Fun run for Mother Candida

“Fun run for Mother Candida”

Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 18, 2010

She may not be a real mother to biological kids. But, for the countless children whom she has inspired through her selfless missionary zeal and courage, Candida Maria de Jesus, is lovingly and more popularly known as Mother Candida.

Mother Candida is the foundress of the Congregation of Hijas de Jesus (Daughters of Jesus) which she established on December 8, 1871 in Salamanca, Spain. Her mission was to set up schools in almost all towns and cities in the country for the rich and poor alike; for the youth; and the women at a time when access to education was for the selected few or the elite.

In her passion to proclaim Christ to all men, she sent her beloved Hijas de Jesus missionaries to Brazil, the first outside Europe; and the rest is history.

Today, the congregation has apostolic works in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Uruguay, Mozambique, Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Philippines, among others.

In our country, the Hijas de Jesus is spread out in various cities including Manila, Parañaque, Iloilo City, Maasin, Pototan, Estancia, Guimaras Island, Cebu, Camiguin Island, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City through our local school, Stella Maris Academy of Davao.

In a very significant milestone for the congreration and for all Marisians (including my husband and I), Mother Candida was recently proclaimed a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in solemn rites held in Rome, Italy. This is a very special moment since the sainthood is a culmination of years of study, research and prayers by the Vatican and all believers.

To celebrate her canonization and to honor her, thanksgiving masses were held at San Pedro Cathedral and other local churches here; and also, in the different parts of the world where Hijas de Jesus has apostolic works.

“As a simple way of expressing our gratitude to our Mother Foundress, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao led by Sr. Lourdes Marzoña, F.I., Directress together with its PTA President, Jason Huang appointed me to organize its first-ever St. Candida Maria de Jesus Fun Run 3K and 5K to coincide with the canonization rites”, says Tyrone Go, the over-all event organizer.

Over 1,480 students, parents, guardians, faculty, non-faculty members, alumni and guests registered for the activity. Runners flocked to the staging area as early as 5:00 a.m. in the morning to take part in the marathon.

“Our commitment is to promote a healthy lifestyle for all Marisians”, Tyrone declares.

The top three finishers in the four divisions in both male and female 3K and 5K categories received a premium gift pack and a RunClub shirt. Raffle prizes such as washing machine, mountain bikes and other premium items were also given away.

In addition, SM-Davao SMAC discount checks and membership coupons were awarded to the first one thousand registrants. RunClub likewise offered a one-time 10% discount to all registrants.

The Candida Maria de Jesus Fun Run was made possible through the full and generous support of POWERADE Sports Drink, VIVA Mineral Water, SM Davao Department Store, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, RunClub, Bali-Bali Resort, Sunrise Purified Drinking Water, Vantage Promotions, Sun.Star Davao, Mindanao Daily Mirror, Edge News and 93.10 FM Crossover.

Special thanks to Chiaw Yap for the event’s fotos.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.