Good Shepherd News. No. 196 February Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

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1 Good Shepherd News No. 196 February 2007 Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd Restructuring, visit to China District and Chinese New Year February 18 begins the celebration of Chinese New Year During the celebration of the Sunday Mass at the Good Shepherd Generalate, the Sisters remembered the occasion and were in solidarity with Good Shepherd Sisters and collaborators, who are of Chinese origin and are in different parts of the world. The Chinese New Year is also an opportunity for the Chinese to visit family members. Because of a happy circumstance of calendar, the Sisters of the District of China are set to welcome Sr. Brigid Lawlor, Congregational Leader and Sr Armelle Dehennault of the Congregational Leadership Team. The outcome of the reflections is that the sector of Korea and the District of China will restructure and form a new unit which will be called Province of North East Asia. The new unit will have a Provincial Chapter in May Sr. Armelle and Sr. Sabina Pathrose, the link councillor to the Province of East Asia, will be present during the Chapter. Also, during the Chapter, a new Provincial will be named. This is the first time that Sr. Brigid is visiting the unit. She and Sr. Armelle, who is the link councillor for China District, are scheduled to meet with sisters in the different communities, including Hongkong, Taiwan and Macau. For the past two years, the unit leaders of China District, Sr. Bernadette Yuen and the East Asia Province, Sr. Ramani Silva, and the sisters of the two units have entered into the process of restructuring. The East Asia Province is composed of Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Korea. WHAT S INSIDE? Portugal and Angola are now two separate entities February 8, 2007 was a significant date to the Good Shepherd congregation because of the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the creation of the new Sector of Angola. (Read story on page 13)

2 Letter of Congregational Leadership Team...together we find favor in God s sight. February 2, 2007 Dear Sisters, The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:40 We began our council session on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and we are ending it on the Feast of the Presentation. While together we have enjoyed many celebrations and meetings where we encountered Jesus and Mary in significant ways. We list them below! SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY You have already received our letter about our possible reunion with the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity. We continue to feel inspired by the meeting of both our leadership teams on December 18, You might recall that at our 2003 General Chapter we said: we encourage continued collaboration between both Congregations, so as to deepen our understanding of our shared spirituality and the pooling of our energies in response to the needs of women in difficulty in our world today. Thank you for taking the time to assist in implementing this direction by engaging in the theological reflection process we sent to you on January 1, MISSION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE We welcomed Dr. Cristina Duranti as our Director of Good Shepherd Mission Development. She has participated in meetings with the Congregational Leadership Team, and the Contemplative Life Commission. She is enjoying an orientation program developed by Sr. Helen Anne Sand to familiarize herself with the congregation. We also hired a part-time administrative assistant, Ms. Mary Pozzini. JUSTICE AND PEACE We reviewed the annual reports of Sr. Clare Nolan and Sr. Shalini Podimattam for their respective offices. With the aid of a consultant we used this material to develop an integrated approach to the way we organize ourselves around issues of justice and peace. You will receive materials about this in a few weeks. Our hope is that this new approach will appeal to you and that you might discern whether God is leading you to become more involved in justice and peace initiatives locally, regionally and congregationally. You might feel called to respond to one of the job descriptions that will be offered. COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE COMMISSION During their meeting, the Commission had time to evaluate their work of the past three years, as well as doing some future planning. Some of the highlights of their work included a feasibility study for new foundations which led to the planning for a foundation in Africa, work with the Research and Development Committee to address financial issues and a questionnaire on the Essential Elements which led to the study group in Angers. The study group produced the following document: Towards Transformation: A Study on Community Life for our Contemplative Communities. It is a very meaningful document which we would like to share with the entire congregation. You can find it at: Click the website s Library button and look for the Contemplative Life Commission folder. Community Life Study Group The Commission worked on the Government Section of the Constitutions and created Guidelines for Regional Councils. They also participated in the work of the Contemplative Intercontinental Assembly Planning Committee. CONSTITUTIONS COMMISSION Some members of the Commission met in Rome while others joined them electronically. They are sending you a letter in March regarding the study of the Integrated (Apostolic and Contemplative) Constitutions, created in view of Article One. They have also included a response form for each unit to complete and return by Easter - March 23, ADMINISTRATION FOR MISSION: Investment Advisory Committee One of the members of this committee, Mr. John 2

3 Francis Carlson, died on November 8, He had served on the committee since it began in March His presence will be missed and our prayers and support are with his family at this time. The committee continues to monitor our investments within a context of social responsibility and to provide advice to the Congregational Leadership Team regarding investment matters. Two new members will be joining the committee at the May meeting, Mr. Leonard Kedrowski and Mr. David Thies. Micro-Economic Development Team In September the team met in Rome. They clarified the objectives of their work and developed strategies and actions to be taken in the next three years. These include: strengthening the international Good Shepherd economic justice network, planning for education and training and a people-centered approach in developing new projects, developing policies for these projects, research and marketing strategies and networking initiatives. There was much enthusiasm and energy generated by the possibilities of greater collaboration in these areas. Motherhouse Committee The Motherhouse Committee met in Angers in September and continues to address building and personnel issues MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES UPDATE ON THE CONTEMPLATIVE MISSION- ARIES TO AFRICA The title to the land for the contemplative foundation in Meru, Kenya has still not been obtained. Therefore we decided to invite other units in Africa to help us find another suitable location. In the meantime, the contemplative sisters who are preparing for the mission are going to spend time with the contemplative community in Korea. NEW MISSIONARIES We are pleased to share with you that a number of sisters responded to the list of missionary needs that was circulated in our June 2006 letter. We want to express our wholehearted appreciation to them, and to the sending units who are freeing them for mission. We will be updating the list of Mission Needs in June. In January, we welcomed Sr. Pilar Martínez from the Province of Spain to the Generalate. Sr. Gloria Baptista from the Province of Portugal has been missioned to Hungary. We thank her for her eight years of service at the Generalate. ENLARGED Congregational CHAPTER PLANNING COMMITTEE The enlarged Congregational Chapter Planning Committee developed many of the details that will enable us to weave the work completed at Unit Chapters in with the Intercontinental Assemblies and the Congregational Chapter. Packets of information have been sent to each Unit. In that packet you will read again the theme of the 2009 Congregational Chapter: Weavers of reconciliation and compassion in global solidarity To act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. (Mi 6:8) From left, Sr. Pilar Martinez and Sr. Gloria Baptista RESTRUCTURING We are mindful that many units are beginning to hold their Chapters. We continue to experience creative restructuring as many units are working towards unification and others are developing new directions. For example, on February 8, the Province of Portugal/Angola will become two entities. Angola will become a Sector dependent on the Generalate. In May, the District of China and the Korean Sector are forming one Unit and will be known as the Province of Northeast Asia. On the website you will find a list of the dates of the Chapters that will be held in Sr. Brigid Lawlor leads the Mission sending for Sr. 3

4 INTERFAITH DIALOGUE As a team we participated in a Conference entitled Interfaith Dialogue: Why? We found the experience to be very enlightening and felt as though it was one way in which we could address our 2003 General Chapter Direction on this topic. We are impelled to involve ourselves in knowledge of inter-faith and inter-cultural issues, always bearing life for and with the poor of our world. THREE-YEAR EVALUATION With the aid of facilitators, we had a wonderful three-year evaluation. We took into consideration the many ideas that you sent to us. We feel as though we are enjoying the half-way mark in our journey of implementing the chapter goals. There were many serious topics to consider; you can see the fruit of these from the content of our letters. This evaluation led us to develop plans for the next three years. Among the requests that many of you made is for our travel schedules. Regina will post them on the website. There were also many humorous moments! Many of you have told us that you truly dislike our official pictures the one of Brigid and the one of the team. Therefore, check the website! Regina is going to run a contest with prizes for the best pictures! Please send all entries to Regina at ginargs@buonpastoreint.org and check the website for updates on the Photo Contest! In addition to your comments for our evaluation, we also want to thank you for your Christmas greetings, gifts and ongoing prayer support. We truly feel that through our encounters with you, we meet Jesus and Mary and that together we find favor in God s sight. With grateful hearts, THE CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM Photo Contest Photo of the Congregational Leader, Sr. Brigid Lawlor, must be portrait size (vertical) Photo of the Congregational Leadership Team must be landscape (horizontal) This contest is open to all Good Shepherd Sisters. Photo entries should be more than 850 pixels in height or width. Entries may be sent: 1. as an attachment to an (ginargs@buonpastoreint. org) 2. or saved in a CD and mailed by post to Regina Kuizon. (Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore, via Raffaello Sardiello, 20, 00165, Roma, Italia Each entry must be accompanied by the name, postal and addresses of the photographer and the unit of origin, and if necessary the unit where she is missioned. Entries must reach the Generalate on or before April 24, JOIN NOW! A sheep back pack (for winner of the photo of the Congregational Leadership Team) PRIZES A cuddly sheep toy (for winner of the Photo of the Congregational Leader) The winners may also opt to exchange these prizes for a chance to WORK in the communications office during summer. Work includes, publishing the newsletter in the three official languages, pos t- ing news on the website and answering s. 4

5 Contemplative Corner Contemplatives and Sr. Magdalen Dubois Do everything as far as possible through love, and you will see what great things you will be able to effect. (St. M. Euphrasia) SISTER MARY MAGDALEN DUBOIS, RGS Sister Mary Magdalen, RGS (Doris Irene Dubois) died on February 5, 2007 in Harwich, MA, after a long illness. She was 80 years of age and had been a Sister of the Good Shepherd for 58 years. Sister Mary Magdalen was born in Chicopee, MA, the daughter of John B. and Irene (Ouelette). She attended St. Joan of Arc Grammar School and Chicopee High School and entered the Good Shepherd Novitiate in 1948 in Peekskill, NY, where she began her formation for our Good Shepherd mission of reconciliation. led to her appointment as formation directress and superior of the Contemplative Sisters Novitiate at Mt. Florence in Peekskill. This led to her appointment as superior of the community in Garrison, NY and then the provincial delegate of all the Contemplative communities in the New York province. Subsequently she was chosen as General delegate for the Contemplative Sisters during Sr. Marie Bernadette Fox s term of leadership. This role took her to many countries in the world and she would often tell stories about her travels to the communities, ministries, and cultural experiences she had had. Sister Mary Magdalen was Coordinator of the Good Shepherd community at the Provincialate in Jamaica, NY. In addition to these many responsible positions, Sister Mary Magdalen was also engaged in retreat work. Her devotion and love of the Contemplative Sisters made a tremendous impact upon their lives, especially during the time of renewal and adaptation. All of us will miss her sense of humor and wisdom. Sister Mary Magdalen is survived by her brother, Thomas Dubois, and many nieces and nephews. -Province of New York Her skill in forming the young Recommended Reading Towards Transformation: A Study on Community Life for our Contemplative Communities It is an insightful document on the essential element community with distinctions specific to the contemplative lifestyle within the congregation. Prepared by the Community Life Study Group Download from the Website s Library (Contemplative Life Commission) Sr. Brigid Lawlor presents a gift to Bishop Salesius Muganbi, Bishop of Meru in Kenya during his visit to the Generalate. Bishop Salesius was in Rome recently for a meeting at the Vatican and asked if he could visit the Generalate. The proposed international Contemplative community was originally planned to be established in the Diocese of Meru. During his visit here, Bishop Salesius also met Srs. Eliene Barros and Sr. Evelyn Fergus. 5

6 Provincia de. Argentina/Uruguay Restructuring and visit of member of CLT Every time an important visit is announced, hearts and homes start to make preparations for the reception. The arrival of Sr. Cecilia Patiño is always a passage of fresh air bringing joy and nearness with the entire Good Shepherd family. It is a time for sisterly relationships, to share plans and projects, to look at the future and to prepare new paths. Restructuring requires a constant follow-up of the local animators. We went to the Federal Capital, Argentina, crossed the Rio de la Plata in a Buque bus, reaching the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in two hours. We went to visit our Uruguay sisters. With her warmth and sensitivity, Sister showed us the communities of Paysandu, Rio Branco, Rincon del Mar, and Montevideo. The spirit of St. Mary Euphrasia seemed to expand with the presence of Good Shepherd Sisters. The quiet work for women and youth is appreciated by the bishop, priests and people of the places where the sisters labor. We returned to Argentina and continued the visit to the north with its very distinct characteristics. Distant communities, quite, poor, with meager means for subsistence. The poverty leads to promiscuity and prostitution among the girls and youth and are exploited by the opportunists. The Good Shepherd Sisters carry on a work of prevention and the promotion of women and youth in these areas. Returning from Northern Argentina, Sr. Cecilia gathered us in an assembly at the Provincial House which was attended by a great number of sisters. We lived the joy of each encounter, the pleasure of fraternity, and of sincere and open dialogue. With her clarity and knowledge of congregational affairs, Sr. Cecilia made us enthusiastic for our forthcoming Chapter. We felt that she will be a sign of unity to bind us to the whole congregation so we wish to thank her for accompanying us to traverse the new province of Argentina-Uruguay. Thank you, Cecilia for being such a sister. We hope that you will visit us again soon. Sr. Isabel Karqui Hna. Cecilia Patiño Visit our website View Documents Library February 8 Titular Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 6

7 With great gratitude to the Shepherd of our life we come to share with you the grandeur of our Good God, because he invites us to experience his gentleness and mercy by means of the mission. At the invitation of the Pastor of Cafayate, Father Santiago, on the of September and the 1st of October, we began a mission in the town of Tolombón, which is 16 Km. from Cafayate. The town was founded 100 years ago. The patron of the local church is the Our Lady of Carmel. There is a pretty plaza (which needs better tending) in front of the Church. There is also a police station, which occupies a room in the rectory of the parish, a primary school, and a health center. New neighborhoods are being built, as well as a soccer field, and of course, various wine cellars. The majority of the population work in the vineyards or in some aspect of wine production. The town is very small. There are 72 houses, many of which are close to the town and others at a distance in the nearby hills. We began the mission with a moment of prayer, reading the Psalm of the Good Shepherd in the presence of the Shepherd s Crook and the picture of our patron, Saint Euphrasia. Following the time of prayer, the new missionaries were given a Cross and caps that identified them as members of the Missionary Family of the Good Shepherd. The missionary team consisted of 13 members: Nelly (Lay Associate from Córdoba), Lolita, Eliana, Sr. Marta (Salta), Elsa (Lay Associate Province of Argentina/Uruguay The mission in Tolombón from Cafayate) Sr.Teresa, Rita, Betty, Abel, Marcelo (Catechists) José, Ariel y Sebastián (Scout). We formed groups of 3, each with a leader/ pastor and visited the families who welcomed us warmly. Many of them were waiting for our visit. It was surprising to encounter so many infants and children in the town given the small number of families. The thing that impressed us the most was the fact that in each house that we visited the main concern was the formation of the children. The adults shared that the children needed attention, a space where they could share and learn good things, where they could be made to feel and be better persons, where they could have better opportunities. Generally the children do not go beyond a primary education. We gathered on Saturday evening for a pleasant time where we talked, sang, played and enjoyed ourselves very much. The following day, Sunday, after prayer, a group went on to visit families on the hillsides a journey of 4 hours. In the afternoon we gathered the children to play and to share in their gladness in having us there. After sharing a meal we participated in a novena to the Virgin of the Rosary and of the Blessed Sacrament. The priest, in a simple way and with a feeling of closeness, he explained the Gospel and highlighted the presence of the Missionaries of the Good Shepherd, inviting us to always continue our service with joy, affection and warmth. It was a great and profound experience of God witnessing persons with so little living happily and close to the Good God. They witnessed to the fact that the Kingdom of Heaven is found in the simple, sincere and sometimes in strong circumstances. Each member of the team prepared for this mission beginning at their particular situation and possibilities. Those of us from Salta could feel in our lives the words of Saint Mary Euphrasia where she tells us, Great crosses bring great graces. We recalled the mishaps she encountered on her journeys given the means of transportation used in her time in order to announce the Good God. We also encountered mishaps on our journeys. After having traveled 70 kilom e- ters, around 4PM, our car came to a complete stop. On this particular journey, we were all women and none of us were able to solve our problem. We called the insurance company (thank God, Eliana had her cellular phone) and asked for help. Help arrived an hour later while we were all praying to be able to arrive at our destination, Tolombón. We went to the nearest town, Coronel Moldes, where we looked for an auto mechanic, but the problem with the car was very serious and could not be fixed. We then called the mechanic in Salta who had maintained the vehicle. He sent two boys from his shop with his truck to take the necessary materials in order to fix the vehicle. But they were not able to fix the problem either. Communication between the men and the mechanic was constant and it was decided to send all of the boys from the shop. By the time they arrived it was 9 PM. The men bringing the replacements also ended up stalled on the way to us so they ended up needing help. They finally arrived to where we were around 11:30PM. We want to emphasize (Continued on page 16) 7

8 A region for good living. Snow and sun, mountains and plains, typical Provencal Villages The department of the Alps of High Provence, definitely mountainous on the east (mountain peaks up to 3,000 meters near the Italian border) juxtapose mountains and plains in the central and western parts. Alpine in the hills, the department is Mediterranean in climate (slightly snowy winters and short sunny summers). The commune of Voix has a population of 2,690. It is an essentially agricultural sector with its tree cultivation, particularly olive trees. An area has recently gone into handicrafts and the region is actually beginning to be industrialized. The sisters were warmly welcomed by the local church in the person of Msgr. Francois- Xavier Loizean, bishop of Digne and by the people. In June 2005, Msgr. Loizean expressed to our Provincial Superior his desire to have a Good Shepherd Community in his diocese. A native of Vendeé, he knew our congregation and our foundress, St. Mary Euphrasia. Christianity is the religion of the Incarnation The Church of Christ is incarnate in High Provence What a joy for our interparochial community and our diocese to welcome to Voix on Dec. 3, 2006 a new religious community! Our gratitude directed us first of all, to the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd of Angers and to the Provincial, Sr. Marie Pierre, who is here among us accompanied by ten of her sisters. What gratitude means is that we will never forget your action on our behalf. Gratitude, your mother foundress used to say, is the memory of the heart. A heart which has no memories is indeed a poor heart. Province of France/Belgium s The Good Shepherd in the Alps of High Provence Our gratitude is also directed towards our three sisters (Marie-Louise, Odile and Denise) who, at the word of their superior, straightaway came to us, to become our neighbor and be all to all. Again, to quote your mother foundress, she commented that St. Paul had said, I am neither Greek nor Roman. I belong to all nations. And St. Francis Xavier: I am not only Spanish, but I am Indian, Chinese, Japanese. I belong to all places where I have the happiness of preaching the gospel as for me, I belong to all nations where there are souls to save. In this region beginning to internationalize, your coming is a witness to the announcing of the Gospel to all nations. In this region where there are also precarious situations, your coming also witnesses to the mission proper to your congregation which is to be close to those who suffer, particularly to girls and women in difficulty so that in the shade of your tree your house - the weary and wayward hearts may regain their vigor. In fact, it means Love can do great things. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to those who prepared for your arrival: Fr. Gilbert who so greatly desired a religious foundation, Mme. Jocelyne Gaillard who acted as the bridge between you and us, the interparochial community and its pastoral team as well as all those who helped to renovate the old rectory of Voix. I also thank Madame Paule Bottero who agreed to stay in the rectory of Villeneuve and assure a welcoming presence in this place very dear to us. I respectfully greet the mayors and councilors of the two communes and thank them for joining us in welcoming the new citizens of their towns. I salute the priests around me: Fr. Christophe, vicar general, Fr. Gilbert, in charge of your pastoral sector, Fr. Victor, your former parish priest We will now welcome above all, the gift of God of His Son, Jesus. St. Mary Euphrasia has confided to us the marvelous word of communion: When we receive Jesus Christ we are united as closely to Him as two pieces of wax when melted into one, the word Communion signifying union with. To prepare ourselves for this communion of hearts with God and among us, let us first recognize our poverty and insufficiency before His Love, but ever believing that Nothing is impossible to Love. Marie Establier, RBP Source: Website of Digne Diocese bon-pasteur/villvolx-bon-pasteur.htm 8

9 Province of France/Belgium At Pau, France: The «Semaine Bleue» Maria Consolata our retirement home in Pau, has the good luck to be near two other Good Shepherd communities that of rue Deveria and the one of Ousse des Bois. There is an additional surge of life, of mutual aid and sisterly rapport among us. We are 40 residents in Maria Consolata, 2/3 religious and 1/3 lay. All our energies are mobilized to create a vibrant community in which each one can find her place. This is to prove that the aged are not outside society. Since 1999 we have actively participated in the yearly celebration of the Semaine Bleue. What is Semaine Bleue? It is a week particularly centered on the life, aspirations, and needs of retirees and aged persons. Launched in 1951, it has evolved gradually and has become a rendezvous for all who open themselves to and for the elderly. It is a time to heighten public awareness about the contribution of retired persons to the economic and social life as well as the occupations of elderly persons. It is also meant to enhance the public standing of those engaged in gerontology and the projects they conduct all year round. And lastly, it is also to encourage intergenerational solidarity. A national theme is selected each year by the National Committee. That of And if one talks of the old! evoked a lot of reactions. The title was intentionally provocative the objective was to make people talk and it was attained. The word old in contrast with youth was not used in a pejorative sense but with all the nobility associated with age. And if the old speak of what interests them? In this way a development could be chosen by us to be better aware of our sick and maltreated planet and, together, with our poor means somehow relieve it. This year, 2006, our reflection was focused on Young and old together. A few months before the Semaine Bleue, a steering committee was created and it set us on the way: to seek, to act, to be enthused for a cause, A vow made by Louis XIII through a Royal Declaration on February 10, 1638, states that he has taken the Holy and Glorious Virgin as special protector of his kingdom. Thus he decreed that a procession be made in all the parish churches of Paris in honor of the Blessed Virgin. FLUVIAL PILGRIMAGE IN HONOR OF OUR LADY One of the objectives for the presence of a Good Shepherd community in Paris is to be inserted in the life of the church and share its special events with the parishioners. We therefore seized the opportunity offered us last August 14 by participating in the fluvial pilgrimage which gathered together the Catholics of Paris to pray to Our Lady for the great intentions of the church and of the world. A dozen Bateaux-Mouc he with no egoism, without closing up or turning in on oneself. The goal was to share, to transmit, to prove that we are able to choose, to organize, to reflect and to act. We put together the results of our work: songs, sketches, playlets, videos and montages. We contacted young people and the not so young in the neighborhood. We interviewed them about their ideas on old age (differences, difficulties as well as rapport with the aged). Inside Maria Consolata, many residents responded to questions in a simple sharing. Everything has been filmed and a montage was born in the form of a DVD, our third DVD. They are the souvenirs which will keep and present our common efforts to live our old age, our vocation for today and tomorrow. Fluvial pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady (tourist boats) were requisitioned by the staff of the cathedral. Msgr. Polien, auxiliary bishop of Paris presided over the festivities of the evening, beginning with an organ concert, followed by Vespers and Holy Mass. All seats were occupied in the cathedral. The Parisians demonstrated by their fervor their devotion to Mary. From the cathedral we walked to the Quai St. Bernard to board the Bateaux-Mouche. Msgr. Polien led the procession. The Treasure-house of Notre Dame lent the superb silver statue of the Virgin, carried and surrounded by Knights of the Holy Sepulcher among whom was the Grand Master of the Order. The number of pilgrims exceeded all expectations so a reinforcement of extra barges was requested. This necessi- (Continued on page 16) 9

10 Sector of Kenya EUPHRASIA WOMEN CENTRE: Another world is possible Euphrasian Women joined the World Social Forum (WSF) opening walk and the end day marathon through the slums of Nairobi, together with all those who came from other parts of the world. The WSF aims to give hope to the poor, oppressed, marginalized and all the people who lack basic needs including education which eradicates ignorance out of the world, andoffers more opportunities to improve their lives as persons with dignity. This event was to create awareness that another world is possible and to put more emphasis on each one s efforts to improve our world. Have you ever given hope by making a difference in their lives? Have you ever spent sleepless night planning and seeking wisdom on how to make a difference in someone s life especially the orphan girls and single mothers in their struggle to make an another world is possible for them? We have an experience with the Economic Hand-Crafting Justice in U.S.A. which is making a difference by selling or marketing our products and has founded the Basket Weaving Project which is beginning at EUPHRASIA WOMEN CEN- TER. We feel hopeful, empowered and can proclaim to the whole world that GOD cares and another world is possible even to the most desperate cases. That is not all, think of Sharing Fair in Canada, Sharing Fair in U.K.. Trading Circle in Australia that help market products from developing countries and have given hope to many families. Kanini (not her real name) has put a structure for her mum, The girls at the Centre brother, sisters through the money given to her after making the doll cards in the centre. I never thought one of my family members would go to High School. The money I earn after making flossy dolls has enabled me to bring my brother in secondary school. Nabwiree, another girl, says she is very happy and grateful to all who market the flossy dolls that she makes. Like everyone she wakes up very early to prepare herself to go to work. She reports at the centre on time coming to stitch table mats, bags made of Kenyan material called Kitenge and other products that we make. She is full of joy because she is able to take care of her brother who was formerly a street boy and her twin children who were malnourished, and so close to death due to lack of proper diet and health care. She says that she could not do much since she did not have any job although she had the skill that could help her to earn her living. Now she is very happy too that in the centre she can make products and are sold to help her and other women to earn Basket Project- EWC Nairobi some income. She is very grateful that her living standard has improved more than when the mother was alive. She has achieved her dreams through all the individuals, organizations that market all the products made by the women here in Euphrasia Women Centre, Kenya. Whoever you are, you have either sold, and bought or wished us well, you have made a difference. We are grateful to you and we feel blessed through you and you have proved to us and the rest of the world that an individual action that you have done has made another world possible for slum dwellers. Sr. Bibian Thuguci 10

11 GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE Karurina - Embu Wishes do come true. This workshop started with just a wish: If only we had a place to begin a workshop. That was in We shared our concerns with Charles Birnie, who has been a strong support of Annunciation Home. Listening to our request, he approached his friends for help. He told us of his experience. A good friend of his who had been supporting Light of Christ Ministries promised to help with this project. When he opened the envelope from his friend, he found a check for almost the full amount of the cost of the building for workshop. Glory be to God who is Carer of the poor of this world. The workshop was officially opened on May 11, 2006 by Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, Bishop of Embu Diocese. It was blessed and christened Good Shepherd Centre, Karurina. When the invitation to the small Christian Communities to celebrate the opening of the Centre went round, they were so quick to respond with what they felt was needed. They brought firewood for cooking, some lent their big cooking pots, others brought gifts of avocados, papaya, eggs. May 11 was a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving in Karurina Village. The Euphrasian Women s Group was the main support of the celebration. The eve of the opening of the Centre, they came to prepare for the cooking. The place was bursting with life and laughter as they sat around peeling buckets of potatoes and carrots, onions, garlic while others were preparing the 3 stone cooking area and cleaning big huge sauce pans. Exchanges of greetings done, one immediately was caught by the aroma of delicious food. The building to be blessed was Opening of Good Shepherd Workshop-Embu also ready-- inside the altar and chairs were set, and the door was shut with a band of ribbons across, ready for the opening. At the entrance of the Centre the Bishop gave a short introduction for the occasion of the day, then he proceeded to cut the ribbons and open the doors of the Centre. The celebration of the Eucharist began with the blessing of the people gathered there. The hall was full, some sat inside while other stood outside. Before the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop blessed the compound, too. The celebration continued outside. Lunch, expressions of gratitude, introduction of the different groups A skit was presented by the women of Euphrasian Women s Group, who meet weekly to share, to encourage and to support one another. In the skit, drawn from their own life s experience of suffering from poverty and struggle with unjust structures, they moved the crowds to deep acknowledgement that such situation are still present in society and how it challenges us to have a listening heart to those who suffer. The Bishop gave a short address encouraging all those present to continue steadfast in our Christian life: The love of God urges us on. The Centre offers a place where we can gather, but it is with a warm heart that will uphold and care for one another as God s children Sister Paulina Diez, Unit Coordinator also gave a short note of encouragement emphasizing that much good would come from the unity and welcome we have for one another. There is no celebration is without the cutting of cake. Three cakes were brought and representatives of the small Christian Communities, the Women s Group and the Sisters joined together to cut the cakes. The crowd numbered around 150 people, each had a small piece to taste, symbolizing the unity we want and need. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad. Yes, we are very glad that we have seen the wonders of the Lord in caring for His children. The celebration marks the opening of Good Shepherd Centre, as a place to meet and a way to abundant (Continuedon page 16) 11

12 A great grandniece of St Mary Euphrasia visited the Good Shepherd Generalate on February 16. SME s great grandniece visits the Generalate Two weeks before her visit, Ms. Hélène d Arondel de Hayes who was scheduled to visit a friend who works as translator at the Vatican, asked by if she could visit the Generalate. It was a joy for the Sisters to welcome her and to invite her for lunch. Living in Nantes, Hélène, second of five children, brought with her a genealogy that traces her relationship with St. Mary Euphrasia. She belongs to the line of Paul Pelletier ( ), youngest brother of St. Mary Euphrasia. Jeanne Pelletier, Hélène s grandmother is the grandniece of St. Mary Euphrasia. During conversation, she said that until today there are many doctors in the family. She was pleased to meet Sr. Brigid Lawlor who just arrived from Angola the day before, and the members of the Congregational Leadership Team and Sisters of the Generalate. Sr. Armelle Dehennault also arrived from France two days earlier and was happy to welcome and Hèlène and Armelle with SME s portrait share with her more about St. Mary Euphrasia, her great faith and the congregation that she founded. The Sisters of the Our Lady of Charity who started to come for their Feb meeting also met her. Several years ago, her aunt Annick Marin-Mehout and her husband also visited the Generalate and met Sr. Liliane Tauvette. Hélène shares her family tree Hélène and Alexandra When asked by Sr. Regina Kuizon with whom she communicated about her visit where she got her address, she said through the internet. From left to right, Srs. Pilar Martinez, Eliene Barros, Evelyn Fergus, Ms. Hélène d Arondel de Hayes, Brigid Lawlor, Regina Kuizon and Armelle Dehennault. 12

13 Angola is a new sector February 8, 2007 was a significant date to the Good Shepherd congregation because we marked the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a legacy handed on to us by St. John Eudes. Oh, I most earnestly ask you never to tire of this mission. whatever difficulties you may encounter; besides, be sure that Africa will respect you and that Heaven will bless you." St. Mary Euphrasia But it was doubly significant for us all and in particular for the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Province of Portugal/Angola, as it was the day when special ceremonies were held to mark the creation of the new Sector of Angola which is independent from Portugal. Since 1963, Angola has been part of the Province of Portugal. Portugal has sent missionaries to Angola to be of service to women and children in the country. Through the years, vocations came, more young women have joined the congregation and the restructuring process in the congregation paved the way for the creation of the Sector of Angola. From left to right, Srs. Brigid Lawlor, Rita Lourenço and Maria Clara Pimentel as the plaque is presented to the new sector of Angola. Angola is now a sector dependent on the Generalate. The turnover ceremonies on February 8 were witnessed by Srs. Brigid Lawlor, Congregational Leader, Sr. Eliene Barros, link councillor, Good Shep- herd Sisters and lay collaborators in the two units. Sr. Prameela Perumpally, unit leader of Mozambique, was also present. As a symbol of the Sector of Angola s independence, the Province of Portugal represented by Sr. Maria Clara Pimentel gave Sr. Rita Lourenço, sector leader, a plaque with the words of St. Mary Euphrasia, Oh, I most earnestly ask you never to tire of this mission. whatever difficulties you may encounter; besides, be sure that Africa will respect you and that Heaven will bless you." The Good Shephers Sisters of the Sector of Angola with Srs. Brigid Lawlor and Eliene Barros. Young girls in Angola 13

14 Province of Singapore/Malaysia Memories that last... On November 18, 2006, Sr. Gerard Fernandez received an award for more than 10 years of service as a counselor/ volunteer with the Prisons Department. Journeying with offenders over the past 30 years continues to be the experience of St. Mary Euphrasia s, (cherished mentor) One person is more precious than the whole world. Sister Gerard shares a personal experience. This day you will be with me in Paradise. Van Nguyen was to meet his God soon. That Week was his last,in Death Row. I had journeyed with him and his dear Mum, Kim for some months. All avenues from his lawyers to save him from the gallows failed, but Van was just overwhelmed with the love of his God and fixed his gaze on meeting Him. On one of my visits I sang the beautiful Hymn to Our Blessed Mother- As I Kneel before You. Van told his lawyers after he heard it he sobbed his heart Sr. Gerard out and decided to ask for Baptism. He was baptized on his 25 th birthday in August 05. He was transformed. His whole appearance radiated the grace of God. His lawyers could not fathom the deep peace and joy enveloping this young man who was facing death. In the early hours of Friday 2 nd Dec 2005, about 2 am, Jimmy, my fellow Counsellor and I walked into the Prisons Complex. The only sound that could be heard was the pitter patter of our footsteps as we walked to the Condemned Cells. Sr. Gerard receives the Appreciation Award to the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry from the Director of Prisons, Mr. Chua Chin Kiat The greatest consolation these inmates and myself have is that our Shepherd, Jesus died a condemned Man. Each is convinced that the Good Shepherd and His Mother walk that final journey with them to Paradise. As I kneel singing and praying and my special friend turns the corner to his death, I am filled with a deep sense and presence of God, I feel I glimpse eternity. Why? In such a Place? Because good has triumphed over evil. The Father has claimed for his very own one who desires to be with Him. Death, where is your sting? I thank God for the privilege of experiencing his compassion and mercy with these my special friends in prison. I pray that capital punishment will be abolished. New Lay Staff at the Generalate Ms. Margaret Lombardi, secretary for the english speaking units started to work for the Generalate in November Margaret succeeds Liam Quinn who is doing further studies in Great Britain. She is from the United States. Dr. Cristina Duranti started her work in January 2007 as Director of Good Shepherd Mission Development. She is an Italian. Margaret Cristina Mary Ms. Mary Pozzini, is part-time administrative assistant. Since January 2007, Mary, an American, helps in the Good Shepherd Mission Development Office and the Justice, Peace and Solidarity in Mission Office. 14

15 Both the Filipina/o and Japanese parishioners of the different parishes in Nagano Prefecture in Japan were shocked by the news of the damage done by super typhoon Durian (Filipino name, Reming) in Bicol, Philippines. Many of the families of migrants were affected. There was immediate response to the urgent need in different ways. The Good Shepherd Sisters initiated and facilitated the collection of donation. The Women s Group in Nagano City church sent right away a box of summer clothes for children with ball pens, pencils and other things. After Christmas, two more big boxes followed. A group of Primary School Japanese students in another parish pooled their resources and sent a box of clothes and some noodles and cash to the typhoon victims. In several Tagalog Masses of the Filipinos, there were second collections of Mass offering and the Since 1994, when the Good Shepherd Community was founded in Nagano Prefecture for the Filipino migrants there were Japanese volunteers who worked with the Sisters, assisting them in case management like labor problems, domestic violence, marital conflicts, medical and legal needs and even rescue operations. They were even on call for the needs in the community life of the Sisters like acting as interpreters in business transactions with the different agencies. The members of the local community of Sisters have changed many times through the years but these volunteers remained loyal to the Good Shepherd Sisters and their selfless service to the migrants never waned. When the Philippine Embassy in Japan asked for nomination of Japanese nationals who had given valuable service to the Filipino migrants, the Sisters didn t hesitate to submit the names of these volunteers. These are Fr. Haruo Akimoto, OFM, Mr. Kazuo Yamada and his wife, Ayako and Mr. Shoji Province of Japan o Compassionate Response Filipino migrants with their children. money was given directly to the bishop of Bicol a the Filipino Benedictine priest. A Japanese benefactor of the Sisters for many years sent money as donation for the poor children. Donations are still being sent through different channels for the rehabilitation of the typhoon victims. In a crisis situation like Volunteer s Shepherding recognized this, once again, the love of the Shepherd God was manifested through the unconditional and wholehearted sharing of goods by both the Japanese and Filipina/os here withthe victims of calamities. More significant than the materials things is the deep concern and compassion for the marginalized brothers and sisters. Sr. Celeste Yuzon, RGS From left: Sr. Celeste, RGS, Ayako, Shoji, Sr. Teresa, RGS, Grace and Fr. Akimoto, OFM Kuramasu. They were honored and given Certificates of Recognition during the joint celebration of the 108 th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day and Migrants Day last June 4, 2006 in Tokyo, Japan. This is just a small gesture of appreciation compared to the great service which they are still rendering to our migrants. Indeed, our Good Shepherd and St. Mary Euphrasia look on them with favor. Sr. Celeste Yuzon, RGS 15

16 2007 Good Shepherd News While each unit is encouraged to send articles anytime during the year, we have planned that there are specific issues when each unit is asked to submit an article so that at the end of the year all the units have been part of Good Shepherd News. Please send articles on or before the 5th of each month. Here is the suggested schedule: January Commissions, CLT. Other news February China District, Argentina/Uruguay, France/Belgium, Kenya March Mid North, Spain, Belo Horizonte, Bogota April East Asia, Bolivia, Germany May Chile, Great Britain, Lebanon/Syria June Austria/Switzerland/ Czech Republic, Egypt/Sudan, Ecuador, Japan July India/Nepal, New York, Central America, Hungary August Indonesia, Medellin, Senegal, Ireland/Ethiopia September Philippines, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Africa October Singapore/Malaysia, Peru, Italy/ Malta, Portugal/ Angola, Canada November Sri Lanka/Pakistan, Recife, Paraguay, Spain, The Isles December CLT, Australia/Aotearoa/New Zealand, Mozambique, Venezuela Invitation Please send articles, photos with captions for Good Shepherd News to: REGINA KUIZON Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore Via Raffaello Sardiello Roma, Italia FRANCE... (Continued from page 9) tated our having to wait, together with the parishioners of Notre Dame des Foyers, before we could embark Finally on board, we joined the prayers broadcast to all the boats: the rosary in different languages with various intentions. Each pilgrim was provided a candle which we waved at the people following the procession along the quays. Our signals wished to tell them: We are praying for everyone, God loves you. Let KENYA... (Continued from page 10) life. The Centre is keen to promote the development of young girls who are out of school and young mothers: low-cost skill training, human, faith and moral development, awareness education, group interaction, creativity development. The program started on August 2006 and by September the trainees were drafting their skirts and sewing them out of brown paper and plastic sheets. Only one or two were able to bring their own material but majority practiced on paper. Other started to learn knitting. The program is moving smoothly with some plans despite needs we ARGENTINA... (Continued from page 7) the availability, preoccupation and sense of responsibility of Mr. Jorge Lizárraga (mechanic and shop owner) and his boys Ariel, Sebastián, Gustavo, Roberto, Diego y Leo, who were very patient, amiable, and respectful. With jokes, good spirit and seriousness in performing their mission we were able to continue our journey. We ask you to raise in prayer these boys and their families who also contributed in announcing the Good God. We were finally able to continue our journey, arriving at yourselves be loved by Christ. Our boat took us to Bercy, then made a half-turn on the Seine up to the Pont des Arts, to return to the place of embarkation, the Quai St. Bernard. We were happy with this voyage which has enabled us to share the Essential with other Christians. Sr. Marie Ange Beau, Paris-Curial are facing. The need of materials for training both the dressmaking and knitting section, and the plan of introducing the practice of small scale business project for next year. Since the trainees are also excellent farmers we could utilize a bit of the land to cultivate onions for sale. The project will enable the trainees to generate income for their training. We will need to buy the basic farming tools and seeds. I have come that you may have life and have it to the full (Jn 10,10). Sister Margaret Lee Embu Cafayate at 3:45AM. Sr. Teresa was waiting for us with a hot drink, a good cup of coffee with milk and a warm bed. And so, this was the beginning of the pastoral experience of the Missionary Family of the Good Shepherd in Argentina Uruguay. We will continue to walk along gorges, valleys, crossing meadows and drinking from flowing waters. Thanks for accompanying us! Missionary Family of the Good Shepherd Good Shepherd News Special thanks to the following for the translation: Srs. Karla Bernabé, Marta Ceballos, Evelina Coronel, Armelle Dehennault, Marie Establier, Magdalena Franciscus, Gisèle Lalonde, Adriana Perez, Digna María Rivas, Delia Rodriguez, Mary James Wilson, Ms. Claire Alessandri and Ms. Valentina Galluzzi 16