We are very excited to share with the entire Mother Candida family two materials of great theological and spiritual depth that invite us to return to the essence of our charism. These texts, written by Manuel Iglesias, S.J. and Jesús Montero Tirado, S.J., explore from different angles what it means to live, after 100 years of life of the congregation, as Daughters of Jesus putting Christ at the center of everything. Both articles are part of the book: “Un camino entre dos fechas” 1871- 1971 and we believe that they are very relevant to deepen and open us to what it means today to live the essence of our charism.
1. The Title “Daughters of Jesus” interpreted from the Bible.
In this study, Manuel Iglesias, S.J., addresses the profound meaning of the name of the Congregation. Doubts often arise about the biblical basis of this title, but the author reminds us that Mother Candida, from her simplicity, defended this name with tenacity because it sprang from her experience of faith.
- Jesus as image of the Father: The text reveals to us that Jesus, through his words and gestures, acts with a paternal heart. He is the one who calls us “daughters”, heals us and assures us that he will not leave us orphans.
- A way of life: Being a “Daughter of Jesus” implies a vital relationship that makes us disciples who listen to his voice and followers who walk in his footsteps. It is, in short, a service carried out out of love.
2. Christcentrism: Jesus as the axis of our life.
On the other hand, the article by Jesús Montero Tirado, S.J., offers us a reflection on what Christcentrism means. Using the metaphor of the “center”, the author explains that Christ must be our point of reference and our vital motor.
- Christ as the point of gravitation: Christocentrism is not an abstract idea; it is to make our whole life gravitate towards Him, like a magnet that attracts our attention and affections.
- Avoid dispersion: “Centering” on Christ means putting all our resources and senses on Him to avoid wandering into the accidental.
- The model of Mary: The author proposes Mary as the clearest example of Christocentrism, since her whole life was subordinated and focused on the person of Jesus.
An invitation to reflection
Both resources are a help in this time of deepening our understanding of the Determination of General Congregation XIX. Special thanks to Mari Carmen Escalante Barquero fi, who made possible the digitization of these documents.
