Good Shepherd News

No. 199 May 2007

Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

What’s inside?

c

Apostolic and Contemplatives during Provincial Chapter

in India/Nepal page 3

Pilgrimage: Sisters from France followed the footsteps of SME

in Rome page 4c

Lebanese Sisters help people of Iraq

page 8

Vocation Camp in Burkina Faso page 12v

Argentina/Uruguay: Provincial Meeting of the Laity

page 15

Congregations work to address trafficking of persons

Good Shepherd Sisters are ac-tively involved in an Inter-congregational initiative in Aus-tralia that is working to address the issues of Trafficking in Per-sons, with a particular emphasis on the trafficking of women. The group is made up of repre-sentatives of various women’s religious congregations (see photo below). Known as the “Australian Religious Congrega-tions Against Trafficking in Hu-mans” (ACRATH), the group has actively lobbied the Australian Government to change visa laws that currently discriminate against women who are traf-ficked. In January 2006 a core group of members worked to compile a “shadow” report to the United

Sr. Brigid Lawlor, congregational leader, greets Pope Benedict XVI during the papal audience at the Vatican on May 7, 2007 on the occasion of the UISG (International Union of Superiors General) Plenary held in Rome. Pope Benedict thanked religious worldwide for the great witness of love for Christ especially in the areas of evangelization, education and works of charity.

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ACRATH Group: Front Row , from left, Margaret Ng, RSJ; Caroline Price, RGS; Christine Carolan (Executive Officer, Good Shepherd Social Justice) Joan McKenna, RSC. Back row L – R: Suzette Clark, RSC; Judy Kennedy, PBVM; Joan Power, PBVM; Natalia Kovaliv (COATNET Europa); Carole Mcdonald, RSM; Monica Weedon, FMDM; Pauline Coll, sgs; Mary Ronayne,SGS; Tania DeJong, RGS. Not in the photo: Louise Cleary, CSB.

CONGREGATIONS... (Continued from page 1)

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In this issue:

Communications and compassion

Because May 20, 2007 was observed as World Social Communications Day, the articles that came for this edition of Good Shepherd News seemed to have reiterated what communication is all about. In the Vatican II document, Communio et Progres-sio (Unity and Advancement) Art. No. 11, says, that while on earth, “Christ revealed himself as the Perfect Communicator. Through his incarnation, he utterly identified himself with those who were to receive his communication and he gave his mes-sage not only in word but in the whole manner of his life.” Christ, who, for us is the Good Shepherd and whose compassion we continue to communicate today through our work and relationships, is the model, as St. Mary Euphrasia would say, whom we must try to imitate. In this issue, we see our Congregation fostering communication among sisters from different units, strengthening bonds of friendships between con-templatives and apostolic sisters, encouraging those in initial formation in their desire to love more and serve God, listening to one another as we fol-low the voice of the Shepherd while being con-soled that those who have been in religious life for

years constantly renew the joy of following Christ and are continually in awe of this vocation. Still, our congregation is not just confined to itself and its apostolate— it is united with the Church in expressing Christ’s love; it is networking with other congregations to better serve women and girls who are in need; it is attentive to the needs of the world, taking risks to help those people most in need of hope, like the people of Iraq; it is sharing its gifts with the laity who have the same longing to reach out to those marginalized in society; it is continually seeking creative ways to respond to the needs of the poor. We are finding ways to reach out to one another in love, to be in solidarity with one another. We ex-press the love of the Good Shepherd, who says, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.”

REGINA KUIZON, Communications Coordinator Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore, Via Raffaello Sardiello 20- 00165 Roma, Italia Email: ginargs@buonpastoreint.org

Good Shepherd News

Nations about Trafficking in Aus-tralia. This was presented at the UN and as a result has led to increased involvement and net-working with other NGOs and government officials. ACRATH held its first meeting for 2007 at the Good Shepherd Centre for Justice and Fair Trade in Melbourne on 15 February. At this meeting Natalia Kovaliv of Ukraine, who works for the net-work of Christian Organisations Against Trafficking in Europe (COATNET Europa), spoke about the European experience of dealing with trafficking. Another international visitor was

Sr Catherine Ferguson, snjm, Coordinator of UNANIMA IN-TERNATIONAL, an interna-tional NGO (a coalition of 14 international women’s congre-gations based in New York). Catherine was hosted by the Brigidine Sisters to speak in Australia and New Zealand and she ran workshops in New Zealand, and in Sydney and Melbourne to raise awareness of trafficking issues. Caroline Price Communications Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand

Communication

”For St,. Mary Euphrasia, communications was so

important for developing a sense of unity in the

Congregation that right from the novitiate she fostered

various means of communication:

she encouraged the novices to write the sisters in the missions and keep them

updated on the events of the Mother House...”

Sr. Mary James Wilson According to His Own Heart,

Our Heritage, Volume II, 1990

Contemplative Corner Province of India / Nepal

Participating in a Provincial Chapter We had our Provincial Chapter from April 24– May 2. On the 24

th April, the Feast of

Our dear Mother foundress, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in our Chapel and almost all the delegates to the Chapter were present. The celebration continued with breakfast in our Refectory. At 9.30 a.m. Sr. Sabina Pathrose, link councilor to India, led the opening of an exhibit. The Exhibit was held in one of buildings at the Good Shepherd Campus. It featured highlights of the communities since their foun-dation. Since all were very well done, it was difficult to say which was the best. Luckily, there was no prize. This was the desire of Sr.Bridget Paily, our Provincial.

In the evening, we began the Provincial Chapter with a prayer service that began from the cemetery as we asked blessings from our dear deceased sisters. We proceeded to the chapel, spent some moments of prayer there and then delegates each carrying a lighted lamp pro-ceeded to the Chapter Hall. We placed the lights at the feet of our Mother Foundress’ statue.

This was the first time in our province to have the Apostolic and Contemplative sisters to-gether during the Chapter We were privileged to have Srs. Bri-gid and Sabina with us. They were very supportive of us, as we had certain concerns regard-ing the elections at the Chapter etc. They were very good to us. Both sisters visited the contem-plative community twice. For two nights all sisters, Apostolic and Contemplatives, gathered at our place for a powerpoint presenta-tion by Sr.Brigid. She explained our mission worldwide, and shared important issues in the Congregation. The Chapter pro-

vided us with enriching experi-ences. All went well. The “We” feeling as Good Shepherd Sis-ters was evident. We had a unique event on the 14th May. After 10 years, we had an initiation ceremony in our commu-nity. Akila our postulant was ac-

cepted to the novitiate. The initiation ceremonies were celebrated for 11 apostolic and 1 contemplative postu-lants in our chapel. Formation Mis-tresses prepared a meaningful prayer service, in which the novices offered new plants to the Lord, as a symbol – to bear fruit. After the ser-vice, we had refreshments in our garden. About 75 sisters who partici-pated in the celebrations were very happy over this unique occasion. We raise our hearts and minds to God in Thanksgiving to Him for this day. Sr.Anita Mammottil Bangalore

Definitive transfer of apostolic sister to the contemplative life

Sr. Lilly Simon Sorop of the Province of Singapore/ Malaysia had her definitive transfer from being an apostolic to a contemplative sister. The ceremonies were held April 29 at the Maryridge convent in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Present during the occasion were sisters led by Sr. Carmelita Cruz, provincial and Sr. Socorro Galvez, CGS, member of the major council of the Philippine Province, several family members and friends. Sr. Lilly spent three years with the Contemplative Sisters in

Sr. Carmelita Cruz, Sr. Socorro Galvez, CGS, Sr. Mary Lilly Sorop and Bishop Jose Luis Tagle of the Diocese of Imus, during the ceremonies.

the Philippines and received the approval by the Congregational Leadership Team of her request for a definitive transfer to the contemplative life. There is no contemplative community yet in the Province of Singapore/Malaysia.

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Sisters from France holds pilgrimage in Rome

”Following the footsteps of St. Mary Euphrasia”

A group of Good Shepherd Sis-ters from France had their pil-grimage, “Following the footsteps of St. Mary Euphrasia” in Rome. The 10 sisters belonging to dif-ferent Good Shepherd communi-ties arrived at the Generalate on April 25. They were Srs. Ray-monde Desroches, Christiane Dubois and Jacqueline Mariet from the Mary Euphrasia Pelletier Community; Sr. Marie Chantal Laurent from the Forma-tion Community; Sr. Françoise Straub from Ruhama; Christiane Chautard from St. Michel in An-gouleme; M. Reine Perrocheau from the Mother House; Srs. De-nise Pechereau of St. Martin d’Hères; M. Pierre Copery from Paris; and Maggy de Vaugiraud from Roubaix. Sr. Annunciata Gatt, a Maltese who belongs to the Province of Italy and who was formerly a member of the Spirituality Center in Angers, guided the sisters dur-ing the pilgrimage. First in the list of pilgrims’ itiner-ary was Piazza Cavalleggeri where St. Mary Euphrasia, five sisters and Madame Andigne upon arriving late at night on June 4, 1838 in Rome were met by the soldiers and were thought of to be French spies disguised as nuns. The guards were for locking the gates of the city and leaving the suspicious persons outside but sisters pleaded and asked to be allowed to go to the Jesuit Church, the Gesù where they said they have friends. They were accompanied to the Gesù by several guards. After the visit to the Gesù, the pilgrims went to the guesthouse St. Claire, Holy Cross, the St. Peter’s Basilica, Trinité du Mont, La Lauretana (the second foun-dation that started in 1840), the Catacomb St. Callisto, Holy Steps or Scala Santa and the

Palace of Cardinal Odescalchi. They also visited the Vatican Museums. On Wednesday, May 2, the group had a special place during the audience with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. When asked how the pilgrim-age came about, Sr. Maggy de Vaugiraud said it was in Octo-ber last year when she talked to Sr. Annunciata who was in Angers as translator during the meeting of the Contemplative Study Group that the idea started. Sr. Maggy, a member of the Provincial Council, said they thought of organizing the pilgrimage for those Sisters who have not yet been to Rome and who are still strong enough to do a lot of walking during the pilgrimage. It was timely she said that they were in Rome during Good Shepherd Sunday, to be with many other pilgrims and were able to listen to the reflections of the Holy Father on the Good Shepherd before the Sunday Angelus. For her there was joy in witnessing and being among the people of God from all over the world.

For most of them, they had a wonderful experience of discov-ering more the universality of the church, people from all races gathered in prayer. Since they belong to different communities, they treasured the joys of living together during the pilgrimage. Sr. Christianne said this experi-ence is unique as they were awed too by the presence of many Christians praying in basili-cas and churches in Rome. Most touching for Sr,. Raymonde was the Mass celebrated by the tomb of St. Peter at the base-ment of the basilica. A Jesuit from Burkina Faso celebrated the Mass. Christianne Chautard said that it was a different feeling to pray before the tombs of the saints and the apostles. She and the other Good Shepherd pilgrims were also able to visit and pray before the tomb of John Paul II. Raymonde who had to miss the other places in Rome because she had difficulty walking said she en-joyed the time spent at the Genera-

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No Green Door (like in Angers, France) but a brown one. Pilgrims at the Generalate, with Sr. Armelle Dehennault (right).

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late particularly on Good Shepherd Sunday. It was for her an experience of internationality in the congregation. Armelle Dehennault of the congregational leadership team and Helen Anne Sand, treasurer general, joined the group in certain place and were also available to help the pilgrims with trans-portation.

Sr. Pierre said the visit to the Sistine Chapel and to see the images of Jesus were memorable. For Sr. Françoise it was the faith of the pilgrims who come to Rome that is very con-soling.

Sr. Denise said the pilgrimage brought her not only to the heart of the congregation Mary Euphrasia founded also but to the heart of the Church.

The pilgrims were very grateful to Sr. Annunciata for the ac-companiment, the reflections offered and her great zeal which were palpable during the days in Rome.

Vidimus Dominum

We have seen the Lord. When the UISG (International Union of Superiors General ) and the USG (Union of Superiors General) jointly sponsored the International Congress of Reli-gious Men and Women in 1997 what was requested by the dele-gates was the creation of a web-site. Vidimus Dominum, the website of the UISG and USG, became the venue to give voice to the many activities and reflec-tions of religious men and women worldwide. Journalists were hired then and the site was maintained through the collaboration and financial support of the different congre-gations. In 2006, the two Unions through Sr. Victoria Gz de Castejón RSCJ, UISG secretary general and Fr. Piero Trabucco, IMC, USG secretary general invited a group of men and women religious to rethink about

File Photo: From left to right: Fr. Francisc Lerma, IMC (Misionaries of the Consolata, Sr. Rosanna Marin FMM (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary), Sr. Regina Kuizon RGS (Religious of the Good Shepherd); Piero Trabucco IMC , USG secretary general, Sr. Victoria Gz de Castejon RSCJ, UISG secretary general; Vitor Pinto CMF, (Claretian Missionaries); and Sr. Cristina Beffa FSP (Daughters of St. Paul). Not in the picture is Fr. Julian Fox SDB (Salesians of Don Bosco).

the future of the website. Since then, the group called, Vidimus Dominum Commission, meet regularly to plan the website and to encourage more partici-pation from various congrega-tions to post news and articles that have worldwide relevance. Besides Sr. Victoria and Fr. Piero, the Vidimus Dominum Commission is composed of Fr. Vitor Pinto CMF (Claretian); Sr. Rosanna Marin FMM, (Franciscans Missionaries of Mary); Sr. Cristina Beffa, FSP (Daughters of St. Paul); Fr. Jose Luis Simionato; Fr. Julian Fox, SDB (Society of Don Bosco) and Sr. Regina Kuizon

RGS (Religious of the Good Shepherd). Other religious who collaborated with the Commission during the past year included: Fr. Enrique Sariego OP (Order of Preach-ers), Fr. Jose Luis Ponce de Leon IMC (Consolata Fathers) and Fr. Francisco Lerma IMC (Consolata Fathers). Sr. Mary Bosco Amakwe of Nigeria also helped in uploading documents for the website.

Visit:

www.vidimusdominum.org

PILGRIMAGE... Continued from page 4)

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Province of Lebanon/Syria: “My sheep hear my voice, I know them

A common novitiate for the two provinces of Lebanon/Syria and Egypt/Sudan…a wish that has come true on Lebanon’s soil, a land where war has not ceased in 32 years, but also the land where a loving God calls pas-sionately: “Come with me from Lebanon my beloved” (Song, 4, 8). Having been given the responsi-bility of this mission, it is only through providence that I man-aged to travel to Rome for a five-month training period: the em-bargo imposed by Israel on the airport of Beirut was lifted the same day of my journey (September 2006). I took the first plane out. Moreover, it is only through providence that three young Egyptian women—Olfat, Nawal and Afaf––managed to cross the border of Syria where they lived for six months. This is because their permits were ready only two days before they were scheduled to travel. They left Syria on 22 September and began their novitiate on the 23rd. Problems and fears did not stop there, but the Lord did not cease in protecting and making this dream a reality.

I returned from Rome on 12 February 2007 in order to join the novices who were complet-ing their training period of five months that they had been do-ing in different communities in Lebanon. On 21 February, we were welcomed into our house in Séhailé where Sr. Rita Younes and the sisters of the community had generously pre-pared an apartment for us. We will live in this house temporar-ily, while waiting for our house in Ain-Aar to be completed.

As soon as we arrived, we set up a small oratory in one of the rooms; there we placed the Blessed Sacrament and we

began to have our private time of prayer.

Our canonical year began with two days of retreat (26-27 Febru-ary) during which we partook of the warmth of divine love that calls and fills our hearts. Two days later, we had Mass in the Coptic rite with Father Olivier

Borg Oliver SJ, who had lived over 20 years in Egypt. He spent some time with us and together we shared a very good meal.

Gradually, we organised, set up a program and began our daily meetings. The tranquillity as well as the natural beauty that sur-rounded us helped us greatly to reflect and meditate. Sr. Souhaila, our provincial, came from time to time to help us get organized, accompanying our beginning with respect and wisdom. On March 8th, the novices com-pleted one year outside their countries. It was a day of nostal-gia, full of emotions and memo-ries. The community of Séhailé prepared an extraordinary day for us, marking this anniversary with the joy of a big family. During the Holy Week, we par-ticipated in ceremonies in the Maronite parish where we were staying. But nothing stopped us from participating in the Good Friday ceremony with the Coptic Orthodox parish at Beirut, a

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ceremony that lasted five hours and a half. Father Filobatir, the head of the parish, welcomed us warmly and invited us to other Coptic ceremonies. Of course, it was a joy for us to receive com-munion. That day, the novices met some friends and even sev-eral members of their families. On April 14th, Sr. Karima Tamer, the provincial of Egypt/Sudan, Sr. Violette Cassis, a councillor and Sr. Amal Hakim arrived from Egypt for a visit to the novitiate. We welcomed them with great joy. Sr. Violette, who has always enhanced our knowledge of Good Shepherd history, ex-plained the beginnings of our congregation to the novices–the life of St. Mary Euphrasia. She highlighted the foundation of the Good Shepherd in Egypt. From Egypt, the Sisters founded a community in Lebanon. This visit lasted one whole week and was a grace and blessing of the Lord. A sad departure cer-tainly, but also an appointment in Egypt, at the end of the canoni-cal year: 23 February 2008. Here I am doing something com-pletely new! Yes, this common novitiate is a new thing. An innovation is cer-tainly a challenge. It is also a very rewarding experience: rich in collaboration, interculturality, hope…because an opening is always something gained. To all our sisters across the world,

To the novices who walk with us, day after day, on the Lord’s path,

We wish you a very happy Good Shepherd Feastday! Siham, Nawal, Olfat, Afaf

LEBANON... (Continued from page 6)

Micro Economic Development Team meeting in the Philippines

The Micro-Economic Development Team will meet at the Good Shep-herd Convent in the Philippines from May 25 to June 3.

One of the team’s goal is the strengthening of the international Good Shepherd economic justice network and developing research and marketing strategies.

Participating in the meeting are Srs. Anne Manning (Australia), Mau-reen McGowan (USA), and Elise Rasch (Sharing Fair-Europe); re-gional links: Srs. Elsa Calero (Latin America), Pranee Sitti (South East Asia), Therese Meera Matthew (South Asia). The team first met in Rome in September 2006.

Also attending the meeting is Cristina Duranti, Director of the Good Shepherd Mission Development Office. This is the first time that the Micro Economic Development Team will have a meeting with Cris-tina. The group will also have the opportunity to see the existing mi-cro-economic projects in the Philippines.

Congregational Meetings

The Cor Commission will meet May 26-31 with the chairpersons of the Intercontinental Assembly Planning team and the chairperson of the Congregational Chapter at the Good Shepherd Convent in St. Louis, MO, USA.

The Cor Commission members, Srs. Evelyn Fergus, Elaine Basinger, Paulina Diez, Sandra Chavez and Anita Fernando are set to review the work of the past year. On May, 28 they will also meet with Sr. Marie Chin, resource person during the Intercontinental Assemblies scheduled next year.

With the Cor Commission during the meet-ing will be Srs. Brigid Lawlor, congrega-tional leader, , Yvette Ar-nold, (chairperson, Cong. Chapter plan-ning committee) and the three chairper-sons of the Intercontinental Assembly plan-ning committees, Anne Dalton (Asia/Pacific), Noreen O'Shea, (RIMOA/Europe) and Marta Ceballos (the Americas).

Cor Commission and Chapter Planning in St. Louis, MO, U.S.A.

Pranee Anne Theresa Elsa Maureen Elise Cristina

Paulina Elaine Evelyn Sandra Anita Noreen Marta Anne

Yvette Brigid

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Province of Lebanon/Syria c

“Nothing consoles as much as having suffered.” The Church of Lebanon consoles the Church of Iraq!

Christian solidarity

Life is stronger than death

Despite the war, fear, terror and the horrendous situation the Iraqi people have gone through…a glimmer of hope, full of love and self-sacrifice, has just appeared. As usual each year, an appeal was launched by the head of “Eastern Studies and Research,” Reverend Father Maroun Attalah (OMA), to leave our fears behind to reach out to those who are in need of a simple presence, a smile and support to regain strength. Several people responded to the call: laypeople, sisters, priests…a team of nine people were fi-nally assembled to start this mis-sion and adventure. The time set was during Holy Week: going towards Easter (30 March-8 April) was very signifi-cant. It is after death that life arises and only Jesus our Re-deemer can give it to us in abun-dance. Last summer we had already gone through the horrific experi-ence of war at home in Lebanon. Instead of remaining there, cry-ing and isolating ourselves, Sis-ters Carla and Mirna, RGS, in the name of our Congregation and supported by the prayers of our sisters, families and friends, committed ourselves to building bridges through this mission to the Iraqi people.

We met up with obstacles even before entering Iraq. We had to return to Lebanon via Syria after one whole day and night of traveling. What were we to do? Become discouraged? Give up? No, on the contrary, despite the constraints (ban on foreigners, especially Arabs, from entering), our strength was renewed, our faith fortified and we felt it was really God's will, because we had suc-ceeded in breaking the first barrier with the objective of building several bridges further on. Once these obstacles had been overcome, we arrived in Iraq. The group was divided into two. One group stayed in Karkuk to which Sister Carla belonged and Sister Mirna headed towards Karakush with the other group. During the short period that we were allowed, our mission con-sisted of working with children,

young people and people in charge that were already quite active in their different sectors. Our last objective was to bring them peace, help them to live again despite death that sur-rounded them and threatened their lives at every moment. Dancing, singing, praising the Lord, exchanging conversation, discussing topics of interest to them, expressing their wish to know more––all of these things have an important place in their lives. Fear tormented them, tak-ing possession of the deepest part of their being. Our role was to accompany them during their entire day, sometimes until sun-set. A visit to the schools was neces-sary. We have tried to create a “partnership” system between the children, the young people of Iraq and those of Lebanon where several of our students had written letters. This helped create bonds of support, love and encouragement between the Iraqi and Lebanese brothers and sisters who were going through almost the same ordeal of war. A new need arose in Karkuk. This region and its surroundings are deeply affected by violent explosions. Carla’s mission was to support these people, help them get rid of their tensions, in other words to lend them psy-

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Sr Mirna avec un groupe des jeunes à Karakoch

Sr. Carla and a group with Monsi-gnor Sako and several priests at Arbil

At the Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Arbil

Sr. Mirna with a group of young people in Karakush

chological support.

Our wonderful experience is our testimony; it is to have overcome the suffering of war, following our ex-perience in Lebanon.

Another event was participating in

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World Social Comunications

Day May 20, 2007

Theme: "Children

and the Media: A Challenge for Education"

The Church herself, in the light of the message of salvation entrusted to her, is also a teacher of humanity and welcomes the opportunity to offer assistance to parents, educators, communicators, and young people. Her own parish and school programmes should be in the forefront of media education today. Above all, the Church desires to share a vision of human dignity that is central to all worthy human communication. "Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave" (Deus Caritas Est, 18).

- Pope Benedict XVI

Province of Sri Lanka/Pakistan

Profession of Vows

Final Profession on 16th December 2006. From left to right, Srs. Nirma-lie, Shanika, Shyamalie & Sumithra

First Profession on 20th December 2006. From left to right, Srs. Inoka, Jennifer, Martina (Sri Lanka) & Sr. Nasira (Pakistan)

the ceremonies of the Holy Week according to different rites. Sr. Mirna and Charlotte assisted in the burial of Christ on Good Friday- The most poignant thing we noted is that Iraq’s oil is being exploited by foreign countries (“wealthy and strong!”) and is the prime cause of this war. On the other hand, they do not profit from it; on the con-trary, they are deprived of it and hope to get rid of it in order to find peace. What stands out about this entire experience is the hope of the Iraqis…a hope that is stronger than despair. For them, each day is a new day that dawns. Only

Jesus the Resurrected gives mean-ing to their lives. Suffering never lasts forever and the last word is not death but life. We truly felt the presence of Jesus the Good Shepherd, our companion, during this mission. Thank you Lord for your presence. Thanks to Saint Mary Euphrasia who left us her charism for the salvation of souls. Finally, in the name of our Iraqi brothers and sisters, thanks to our Province of Lebanon/Syria that al-lowed us to partake of this experi-ence and to put our zeal into prac-tice. Lebanon, 23 May 2007 Sincerely,

Sister Mirna ABOUKADAH Sister Carla KARAM

A group of students in Karkouk.

IRAQ... ( Continued from page 8)

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Sector de Bolivia X

Epua Kuñatai: A center born to receive and give love

Epua Kuñatai a sweet sounding name that is born of the native Guarani language, and means “Rise up, Woman”. This is the name of the pastoral pro-ject of the Congregation in Bolivia; located in the City of Santa Cruz, one of the principal cities of Bolivia, Epua Kuñatai was born a cold June in 2004 in an-swer to the situation of women, children and girls who live with HIV and AIDS. 53 % of the 2,121 de-tected cases are found in this city. The Center was begun by three 3 laywomen. One of them had contact with the Good Shepherd con-gregation and the other two could have been called ‘rebels’. It was a very risky decision to begin the program with these women. The fact that we were all Catholic was one characteristic we had in com-mon, along with the fact that they were committed and very enthusiastic. The commitment on the part of the Congregation said to us, “We trust in you.” We were warmly welcomed by the sisters and still feel their presence. The easiest things we did at the beginning of Epua Kuñatai were the repairs and remodeling of the different spaces, and the most difficult thing was to make our project known to other institutions. Many doors were closed to us, but others were opened. It was also challenging to develop the spirituality and charism of the Good Shepherd, for we con-sider ourselves to be a part of the Congregation. We were encouraged by many friends, especially priests. Among the advice we were given was the saying that, “Patience obtains everything.” So it was that in February, 2007 in the presence of the whole team we made our “vow of PATIENCE.” The year 2005 was very interesting in that more ladies started coming to our center. We used the teachings of Saint Mary Euphrasia as our guide. (We have many of her texts.) We especially use

the one in which she advices her daughters “to receive with a cup of warm milk” those who need our help. It is very practical advice and makes us different from other places. All this work is encour-aged by the periodic visits of our dear Sister Myriam Vallejos, who is helping us to grow not only as center but also as Christians. 2005 was also a year of big gifts. We won the na-tional contest of toy design with a toy we called “Mariquita, the story teller.” Now it is a toy being exported. We were chosen by the persons who live with HIV and live in Santa Cruz, as the best Institu-tion that is serving those with HIV. Sister Eliene said that we were good shepherdesses. Winning this contest in 2006 allowed us to expand our space; we occupy the whole house. We are a large number of professionals, women, children and girls. We carry out our project with financing from UNICEF. It was also a hard year, due to the fact that several of our team left for other opportu-nities and due to other personal responsibilities. But the hardest thing were the deaths of 2 ladies who accompanied us, it was very hard for the whole team as we fight to give them a better qual-ity of life. We buried them, but their lives were a

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“The year 2005 was very interesting in that more ladies started coming to our center. We used the teachings of Saint Mary Euphrasia as our guide. We especially use the one in which she advices her daughters “to receive with a cup of warm milk” those who need our help. It is very practical advice and makes us different from other places. “

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“The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the op-pressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the pris-oners. (Is 61:1)

We share with you the joy of the recognition given to Sister Fide-liza Valencia, for her services to the detained women in Obrajes Prison in La Paz, Bolivia.

MINISTERIAL RESOLUTION OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS OF PERU. "Having seen the proposal of the Chancellor of the Order and tak-ing into account the important

lesson of love and we realized that the Lord has prepared us for a very hard mission. We have completed almost 3 years in our young mission. Epua Kuñatai had developed into a cen-ter located in Santa Cruz that offers quality ser-vice to the women who come to us. We try to live the saying of Saint Mary Euphrasia, “A Person is of more value than a world.” We have come to know that Jesus is in each of them. Our reputa-tion has now gone beyond boundaries of the dif-ferent departments. We are known for our tireless struggle for the Rights of the Women who live with the HIV and AIDS. All this is achieved by means of a multidiscipli-nary team. The hours of work don’t matter as long as the women, girls and children are being helped and are happy. We offer help in different areas: psychology, social work, legal, financial, day care center with a teacher who attends to the children and girls well, and an area where they work on items allows them to generate their own income.

We also provide a spiritual element that is a daily practice for each of us and participated in by volun-teers, and provided by our dear Father Sabino (a Jes-uit priest). With his help we had the happiness of bap-tizing the children and girls who are at present at the center. The history of our program is still being written, but we wanted to share our story with the broader Good Shepherd Congregation and family. What makes the Center special ordifferent? Not only are the lives of the women and children with HIV and AIDS changed – but also those of us who work here. We are grateful to the sisters of the Good Shepherd in Bolivia for the opportunity to continue the footsteps of the Good Shepherd. We await you in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Prepared by: Heidy Hochstätter Director Epua Kuñatai

Congregational Chapter 2009 Weavers of compassion and reconciliation

in global solidarity “To act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly

with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

BOLIVIA... (Continued from page 10)

Province of Peru

Good Shepherd Sister receives recognition for services rendered to detained women

social work done by Sr. Angel-ica Fideliza Valencia, for the benefit of the Peruvian citizens who have been imprisoned in Bolivia, especially those in the Center of Female Behaviou Orientation; Considering at the same time that through her congregation, Sr Fideliza is making laudable efforts for the most needy Pe-

ruvian immigrants especially the union and integration of those that reside in La Paz, Bolivia; In conformity with the Supreme Decree N. 050-2004-RE and with the approval of the Council of the Order; it is resolved that: The decoration of the Order “Al Merito del Servicio Diplomaticio del Peru Jose Gregorio Pas Soldan” be granted at the level of Commander to Sr. Fideliza An-gelica Valencia.” José Antonio García Belaunde Minister of External Relations. 30, November 2006.

(Thank you! Sr. Fideliza for your shepherding, your self-denial and services to the excluded women of so-ciety and those in need of the Shepherd’s merciful love. )

12

Sector of Senegal

VOCATION CAMP IN BURKINA FASO

A reality For many years now, the Sector of Senegal has been planning to include Burkina Faso as potential area for vocation campaign. From August 17- 23, 2006 the project became a reality. The first Vocation Camp was held at the convent of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, lo-cated at the heart of Bobo-Dioulasso. The following account describes the activities of the camp, the experiences of the sisters, as well as the aspirants. It also in-cludes the outcome of the sis-ters’ different visit to the different dioceses before and after the camp. Burkina Faso and Vocation Burkina Faso a country in West Africa, is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo to the south and Ivory Coast to the south west. For-merly the Republic of Upper Volta, it was renamed on August 4, 1984 by President Thomas Sankara to mean “the land of upright people” (or “upright land”) in “Mossi and Dioula”, the major native languages of the country. Independence from France came in 1960s. Governmental instabil-ity during the 1970s and 1980s was followed by multiparty elec-tions in the early 1990s. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate south every year to Ivory Coast and Ghana in search work. Burkina Faso has 3 Archdio-ceses: Ouagadougou, Koupela and Bobo - Dioulasso. The Arch-diocese of Ouagadougou has three members- Dioceses with 26 parishes. The Archdiocese of Koupela has three member-dioceses with 38 parishes. The Archdiocese of Bobo-Diolasso

has five member-Dioceses with sixty one parishes. The priestly and religious voca-tion in Burkina is flourishing as it is shown in the latest statis-tics. There are seven hundred and forty three diocesan priests. There are twenty three religious communities (men) and twelve religious communi-ties (women). “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” Sisters Yvonne Clemence Bambara and Maria Juanita Daño were the animators of the vocation camp in Burkina. They started their activities on the 14

th of August. They visited

first the Diocese of Fada-Ngourma. It is a two hour ride by bus from Ouagadougou, the capital. The city is located stra-tegically at the frontiers of Ni-ger and Mali. The sisters were fetched at the bus station by Bishop Paul, of Fada. Ngourma. They stayed at the welcome house of the diocese. In their dialogue with Bp Paul, the sisters expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and told him the rea-sons of their visit, which is to visit the aspirants and their re-spective families. The follow-ing day, 15

th of August, they

attended the mass at the Ca-thedral for the Feast of the As-sumption, and then headed back to Ouagadougou. On the 16

th of August, the sis-

ters along with Cydonie, one of

the aspirants took the bus for Bobo-Diolasso, the second larg-est city of Burkina Faso. It took four hours by bus from the capi-tal. The frontiers of Ivory Coast and Togo are to be found there. Upon arriving, the sisters had lunch with the Bambara family. Sr. Maria Juanita was so de-lighted to meet the whole family. The camp was formally opened on the 17

th of August. The

theme: “Speak Lord, your ser-vant is listening”, (1 Samuel 3:1-

10). Nine young ladies partici-pated. Their ages ranged from 14 – 26 years old. They were Colette Tougma and Virginie Silga from the Diocese of Kou-pela; Cydonie Yameogo from the Diocese of Kaya; Emlienne Dabiré from Diebougou; Raissa Guattara, Marina Simporé, Judith Kantiono and Cynthia Paré from the Diocese of Bobo-Dioulasso. The theme during the camp that consisted of morning and after-noon conferences included: August 18, “Vocation in the Old Testament” Sr. Yvonne Bam-bara; “Vocation in the New Tes-tament” Fr. Lucas Sambou, a diocesan priest. August 19, “The Different Voca-tions in the Church: Marriage, Priestly and Consecrated Life, Lay Institutes, “Sr. Rosalie Sanou, SAB ; “History of the Good Shepherd Congregation”, Sr. Yvonne. August 20, “The Good Shepherd at the Present Time!, Sr. Maria Juanita; “Looking back and Re-flecting on One’s Vocation” Sr. Yvonne and Sr. Maria Juanita; “Different Stages of Formation in Senegal”, Sr. Yvonne. August 21, “Discernment”, Fr. Jaques Dembele, rector of the Minor Seminary; the afternoon was dedicated to meeting with the aspirants individually.

(Continued on page 13)

13

New Province of North East Asia

The above conferences were highly appreciated by the partici-pants as they responded to their desire to deepen their knowledge of the Good Shepherd Congre-gation. At the same time they were being helped in clarifying their motivations. The individual meeting with the aspirants helped the sisters in knowing one’s vocation story, family background, their con-cerns and aspirations. The aspi-rants’ openness and honesty helped the sisters in facilitating the process of discernment for some of the participants. The Eucharistic celebration on August 22 was presided by Fr. Lucas. The group also visited some interesting places in Bobo-Diolasso and some relatives in the area. A cultural night fol-lowed with each one sharing her talent with the group. The Camp was formally closed. The Vocation Camp was so en-riching for the participants, ani-

mators and the resource per-sons. The warm welcome and the hospitality of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Mary provided the group to really feel at home. The resource per-sons were so generous in giv-ing their best. With regard to the aspirants: one observation that impressed Sr. Maria Jua-nita was the group’s sense of discipline; the aspirants were very cooperative and serious about their discernment. There was a happy and vibrant at-mosphere. Friendship was eas-ily developed among the par-ticipants as well as with the sisters. The teamwork among the sisters was so evident that witnessing was truly mani-fested. It was indeed a spirit and grace filled camp.

After the camp, the sisters continued their visitgiving prior-ity to the families of Yolanda in Diabo, Virginie and Collette in Koupela and some of the priests who accompanied them. During the visit, the families asked the sisters when

the congregation would be com-ing over to Burkina. They ex-pressed their concern that their daughters would go to Senegal for their formation. Even though Senegal is just a neighbouring country, they still are so con-cerned about it. The last place that the sisters visited was the Diocese of Kaya where they met the archbishops of Koupela and Bobo-Dioulasso..

As they went around, the sisters found out the harsh reality of the society’s treatment of widows and unwed mothers. Things that are unimaginable in society. Once a woman loses her hus-band the family of the husband comes and takes all the belong-ings leaving the widow empty handed and often leaving the poor widow without any mans to support her children. Often-times, the woman is blamed for the death of her husband. Generally speaking, the Vocation Camp and the visit encouraged the sisters to express to the the Congre-gational Leadership Team that the time is ripe for the congregation’s presence in Burkina Faso. Sr. Maria Juanita Daño Sector of Senegal

BURKINA FASO... (Continued from page 12)

A provincial was named for the the newly-created Province of North East Asia. Sr. Johanna Maria Yong was formally named new province leader during the May 5-14 Provincial Chapter, held in South Korea.

Sr. Johanna is from South Korea.

The new province was formed after consultations with the unit leaders and sisters of the China District and the East Asia Province as part of the restructuring process of the congregation. The outcome of the consultations with Srs. Bernadette Yuen of China Distict and Ramani Silva of East Asia and the units was that a

new province would be created.

North East Asia includes what used to be the Sector of Korea under the East Asia Province and, the China District(Hongkong, China, Macau and Taiwan). Sr. Guadalupe

Delegates during the North East Asia Provincial Chapter.

Bautista of the Philippines was facilitator during the Chapter. Srs. Armelle Dehennault link councillor for China District and Sabina Pathrose, link councillor for East Asia, attended the Chapter. Representatives from the Province of Japan came as observers.

New Unit Leaders

Sr. Ethna McDermott, secretary general announced recently the new unit leaders:

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER: 11-20 APRIL 2007

SR. ROHINI MENDIS has been elected Provincial of the

PROVINCE OF SRI LANKA/PAKISTAN

BORN IN SRI LANKA, Sr. M. Rohini made her perpetual profession in 1973. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a postgraduate diploma in Educational Management, as well as diplomas in Religious Studies and Home Economics. Her ministry experience includes work in childcare, training centres for girls and refugee camps, as well as being Principal of two schools. She has served as Director of Temporary Professed Sisters and has been on the provincial council. For the past four years she has been local leader of St: Bridget's Convent in Colombo. Sr. M. Rohini has participated in some inter-national events, including the past two General Chapters.

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER: 24 APRIL—2 MAY 2007

SISTER MARIA ROSE CHINNAPPAN has been elected as Provincial of the Province of INDIA / NEPAL Sister Maria Rose made her perpetual profession in 1984. She holds a BA degree in Psy-chology and a Diploma in Community Development & Child Welfare. Her ministry experi-ence includes work in child care, social services, and rural development. She has been a local leader, member of the provincial council, and provincial bursar. For the past twelve years she has co-ordinated the Province Social Action and Ministry Commission and the Finance Advisory Commission. She was a delegate to the 2003 General Chapter and currently she is a member of the Asia Pacific Interconti-nental Assembly preparatory committee.

DISTRICT CHAPTER: 25-30 APRIL 2007

SISTER NIRMALA ABAYASINGHE has been appointed as District Leader of THE ISLES Sr. Nirmala is Sri Lankan. She made her perpetual profession in 1968. Her formation has included a B.Sc. in Home Economics (U.S.A.) and a formators’ course in Burkino Faso. She speaks several languages and is fluent in French and English. Her apostolic experience has been in the area of education, childcare and initial formation. For more than thirty years she has been a missionary first in Pakistan, then in Senegal where she served as Sector Leader and more recently, in Mauritius. She has served as local leader in various missions. She has been actively involved in the RIMOA (Africa, Isles, Middle East) network since its inception.

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER: 5-14 MAY 2007 SISTER JOHANNA MARIA YONG has been appointed Provincial of the newly established Province of NORTH EAST ASIA Sister Johanna Maria, from Korea, made her perpetual profession in 1992. She did her religious studies in Korea and in the Philippines and had training in formation in Rome and in Ireland. She has a BA degree in English Literature and will finish her MA in Social Welfare this June. Her ministry experience includes work in Mary’s home for single mothers and many years as formator, for both RGS and CGS. She has been directress of RGS novices and CGS temporary professed sisters in Korea for the past eight years. She has also served as local leader and on the East Asian Provincial Leadership Team. She is a member of the ICA Planning Committee for the Asia Pacific region. Her mandate as provin-cial leader will begin on 6th August 2007.

14

Province of Argentina/Uruguay

Z Provincial gathering of the Laity

(From the 27-29 of October, 2006, a Provincial Meeting of the Laity was held in Montevideo, Uruguay) The Provincial Meeting of the Laity began with a moment of prayer prepared by Sister Marta Arriola and Eliana Roncaglia. A Eucharistic Celebration followed. Our gathering was held at a Province center in Montevideo. Fr. José Correa, SDB presided at the Eucharistic celebrations and of the past president of the or-ganization, Daniel Tort. Both are long time friends, and form an integral part of the animation team of our group. Because of very important rea-sons, the lay women from Pay-sandú could not join us. They did manage to send their greetings and best wishes for our gather-ing. Sadly, the members from Jujuy could not be present either. Sister Isabel Karqui, our Provin-cial, also sent greetings, along with Sister Cecilia Patiño, Gen-eral Councilor. Sister Elvira Valdéz and members of the Mis-sionaries of the Good Shepherd, of Siambón, sent their regards. The wife of our deceased Asso-ciation President, Mario Endara, also sent us a very moving mes-sage. We pray that Mario is en-joying the presence of the Lord and is accompanying us with his spiritual presence. 27 of October We spent an intense and deep day of formation presented by Daniel Tort, our new President. God has projects that we do not know of, therefore we have placed in Him our confidence. God’s timing is not ours and He rewards those who trust in Him. We prioritized our plans and ac-tions. We must move ahead with strength, united working towards one project with constancy and

perseverance. These two quali-ties result in the best fruits. The collective effort is the result of the input of each of the indi-viduals. Each one brings her own gifts and these joint efforts and energies helped the group achieve its goals. The circumstances move us to create a good climate within our group, developing our abil-ity to love. This is not to be con-fused with an attitude of just "supporting". It is of consider-able help to be able to correctly direct our work, for which we must have great openness to learn.

We have to be sensitive and open to seeing what we need to be attentive to, in helping our neighbor. We can’t close our eyes to the bad things. We need a disposition and motivation in order to face the difficulties that we encounter. Having clear and well defined rules, helps create harmony in the whole group. There is a reason for all things, although in the beginning we may not be able to interpret them correctly. It is very beneficial to share our struggles and pains with another. A group activity involving a ball of thread helped to demonstrate the idea that we weave a NET-WORK that supports our commu-nication and commitment to one another and to the whole organi-zation. BALL OF YARN The activity consisted in taking a yarn as we stood in the shape of circle. One throws the ball to the other person facing her, and that person takes it and throws it to someone else until we are united by means of the yarn. Looking at

(Continued on page 16)

Participants: From left to right, first row: Srs. Teofila Pérez (uru), Martha Arriola (arg), Ma. Cecilia García (uru en arg); second row: Sr. Graciela Méndez (uru): AL Alba Medina (uru), Sr. Adriana Sanchez (arg en uru), AL Rosa de Brizuela (arg), AL. Aurora Aranda (uru), Walter Delgado (arg).; third row: Eliana Roncaglia (arg), Rev Fr. José Correa SDB (uru), AL. Nelly Lopez (arg), Blanca Scavino de Alvarez (uru), AL.Mercedes Delgadino(arg), AL.Cora Delgado (arg), Mabel Dematey (uru), Sr. Alba Nuñez (uru), AL.Ana Malic (arg);last row: Carlos Vignoli (uru), Ana Gue-rra de Vignoli (uru), AL: Carlos Alvarez (uru), Ps Daniel Tort (uru)

15

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 Repub-lic, Egypt/Sudan, Ecuador, Japan

July

India/Nepal, New York, Central America, Hungary

August

Indonesia, Medellin, Senegal, Ire-land/Ethiopia

September

Philippines, Mexico, The Nether-lands, South Africa

October

Singapore/Malaysia, Peru, Italy/Malta, Portugal/ Angola, Canada

November Sri Lanka/Pakistan, Recife, Para-

guay, Spain, The Isles

December CLT, Australia/Aotearoa/New Zea-

land, 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 20

00165 Roma, Italia Email: ginargs@buonpastoreint.org

Good Shepherd News

Special thanks to the following for the translation:

Srs. Karla Bernabé, Marta Ceballos, Evelina Coronel, Magdalena Franciscus, Gisèle Lalonde, Odile Laugier, Adriana Perez, Digna María Rivas, Delia Rodriguez, Ms. Claire Alessandri, Valentina Galluzzi, Margaret Lombardi and Mr. Michel Ferrer Bonneville

16

the ‘network of thread’ that we have created, we were struck with the symbolism of how we are connected as Good Shep-herd poneople. We are indi-vidually equally important. There are no weak links, we are all strong and mutually need one another. We all feel needed. We all shape the warp so that the Lord can continue to weave our lives using his shuttle. ON THE 28TH On the 28th we were engaged in mixed groups to discuss to how we wanted to continue the Associa-tion. We reflected on the following points: 1.-STRUCTURE OF THE ASSO-CATION How do I see structured the lay branch of the Good Shepherd Family: Associates, friends, col-laborators, associates, employ-ees? And particularly our Associa-tion? What would express the dimension of united network that we are called to live? What represents best the reality of the new Province to which we be-long? The document of the pre-congress of Chilean gathering speaks about communities, coordi-nators, presidents, legal status. What do I think about all of this? What are the elements that I think are necessary to take into account for the discernment of the structure that we want to form?

2.-ECONOMY We need to reach a level of self-financing for our projects. As Asso-ciates: what is necessary to make this possible? Should we have community funds, a central fund? How will these monies be used? What would be the priorities?

3.-COMMUNICATION How can we communicate, consid-

ering the distances?

What is the most suitable resource, to assure our communication? What do we want to communicate? Is it necessary to have an office of Communication within the Associa-tion? What would we need for it? Who would be the person(s) in charge? WORK FROM THE DIFFERENT WORKING GROUPS PRIORITIES - MEETING OF THE LAITY OF URUGUAY 2006 ECONOMY - funds

NETWORK OF COMMUNICA-TIONS: Objectives: Information, Formation Accompaniment, mutual support and encouragement Personal and interpersonal relation-ships Strengthening of relational ties Solidarity Consultations Work at the level of the Network at a clearly defined mission of collabora-tion To minimize the expenses for trips

DELEGATES TO THE REGIONAL CONGRESS

Qualities: Have knowledge of the Association and of the items that have been dis-cussed up to the moment. Have experience in the association Motivated

Have the necessary capacities and gifts to take part in international meetings: openness, representative of the group, that is to say to be able to go and to bring the opinions taken in the meetings, ability to communi-cate, capacity of sharing their experi-ence, etc. Other points relative to the lay Fam-ily of the Good Shepherd will be seen progressively in local meetings using our network. Hna. Graciela Mendez

ARGENTINA/URUGUAY... (Continued from page 15)