DECLARATION OF ST. CANDIDA MARIA DE JESUS PARISH IN CIUDAD NUEVO, NAIC CAVITE
October 18, 2021, marked a memorable and significant event in the history of the Hijas de Jesus Congregation in the Philippines and a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing among the people of Ciudad Nuevo, Naic Cavite: a day when St. Candida Maria de Jesus Parish Church was declared at Phase 5, Ciudad Nuevo, Naic Cavite, the first-ever Parish in the Philippines named after our Foundress, St. Candida Maria de Jesus.
The Mass was held at 9:30 in the morning and was officiated by His Most Reverend, Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D., Bishop of Imus Cavite who also installed Rev. Fr. Joseph Mayola as the first parish priest. Due to health protocols, the Mass was attended by a limited number of people including representative Sisters from Manresa School and the Provincialate, four lay collaborators of Manresa School, parishioners, Mayor of Naic, local leaders, and a good number of priests from the different parishes of Cavite. It was a solemn and spirit-filled celebration with a beautiful and inspiring homily of Bishop Rey who affirms the missionary spirit of St. Candida
For the people of Ciudad Nuevo, Naic Cavite, who went through a lot of challenging, unforgettable and unwavering faith and spiritual journey, this is a grace-filled moment and a dream come true for their desire to have a Church. This event will be forever etched in their Church history. This event is also a gift for the 150th founding anniversary of the Congregation and for the 50th golden anniversary of Manresa School that took charge of Naic Outreach activity and apostolate since 2010.
Through the pioneer outreach coordinators: Sr. Rachel Bade, Sr. Lillian Lim, Sr. Pacita Legaspi, Sr. Felicidad de Jesus, and Sr. Nelida Peñaflorida. For all of us, F.I. lay collaborators and family of Mo. Candida, and for all the people who will come to know her, this is a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness through Mo. Candida as we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. Mo. Candida, thank you for going to Naic in search for more souls. To God be the glory, honor, and praise! Mabuhay ka Santa Candida!
The Mass ended with the singing of Clara Estrella.
Read more on the Índico-Pacífico website and enjoy the photos and videos.
