to reflect on my own experience of following Jesus as a Daughter of Jesus throughout the entire journey I have traveled. It leads a person to a profound integration of her past, through which she is reconciled with herself, with others, with the congregation, and, most profoundly, with God.
What are your expectations for this season, both for the junior players and for yourself?
For the junior sisters, I hope they can experience this time with joy, enjoying the intercultural richness and the ecclesial and congregational universality. May it also be a time of silence, of deepening their faith, and of a personal encounter with Christ. May they make the most of this decisive time of preparation for their definitive incorporation into the Congregation. As an instructor, I wish to be a source of support, a channel of God’s grace, accompanying each one on her journey.
What would you ask of the Mother Candida Family during this time of Final Probation?
I ask that Mother Cándida’s Family accompany us with their prayers during this stage of formation. For our part, we will continue to keep you informed about the various stages of this process.
Thank you, Magda, for sharing with us this intimate insight into what it means to accompany someone through the Final Probation.
Over the next few days, we will continue this series by getting to know, one by one, the seven junior sisters who are experiencing this deeply meaningful time. We invite you to stay tuned and to accompany them in prayer at all times.
