Good Shepherd News

Good Shepherd News
Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
GSN 279
Dec. 2014
ENRICHED BY THE ICAs
Y
Overview of the ICAs
OPENING CELEBRATION
ICA EUROPE RIMOA
Dec. 2014
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Goodbye, Gratitude, Welcome...
The CLT and the Generalate
Community expressed their sincere gratitude to Marta Ceballos
and Ana Maria Quiroz for their
generous service much appreciated in the Generalate for the
last six years.
We wish a hearty welcome to
Sisters Joanna Yong who is the
new coordinator and Julia Queck
who will be the hospitality
Coordinator.
Sr. Marta Ceballos with Sr Johanna Yong , the new Coordinator
Sr Ana Maria Quiroz with Sr. Julia
Queck , Hospitality Coordinator
Treasurers’ Training Workshop
TABLE OF CONTENTS
November 21-29 Generalate Rome
Enrichment of the ICAs
Goodbye, Gratitude, Welcome...
Treasurers’ Workshop Generalate
Page 1-2
Gratitude to Srs Ana Maria Quiroz RGS
and Bernie Howes FMIC Generalate
Involvement with children in conflict with
the law - South West India
Global Walk for India’s Missing Girls
Page 3-5
Youth Symposium on Prostitution and
Human Trafficking - Rome
Message of Communications Coordinator
Generalate -Rome
News for Central East India /Nepal
News from East Asia
Page 6-8
Prison Ministry-Sendai, Japan
‘God has given me another lovely mother ’
Great Britain
Now is the time for action-Lebanon Syria
Page 9-11
Enriched by the ICAs
Word of thanks
Page 12-18
The participants with their facilitators and Sr. Rita Councilor
Fourteen sisters and one mission partner from the
French speaking countries of RIMOA (Senegal, Burkina
Faso, the Isles and Lebanon Syria ) participated in the
Treasurers Training Workshop in the Generalate, Rome.
The workshop was facilitated by Sisters Yolanda Borbon
and Gemma Dinglasan. Participants were initiated to the
Banana accounting system presented in three modules.
On the first day they worked in small groups according
to their units so as to be prepared for the session.
After each topic they were assisted and monitored by
the facilitators for practical exercises.
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Parish offers gratitude to Srs Ana Maria Quiroz, RGS
and Bernie Howes MFIC for their service to the migrants
Dear Sisters Ana Maria and Bernie,
This evening we are gathered here with Father Luiz
and Father Eduardo, in the name of the Lord who is
spiritually present with us and also the sisters who
are not able to come. In addition to sharing the joy
and richness that comes from the service we render
towards our migrants, we also wish to greet you in
anticipation of the end of your service in this Centro
di Ascolto. It is a greeting that is meant to be an expression of our admiration for you and our gratitude to you.
Today, the Lord calls you to sow in other fields in
continuity with that which you have sown in the
field of the Latin American Mission since the year
2007. In these years we have been enriched by the witness of a service carried out with a missionary
spirit, generosity and great fidelity and for this we thank you and your religious communities too. Your
listening skills promoted in many people a peaceful life, freeing them from the risk of discouragement,
loneliness and fear of impermanence. Your presence and your partnership has contributed much to the
growth within our group, and to the fraternity that we need to overcome the challenges in our work
with courage and serenity . My dears, we can say that the time you spent with us and dedicated to the
service of the Counselling Centre was precious, with intense efforts and attempts to find solutions to
better meet the needs of our migrant brothers and sisters. The Lord rewards you and accompanies you
with a special love for the "new ways" of the mission which will be entrusted to you.
This is expressed with deep affection and gratitude of heart.
P. Luiz Eduardo P. and all your Sister companions
Arrivals and departures - Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur - SNDdeN
Srs. Maria, Nancy and Jeanne from the former
CLT of the SNDdeNamur
Good Shepherd News
Goodbye
dear sisters!
It was a
real
pleasure to
be together
and we
warmly
welcome
the new
members
Srs Maureen, Patricia and Masheti, members of
the new CLT of the SNDdeNamur
Marie Françoise MESTRY, Communications Coordinator Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore,
Via Raffaello Sardiello 20- 00165 Roma, Italia.
Email: com@gssweb.org
fran.mestry@gssweb.org
Dec. 2014
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The movement for recognition of the rights of children is catching up as violence
and abuse of children are on the increase nationally and globally. We need to approach the entire issue of child rights with a positive frame of mind. Child protection is about protecting children from or against any perceived or real danger or
risk to their life, their personhood and childhood. It is about reducing their vulnerability to any kind of harm. It is about ensuring that no child falls out of the
social security and safety net and, those who do, receive necessary care and protection. The failure to protect children has serious consequences for their physical, mental, emotional and social development, with consequences of loss in
productivity and quality of human capital for the nation.
The Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Department, Government of India, takes care of the children
in conflict with the law through Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). In India every District has one Board established to take care of the children in conflict with the law. Juveniles accused of a crime or detained
for a crime are brought before the JJB under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
2000 (amended in 2006). Under this act and provisions of the Criminal Code Procedure children are
not to be taken to a regular criminal court. The purpose of a separate court is socio-legal rehabilitation
and reformation not punishment. The aim is to hold a child culpable for their criminal activity, not
through punishment, but counseling the children to understand their actions and persuade them away
from criminal activities in the future.
The JJB consists of a metropolitan magistrate or a judicial magistrate of the first class and two social
workers, at least one of whom should be a woman. All three people form a bench that is to function as a
unit. When a child has been found guilty of a crime the social workers are vital to deciding the best
course of action for the rehabilitation of that child.
I am happy to share my experience of being a member of the JJB in Bangalore Rural. It is an opportunity given to me to help out the children and their families to help them to restore unity, reconciliation
and attitudinal changes. Our interventions in these children’s lives make them feel that they are wanted, loved and cared for. It is a platform given to us to influence the policy makers; also we have a great
role to ensure justice to the victims and accompany them to a bright future.
We also have the responsibility to see that the police and those who come on the way of these children
behave well with the children.
‘We commit ourselves to work zealously with women and children especially those who are trafficked,
forced to migrate or oppressed by abject poverty.’ This Congregational statement keeps ringing in my
ears and heart.
Dec. 2014
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Global Walk for India’s Missing Girls
The Global Walk for India’s Missing Girls
was initiated in 2010 throughout several
countries worldwide, by San Francisco
based film maker Nyna Pais-Caputi
through her organization Petals In The
Dust (www.petalsinthedust.com)
On 28th October 2014, the fourth annual GLOBAL
WALK FOR INDIA’S MISSING GIRLS was held in
Bangalore, to create awareness and peacefully
protest against female foeticide / infanticide, which are a major cause for concern in a declining female / male sex ratio in our country, as
well as rising crimes against women and girls like
rape, acid attacks, dowry deaths, human & bride
trafficking, that are endangering the Indian girls
& women.
Some of our Schools viz., St. Euphrasia’s Girls Primary & High School, St. Agnes Girls Primary
School, Sacred Heart Girls High School took part
in the Walk along with other schools such as Bon
-Secours Girls High School, St. Patrick’s & Sacred
Heart Boys School, Jyothi Nivas College as well as
the general public, totalling 1,100 persons.
trafficked every year.
The Walk started from St. Patrick’s Church
Compound, Museum Road at 1.30 p.m. and culminated at 3.00 pm at Sacred Heart Boys’ High
School, Richmond Road. A panel of eminent
speakers highlighted the cause of India’s
missing girls.
Airtel, the major sponsor, was joined by other
Corporates, Institutions, NGOs and individuals
in solidarity with the cause.
Province of South West India
The Rally was organized by Global Concerns India, INSA – India, Pledge Academy, Academy for
Gandhian Studies and Jacqueline Colaco, a famous
Indian Writer along with like-minded supporters.
http://goodshepherds.in/about.php
Statistics reveal that about 10 million female fetuses have been aborted in India over the past
two decades and of the 12 million girls born here
annually, 1 million do not live until their first
birthday. In India, 6 children go missing every
hour and 1 woman dies of dowry death hourly,
while over 2.5 million children and women are
Dec. 2014
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Youth Symposium on Prostitution and Human Trafficking - Rome
The Greatest Violence against Women by Mary Anne K. Baltazar, Malaysia
My presentation was
on the third day and I
presented on the situation of human trafficking in Sabah, Malaysia. In my paper, I
made three recommendations on how to
prevent youth from
being victims of sexual
exploitation and human trafficking. My first recommendation is to
conduct awareness programmes for youth, especially to those who are vulnerable, including local
and migrant youths. My second recommendation
is to reduce vulnerability of migrant youths by
helping them with their documentation process
and to provide education to them. My third and
last recommendation is partnership with government and enforcement agencies, embassies,
church, faith based organisations, NGOs, corporations and individuals in the fight against human
trafficking.
Sixty young people from various faiths around the
world, including Sweden, Kenya, Albania, Cambodia and Mexico came together for the Youth Symposium on Prostitution and Human Trafficking on
the 14 to 16 November 2014 at Casina Pio IV, Vatican. The event was organised by the Pontifical
Academy of Sciences, the interfaith Global Freedom Network and Vinculos en Red, an antitrafficking NGO based in Argentina. Good Shepherd was represented by Joseph Loh, a volunteer
of the Good Shepherd Foundation in Taiwan and
me.
The symposium was a three-day event which
started with a welcoming dinner for all the participants on Friday. In his welcome speech Monsignor Marcelo Sorondo, the Chancellor of the
Pontifical Academy of Sciences said that there is a
“globalization of Indifference” and encouraged all
of us to “teach others and help them to understand that human trafficking exists”. A total of
thirty one papers were presented at the symposium. Among the presenters were survivors of human trafficking, enforcers, lawyers, shelter service providers and those who are working in prevention.
We were very blessed and excited on the third
day to be able to meet Pope Francis. He spoke
about the human mentality which considers another human being as “an object that ends up as
material goods which is thrown away”. He also
added that “Life only has meaning if we are willing to risk it, to use it for the good of others”. He
ended by saying how pleased he was at “seeing
many young people who want to commit themselves” in the fight “to recover the dignity” of people who are trafficked. After the address – to our
delight - we were all given the chance to greet the
Pope individually.
The highlight of the programme was the powerful
and moving sharing by survivors who were trafficked either for sex or labour. One of the participants who was sexually exploited for 4 years recalls, “We were not given any rest at all, I got
pregnant at the age of 15, and I was forced to
work until I was 8 months pregnant with twins”.
She is now an activist against human trafficking
and reunited with one of her twins. The survivors
also emphasized that much of their healing was
because of the care and support of the social
workers.
Good Shepherd News
Picture: Mary Anne K. Baltazar with Pope Francis
Marie Françoise MESTRY, Communications Coordinator
Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore,
Via Raffaello Sardiello 20- 00165 Roma, Italia.
Email: com@gssweb.org
Dec. 2014
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Youth Symposium on Prostitution and Human Trafficking - Rome
In summary, it was a very inspiring and eye-opening programme to hear about the global
fight against human trafficking. I was able to have a bigger picture of the situation of human trafficking, learn and network with others. I felt very proud that Good Shepherd is also
playing its part in this important issue and even prouder that together with Joseph, we represented the Good Shepherd Mission.
Echoing the call of Pope Francis and the new congregational direction of Good Shepherd,
“Energised by the Spirit, we risk together for mission”, let us together risk to ensure that
human trafficking will soon be history.
Message from the Communications Coordinator
Sr. M.F Mestry - December 2014 Roma
Dear Sisters and Good Shepherd Mission Partners,
The Christmas holidays are on our doorstep and 2014 is drawing to a
close. It is with joy that I come to wish you a happy Christmas and a great
year in 2015, full of hope and serenity. This year my wishes are more personal because I have had the chance to meet many of you first-hand at the
congregational assemblies. In my message last year I wrote, “2014 promises to be busy!” Indeed 2014 was a year full of events, especially our Reunification on 27th June, the Congregational Assembly of Contemplative Sisters (CACS) and the Intercontinental Assemblies (ICA) for the Americas,
Asia Pacific and Europe-RIMOA.
My experience of CACS and the ICAs broadened my horizons. These Assemblies gave me the opportunity to experience the global dimensions of Good Shepherd, through rich exchanges in each region. I could
see up close and touch; I could be a Good Shepherd presence amongst those on the margins. That was a
grace for me, a personal enrichment, which I am vividly reliving as I write to you.
I would like to thank all unit leaders, communications personnel, sisters and mission partners. I also
thank those who led committees and commissions for their collaboration in sending articles for the
newsletter and website, and last but not least, those who wrote the articles!
A big THANK YOU and a special thought for those who have given their time and efforts to translation
and revision of texts. I am conscious that there has been a greater flow of translations this year, because
of the various congregational assemblies. Let me tell you again, dear translators, your work is vital for
the publication of newsletters on the Good Shepherd website in the three languages of the Congregation. From the bottom of my heart, I express again my warmest thanks.
I also take this opportunity to encourage anyone else who might consider volunteering to translate articles for publication in one of our three official languages. Please consider how much time you might be
able to give to communications because, as in previous years, our office needs new volunteers to carry
on.
Dec. 2014
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Message of Communications Coordinator
Sr. M.F Mestry - December 2014 Roma
Last year I invited Sisters to create a ‘gssweb’ account in order to access
congregational documents, particularly the letters of St. Mary Euphrasia. I
was pleased to receive so many requests to open new accounts. According
to our IT technician, they have been used regularly. For those who still do
not have a ‘gssweb’ account, and would like one, all you have to do is send a
request to this address: com@gssweb.org, and give the name of your unit. If
for any reason I do not respond to your request, please give me a gentle reminder and send it again!
Of course, having thanked all those wonderful people for their precious collaboration, how could I not
mention Marco Grottesi and Eugene Heriniaina, our two IT and website technicians, who ensure the
smooth running, good functioning and security of our ‘gssweb’ network and our congregational website.
Following the reconfiguration of countries within Units, I will create a new calendar soon, for you to
send articles for publication in next year’s Good Shepherd newsletter.
To conclude, I take leave of you and I wish you a very happy Christmas and a New Year full of serenity.
Theme : Formation
 New novitiate under the patronage of Blessed Maria Droste
 Work experience for candidates
 Annual programme for temporary professed sisters
 Perpetual profession International experience
Read More ... Click here
NEWS FROM EAST ASIA
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Read More …Click here
New Province Leadership Team
Workshop on Good Shepherd heritage and spirituality
New Community in Vietnam
Services for Refugees and displaced persons
Workshop on Migration and Project Planning in Myanmar
Dec. 2014
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PRISON MINISTRY – SENDAI, JAPAN
“ I was in prison and you visited me. Matt. 25: 36
Letter of Pope Francis to Mr. Igarashi
Mr. Hiroshi Igarashi was thrice detained in prison
and had spent 20 long years in all. While in prison,
he encountered an inmate who changed his life
completely. The third time he was in prison, Igarashi had a Japanese Brazilian room mate who was
a Christian. His kindness and his regular prayer
time influenced Igarashi very much. While in prison, he learned to pray and tried to figure out how
he would live the rest of his life re-integrating into
society. Reintegration is always challenging and
really difficult for those who had been detained in
prison. No sooner Igarashi was discharged from
prison, he visited a church for the first time in his
life. His interest in God became deeper and he
joined a Bible study group. Later on, Igarashi was
baptized.
His lawyers as well as the Good Shepherd Sisters
continued to guide Igarashi during his adjustment
period and re-integration in society. Eager to
reach out to those inmates in prison and those already discharged, he established a Non profit organization calling it Mother Teresa House in honor
of Mother Teresa for whom he had great respect.
The ministry is focused on connecting with prison
inmates and those who are in the reintegration
program through letters of encouragement. It is a
form of support group. Sr. Bernard Haruyama, our
senior Good Shepherd Sister in Sendai is very
much involved in this letter writing ministry.
Sister Bernard has gathered a group of ladies for
this “pen-pals” support group. Since the start of
this simple ministry, this supportive activity has
grown and more individuals are reaching out to
prison inmates and those in the reintegration program.
Mr. Igarashi wrote to Pope Francis to share with
him how he met Christ in prison and how it
changed his life. Pope Francis sent Igarashi his cordial reply which made him very happy and inspired him to dedicate his life in reaching out to
others, specially prison inmates.
Vatican, 22 March, 2014
Dear Mr. Igarashi,
Thank you for sending me such a kind
letter. I was very much impressed with
your account of meeting Christ in the hells
of prison. Yes, Christ comes down to prison. Christ has been waiting for us there
and had led us to move forward. Once
you’ve accepted him, he will change you forever.
I thank you for your kind support of the people who rarely
receive help once released from prison. Please tell them I
am also with them with all of my prayers. As you know,
going to Japan as a missionary was my dream when I was
young. That dream is still in my heart. Your letter revitalized
my old dream. For that reason, I thank you very much.
Mr. Igarashi, please pray for me to do my best to serve the
people who are God’s children. I pray for you that Jesus
Christ be always with you and Mary, our mother will take
care of you.
With all my heart,
Francis
Translated from Spanish
Sr. Bernard
with
Mr. Igarashi
and the
children in
the
RGS residence
Sr. Joanne Isejima, rgs
Dec. 2014
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‘GOD HAS GIVEN ME ANOTHER LOVELY MOTHER’
Sr. Consolata Smyth shares a story of long and patient advocacy in multicultural Britain
girl to live with her in London, but without success. Immigration officials were adamant about
not permitting foreign children to enter the UK,
despite Sylvia having adopted her! However, a
Catholic social worker managed to obtain a further hearing of the case with the Immigration
Office.
Shortly after my return
from Rome in October
2000, I became involved in helping a
Ugandan family based
in London.
I had
learned from an IBVM
Sister of the need to
help a group of women
who were in various difficult situations – poor
health and other problems. Initially the group of
about twelve women met one day each week at
a convent where excellent arrangements were
made for assistance and guidance. Social workers, doctors, and other professionals gave their
time free of charge on that day. We, Sisters, provided lunch and helped in other ways when
possible. In time we came to know each one.
It was January 2014 and I decided to accompany
Sylvia to court so as to provide further
knowledge and experience of the case. On arrival, I was not permitted to enter the Courtroom,
but later, was summoned to give my views. I
was at once aware of the hostility of the Immigration officials. Because of my lengthy contact
with Sylvia and aware of the child’s desolation
in Uganda , I was able to impress upon the Judge
the necessity for this child to come to London to
a home where she would be loved and cared for.
Initially, the Immigration officials rejected the
proposal but the Judge decided in our favour
and on July 18th we received news at last of this
positive decision.
Sylvia, who was abandoned by her husband in
London, has reared her son Alex alone. She told
me of some difficulties he was experiencing at
school, at the early age of four, and I offered to
assist him. He was a bright child with very firm
ideas about how he should behave! I also offered to look after him occasionally when Sylvia
needed to leave the home – so I would visit in
the evening and take over, not without resistance on his part! Sylvia is an excellent
mother and helped him to understand their financial limitations etc. He has now reached the
age of eighteen and I was overjoyed to hear
that his exam results qualify him for a place at
University, where he intends to study medicine.
I visited the home shortly after Carol’s arrival in
August and found a lovely fourteen-year-old at
home in the small well-cared-for apartment
with her cousin, Alex, who is already giving her
English lessons. I am so grateful also, for the unexpected gift of money from friends to help pay
for the expenses of the journey etc. Sylvia was
overcome by this generosity and decided to use
some of the money to buy necessary clothing ,
shoes, etc. for Carol.
Before leaving the house, I asked Carol how
greatly she was missing her mother and grandmother and she replied: ‘God has given me another lovely mother’
Every year, as long as her finances would permit, Sylvia visited her mother and family in
Uganda. Her sister had a little girl - Carol. Tragically, the sister died four years ago, so Carol
was then cared for by her grandmother – but
two years later the grandmother also died, leaving Carol without a parent. Sylvia legally adopted Carol and tried all means to bring the little
Photo : Sylvia (right) and her niece Carol
Dec. 2014
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Good Shepherd Sisters in Damascus Celebrated Orange Day
"Now is the time for action"
With the motto “Now is the time for action” the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Damascus celebrated
the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 29th November.
We had a special day when we responded to the UN’s invitation to “Orange YOUR Neighborhood.” The
UNiTE campaign had chosen the colour orange to symbolize a brighter future without violence.
In spite of the war, the sisters did not want to let this day pass like any other day.
More than 150 people joined us in taking action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Ms. Daaed Moussa, a lawyer Mission Partner began by presenting a short history about this day and she
explained the value of celebrating it.
 A team gave a PowerPoint presentation of the different services offered by Good Shepherd Sisters
in Damascus, explaining the aim of these services and sharing statistics about those availing of our
services.
 Another team prepared a small play to illustrate the difference between educated and illiterate girls
and the difficulties faced by women in Syrian society during this time of war.
 Sister Therese Moussallem decorated a corner with the work of women prisoners and she invited
us to encourage these women, to help them to live with dignity.
Sister Lolita Houssen, community leader, shared the letter that our sisters in
ICA Europe-RIMOA composed to urge a response from governments and politicians to the news of the sale of women in Iraq. The letter was signed by 82
sisters from 28 countries. She ended by saying NOW is the time for us to act
and compose a similar letter, denouncing what we see happening to girls and
women in Syria in this wartime!
Sr. Monique Tarabeh—Province of Lebanon Syria
Dec. 2014
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ENRICHMENT AND REMEMBRANCE OF THE ICA
Excerpt of the Opening Message
Why are we here? How did this Assembly come about?
Towards the end of the 2003 Chapter, there was a suggestion for Chapter delegates to have an international experience prior to the Chapter, in order to think more globally and broaden their vision of congregational issues and directions. It would have also been an opportunity to get to know one another
better. Thus, the General Council at that time, after consultation with the Congregation, created the
ICAs. By doing this, we hoped also to strengthen regional bonds, engage more sisters and lay partners
in dialogue and learn how to be more international in our approach.
We had our first ICAs in 2008 in the Americas, Asia/Pacific and Europe/RIMOA. In addition to apostolic sisters and lay mission partners in attendance, there was representation from among the contemplative sisters who had held their Congregational Assembly and had elected delegates to the Chapter. At
the 2008 ICAs, the contemplative delegates gave a summary of what had occurred at their Assembly. At
this ICA, we will hear from them regarding the outcome of their most recent 2014 Assembly held in August in Quito.
From Unit Chapters, priorities for directions setting, rather than proposals, were sent to the ICAs. At
the ICAs, these became threads that the 2009 Congregational Chapter refined. Upon evaluation, the
ICAs were successful in reaching the goal towards broadening vision and thinking more internationally.
Thus, we decided to hold these Assemblies once again prior to the 2015 Chapter.
The following pages are only an overview of the ICAs
Full update of the ICAs Europe Rimoa/ Asia Pacific and Americas Click here
Dec. 2014
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My impressions of Rekha’s bible sessions
M. Noelle Wari - Temp. Professed Senegal Burkina Faso
Europe Rimoa - Angers, France
The session with Sr. Rekha awakened in us a longing to discover
the Scriptures. Her profound analysis helped us to go beyond
our limited understanding of the Gospel, particularly John’s
Gospel. I particularly appreciated the reflection on the washing
of the feet. This invites us to reflect on the quality of service in
our own ministries, in our work with individuals in vulnerable
situations.
Sr. Marie Françoise Le Brizaut - Europe BFMN
“Sister Rekha guided us to a deep understanding of the texts,
connecting them with our lives, our world and our ministries.
We were challenged: To respond to God as Moses did, to be
willing to take risks, relying on the strength of God.
As women, together, in a creative and non-violent way, to find
solutions to promote life (the wise women of the Exodus).
John’s Gospel tells us many things about what a Covenant Community could be and should be.”
The Americas - Quito, Ecuador
Sr Ma. José Lima - Contemplative, South East Latin America
What are the elements that helps us build a Covenant Community ?
An attitude of listening , dialogue, friendship , flexibility and
openness. Co-learning and mutual support.
Sashirekha Natarajan - Mission Partner
Central East India/ Nepal
Asia Pacific -K.Lumpur, Malaysia
The rich and valuable input by Sr. Rekha opened my mind and
heart to deepen the understanding of God's purpose for me.
The burning desire to fulfil this mission in covenant relationship has propelled me to be Co-responsible, as I respond to His
call with increased zeal and commitment.
Sr. Helen Warburton - Great Britain
Asia Pacific -Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Graphism - Bernie Quah
I think that with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we Sisters and mission partners, can say “Did not our hearts burn
within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the
scriptures to us?” (Lk. 24:32) So began our ICA journey with
Sr. Rekha; Our hearts certainly burned within us and our
minds were opened. We heard different interpretations of
texts in St John’s Gospel which turned long held views upside
down; the vision we then beheld when we looked with new
eyes brought such energy and life, it was transformative.
Dec. 2014
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MISSION PARTNERS at the three ICAs
Asia Pacific - Promise of tomorrow
This gathering is one of great promise and excitement. It presents new opportunities for
Good Shepherd communities to strengthen our
internationality which will reinforce our common identity as well as the presence of Good
Shepherd charism worldwide. The conversations during the sessions have been most liberalizing and the atmosphere one of trust and
belief. I am confident that we have the capacity, resources, energy and zeal to further develop the internationality of Good Shepherd mission.
Europe Rimoa
As lay mission partners, invited to be part of
this Europe/RIMOA ICA, we have been able to
journey with the Sisters as a full part of the
Covenant community (Gospel of John). We
have had a living experience of Inclusion and
Integration which have been consistent themes
during our discussions. The Sisters have been
open to us, and we to them, both in listening to
one another's thoughts and concerns, and in
responding to them.
The Americas
During the celebration, mission partners were
invited to stand around the centerpiece to read
their promise as follows:
“Moved by the spirit, I commit myself to develop and strengthen the spirit of partnership
while offering the person that I am, with my
weaknesses as with my strengths, with my
skills as with my limits, and together we can
build today and tomorrow, a better reality for
the good of the person and mission “
In the chapel - Quito, Ecuador
Dec. 2014
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Contemplative Sisters at the ICAS
The Americas
Asia Pacific
Incarnational prayer calls us to live in the Heart of Christ, in which we place our
lives and sufferings of humanity, in global solidarity.
Mission Partners - Quito
Europe RIMOA
We experience the enclosure of the heart as a gift, which drives us to be witnesses
to the primacy of God in the world. Reconciliation calls us to live in harmony with
our sisters and be open to forgiveness.
COMPLETE NEWS - CACS PAGE - NEWSLETTER VERSION GSN 277 GSN 277Part II
Dec. 2014
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CONVERSATION WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
We have been looking at directions for
the whole Congregation which will be
carried forward to the Congregational
Chapter. At that time we shall be electing
a new Leadership Team for the Congregation.
Jill our facilitator said we will take some
time to listen and dialogue with the present Congregational Leadership Team
(CLT) This will give the participants a
chance to offer some wisdom to the CLT
and help participants to understand the
task and role of the CLT.
In response to the questions:
Asia Pacific -K.Lumpur, Malaysia
What have you found energizing in the
CLT ? what kept you going ?
The CLT responded that:
Connecting with the different units and
their ministries in their place energize
them, the support and work of the team
together also gave energy.
We have the same desire, we dialogue,
we share, which helps us to find adequate
solutions.
Visiting the Contemplative sisters and
seeing the tremendous growth that has
happened during the six years.
Europe Rimoa - Angers, France
The structure of the team, how they
decided to connect with the different
units. Points to keep in mind were:
Capacity to learn another language, willingness to go beyond one’s own area, the
availability of visas.
Division of area of responsibilities MDO/
JP /Contemplative/ etc
Willingness to embrace the reality of the
whole congregation.
The Americas - Quito, Ecuador
Dec. 2014
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CONVERSATION WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
How do you manage the Apostolic and Contemplative Council?
manner of reaching decisions is done in a consultative manner and every effort is made to reach consensus in the team.
The role of each councilor is important when discernment is done as they are connected to the different realities and bring this wisdom to their
meetings together.
How did you get to know each other in the
team and work together?
The following experiences helped:
Community building process
The Icon retreat helped them to become truly one
We write letters together, it gives me confidence
The support of the community in Rome.
Evaluation of the three years was helpful to see
what had been done and what was left to be done.
Appreciative inquiry
The Journey of Enrichment built networking
among ourselves
Praying, sharing scripture together
There are clear distinctions in roles
1. Whatever concerns apostolic life goes to the
apostolic council
2. Whatever concerns contemplative life goes to
the contemplative council
3. Issues concerning the whole Congregation go
to the entire leadership team.
An advice for the next team would be to organize the team a bit differently from the point of
view of the congregational leader; namely, to
give more dedicated time to each group.
In leadership what is the role of the leader
and the role of the councilor?
The Congregational Leader has her own authority in accordance to the constitutions but the
Facilitators
Sr Maria Elena Martinez
For the Americas
Jill Mc Corquodale
Asia Pacific and
Europe RIMOA
Sr Rekha Chennattu
Speaker for the three
Icas
Sr. M. Elena Martinez Jill Mc Corquodale
Sr Rekha Chennattu
Dec. 2014
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Calendar 2014
Good Shepherd News
While each unit is encouraged to send
articles anytime during the year, we
have planned that there are specific
editions 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,
Bolivia/Chile, Indonesia
February
Argentina/Uruguay, Lebanon/
Syria, Mexico Occidente, South Africa
March
Europe BFMN Belgium/France/
Magyarorszag, Netherlands
Mid-North America, Egypt/Sudan
April
Philippines, Portugal, Peru,
Australia -Aoteraoa-N. Zealand
May
Spain, Angola/Mozambique,
ColomboVenezolana/Cuba
June
Central America, Mexico Norte,
Northeast Asia
July
East Asia, West Africa ,
( Senegal Burkina Faso) The Isles,
August
Italia/Malta , Singapore/
Malaysia, Deutschland/Albania
September
New York, Canada,
Ecuador, Kenya , England
October
Sudeste de America Latina, Sri Lanka/
Pakistan, Central South US
November
Japan, Great Britain,
Osterreich/Schweiz/Czech Rep
December
South West India/Central East
India/Nepal, Ireland,
Congo/Kenya
With Deepest Thanks and appreciation to
the translators and proofreaders
I wish to thank in a particular way all those
who dedicated themselves in the work of
translation this year and all those who
proofread the texts. I am conscious that
this year there were more translations to be done as we had the Assembly of the Contemplative Sisters and the Intercontinental
Assembly. Let me say again, your work is so important for the publication of the newsletter in the three languages as well as the news
on the website. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much
dear translators.
Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015
FelizNavidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo 2015
Joyeux Noel et Bonne et Sainte Année 2015
Good Shepherd News
Special thanks to the following for the translations and
proofreading
Adriana Perez, Belgium Nicole Bastien, Canada; Karla Barnabe,
Burkina Faso, Ana Maria Quiroz, Claire Alessandri, Yvette Arnold
Generalate; Narcisa Vivanco, Ecuador; Ethna Mc Dermott, Ireland,
Marie Helene Halligon, Claudine Fargeix , BFMN, Yolanda Sanchez,
Colombia;Marlene Coret Etienne, Michel Ferrer, France
Dec. 2014
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