Lestonnac Flame Circles: Keeping the Flame Alive in Young Hearts

With Sr. Afra, FCJ who made the notation of the school hymn, Niña Maria, Guide Our Way

What began as a small group of children joining the choir and volunteering as altar servers has evolved into a vibrant circle of young hearts on fire with love and service. This is the story of the Niña Maria Learning Center-Lestonnac Flame Circle (LFC-NMLC).

After Grades 3 and 4 pupils received their First Communion in December 2022, the school's Pastoral Office saw a beautiful opportunity: to nurture the children’s love for the Sacraments through a monthly school Eucharist, beginning on February 2, 2023, the death anniversary of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, the foundress of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady. What started with a few children singing in the choir and serving at the altar slowly became a joyful and dedicated circle of pastoral helpers. As the school celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of St. Jeanne's canonization in May 2024, it felt like the perfect time to give these faithful young volunteers a name and identity. They became the Lestonnac Flame Circle, a group carrying the spirit of St. Jeanne through their liturgical service and enthusiastic pastoral involvement.Their enthusiasm went beyond the school premises. During a meeting in early 2023, some members shared a heartfelt desire: to reach out to others. That interest sparked the birth of the school’s Community Outreach Program and its component projects— Abot-Kamay, Operation Kilo, and the Solidarity Bazaar. The LFC-NMLC also took center stage during the 75th anniversary celebration of St. Jeanne’s canonization with a creative dramatization of her experience, bringing her story to life as a highlight during such a significant moment for the school and the ODN Sisters. Lestonnac Flame Circle-Habitat Community

Meanwhile, another Lestonnac Flame Circle was beginning to take shape in Habitat Community-Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City. It was an offshoot of the 2024 Summer ExpresArte Mission Camp, a transformative three-day experience for the scholars of the Niña Maria Arts Hub, who facilitated the art workshop sessions with kids. During this camp, over 80 children from the Habitat Phase 1 and 2 areas participated. The scholars found joy in being with them and running the activities, appreciated the value of teamwork, and developed a deeper sense of belonging to a community.

Now in their third year as scholars, these young people wanted more than just art lessons and activities—they wanted mission, connection, and purpose. So, under the guidance of the ODN Sisters, they have taken the LFC identity. Their mission? To be agents of hope in their neighborhood, to grow spiritually, and to build a strong one-family spirit in their community.

Together, the LFC-NMLC and LFC-Indahag embody the grace of the Diamond Jubilee year, carrying the legacy of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac into their lives. Whether in a school or a neighborhood outreach, these circles of light help young people discover themselves, reach out to others, encounter God in new ways, and hopefully will also grow in care for our Common Home. 

In their own small and meaningful ways, the Lestonnac Flame Circles are keeping the flame alive—for love, for faith, and for joyful service.