Our Joyful Journey to 50 years

It all started with an experience that God is real, not a distant God. His love is personal.

This was the experience of a handful of men and women who frequented a weekly prayer meeting at the Assumption Convent in Makati City, Philippines fifty years ago. They were fired up by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and encouraged by the personal testimonies, the vibrant singing, and spontaneous praising in the prayer meeting.

On July 19, 1975, there were 41 men and women who gathered together for a weekend retreat at the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) at the Ateneo de Manila University campus.

The Lord’s message was summarized in a prophecy uttered during the retreat.

“You have asked to see my face. I will show it to you. As you grow in love and service for one another, you will see me. For I will be among you. You will see me. I will be in your midst acting among you. You will see my face in the love you have for one another. And I will give you a name by which I will be proclaimed. ‘Kayo ang aking Ligaya. Ang aking Ligaya ay makikilala ng buong bayan, dito sa Pilipinas at sa lahat ng aking mga tao.’ (You are my joy. My joy will be known throughout the nation and among all my people.)

I want you to know that you will proclaim my name not only in Manila, not only in Pasay, not only in one or two cities, not only in the Philippines but all throughout Asia.”

It was an experience of a faith awakened, a deep hunger to know God, to serve him and to live life loving Him. And they hungered to be a community. The way the early Christians were. This marked the beginning of Ligaya and laid the foundation for what we now celebrate as Ligaya's 50th anniversary. From that small gathering to a thriving community, we honor five decades of God’s enduring faithfulness to the community.

Our Anniversary Logo

For the 50th anniversary celebration, a special edition of the Ligaya logo with the text “50” in color Gold has been created. Inside the “0” text, the Ligaya logo, which is a symbol of the community’s identity as disciples on mission, is found.

The Ligaya logo features four key visual elements. The circular shape signifies the whole community of believers, open to the Holy Spirit and welcoming to new members. On the right half of the circle, the Chi Rho—a symbol of Christ—represents the Lord Jesus, the foundation of the community’s life. The black dots on the left half of the circle symbolize the individual members of the community, their spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit, reflecting Ligaya’s charismatic spirituality. Inside this space, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, who empowers the community for mission.