Good Shepherd News

No. 200 June 2007

Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

What’s inside? c

Contemplative Corner: Celebrating Jubilees in Austria

page 3

Germany: Learning a Language page 4c

Austria: Witness to History page 6

Ireland: a Unique Honor page 8

Chile: Mission of My Love page 10

Latin America: Teaching and learning the Link Language

pages 11-14

Italy/Malta: Weaving together our Future page 15

Contemplatives prepare for international community in Angola The new international community of contemplatives will be in Angola.

This was the result of the discernment of the Congregational Leadership Team with the Contemplative Life Commission regarding the new location for the new commuinty of contemplatives in Africa.

Some years back a contemplative community was being planned in Kenya. However, difficulites regarding location of the building kept the plans on hold.

The CLT and CLC met in Rome recently and discerned about the

(Continued on page 2)

Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly

“St. Mary Euphrasia said: Live happily with your God and think only of him; do not seek anything else but him, concern yourself only with him, breathe and live only for him.” (Conf XVII) It was said of Maria Droste that a simple glance at God was enough to reassure her, and in her heart the fire of love grew steadily. She herself would add: “My hands are busy with work, my head is full of worries, and my heart is full of love for Our Lord”. What has this fire which burnt in the heart of Maria Droste in common with the fire which burnt in the heart of Mary Euphrasia? Of Aguchita? Of our four Filipina sisters who gave their lives 20 years ago? Of the Sisters today who are the presence of the Good Shepherd among the poor? Is the fire of my zeal still so ardent?”

From the Opening Talk of Sr. Liliane Tauvette, June 8, 2003

SHARING FAIR. The garden of the Good Shepherd Generalate serves as venue for the Sharing Fair held June 23-24 in Rome. Handcrafted products by women from Asia, Africa and Latin America were on sale over the weekend. Sharing Fair aims to help women earn better salaries for themselves and their families and away from poverty and prostitution.

CONTEMPLATIVE COMMUNITY ... (Continued from page 1)

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In this issue: Languages and the need to forge global solidarity As this 200th edition of Good Shepherd News was being planned what came to mind was the Fourth General As-sembly of Contemplatives that opened in Angers, France on June 8, 2003, the feast of Blessed Maria Droste.

With the General Assembly news on hand, it was easy to look back on what happened five years ago and to see how the whole congregation has moved forward to imple-ment the directives of the Assembly and eventually the 2003 General Chapter that followed.

The richness of the talks, reports and reflections offered new insights that some of the highlights were reprinted here. The challenge of being lifebearers with and for the poor of the world called us to action.

It was also during that occasion when the contemplatives dreamt of opening a community in Africa that drew mis-sionaries to volunteer for an international contemplative community. While the sisters were awaiting the final lo-cation of the community, they have started getting to know one another by living together in Korea in prepara-tion for their mission. Coming from different countries, they also started learning the link language. Very re-cently, the sisters learned of what is now the definite site of the community, Angola.

Interesting conversations at the Generalate generate new ideas. News about the course on the link language being held in Latin America was reason enough to find out more about it. Communicating with Sr. Carol Beairsto who was in Mexico for sessions proved interesting. And so while in Mexico doing classes, she managed to write something on her experience of accompanying our sis-ters learn the English language, thanks to the means of communication, especially email and the digital camera. Creativity spurs more enthusiasm from each one to be

open to the many ways by which the language can be learned, the possibilities that the other can be understood, and the variety of themes that could motivate Sisters to talk and write. Many other sisters in various countries ex-ert effort to learn another congregational language.

Sr. Elizabeth Mrkvicka from Austria, gave a testimony of her life. She shares it with the young. Hers is a moving story, one that speaks of forgiveness, reconciliation, love. Hers is a life that invites us to open our hearts to the other no matter what a person’s race or belief is. Hers is a testi-mony that teaches us that as always, there is something to learn from history. The world, has to continually learn from it. Sr. Ma. Theresa Pfiffner , likewise, invites us to open our hearts to people of all nations.

In Sri Lanka, the Contemplative Sisters opted to open a community in a village with the tsunami victims-- a witness to our continuing search to be in solidarity with the poor. A museum showcases Chile’s rich heritage, while the Sis-ters live up to the charism of compassion by accompany-ing girls and students in our institutions and constantly renewing ties with former students. Sr. Brigid Keane of Ireland was given award for her tenacity to be with the poor and needy, a service that she does with joy. The units of Malta and Italy are undergoing restructuring, and like the Province of Great Britain, look forward to their Chapters.

Looking at all the stories call us to greater sensitivity to the needs of the world, makes us aware of the efforts in each unit to be faithful to our mission, and challenges us to be creative in our responses. Our love and care for one another give us stronger and wider arms to embrace oth-ers especially those who are in need. The God of com-passion who embraced us first and who became one of us invites us each day to be in solidarity with the world.

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

Good Shepherd News

future of the contemplative community. The sisters preparing for their International contemplative community are now in Korea,

getting to know one another and building community while they await departure for Angola. The Missionaries for Africa are:

Srs. Ae Sun Hyun, Northeast Asia; Anabel Barahona Funes, Central America; Cassia Maria Martins Cordeiro, Recife, Brazil; Manel Liyanarachi, Sri Lanka; and Tresina Padigarakkara, India.

Good Shepherd Sisters, apostolic and contemplatives, during their June meeting in Rome in preparation for the 2008 Intercontinental Assembly. Also in the photo are the translators.

Contemplative Corner

The province of Austria, Switzer-land and Czech Rep celebrated the yearly traditional Jubilium in Salzburg. A Mass, in thanksgiving for the fidelity and untiring services of our sisters, was celebrated by Fr. Sebastian Manzl, a diocesan priest. A group of lay people led the choir. On this occasion, Sr. M. Caritas Raber CGS, marked her 70 years of religious profession. Sr. M. Caritas was born on June 13, 1917 in Graz, when the Blessed Mother appeared for the 2nd time in Fatima– a precious moment to be remembered. She entered the Contemplatives of the Good Shepherd in Graz in 1934 at the tender age of 17. During World War II, the Russian soldiers confiscated and took over the convent. They forced the Sisters to take care of the wounded soldiers in the military hospital. Both the apostolic and the contemplative sisters lived in the cellar of the convent, where Sr. M Caritas helped in the kitchen. It was indeed a terrible and dangerous situation. When the country gained free-dom and independence, the con-templatives started afresh in Salzburg and Baumgartenberg. Sr. Caritas was missioned in Salzburg and worked as a gar-dener and helped in household chores. Several years later, in 1985, the two communities were united as one in Baumgarten-berg because of the diminishing number of sisters. It was a sad and lonely experience, but the lively hope of the contemplatives kept on burning like an offering of incense lifted up to God. Prayer was their strength as they continued to work for the glory of

God and the salvation of hu-mankind. Sr. Caritas turned 90 years old on June 13, 2007. She shared her vision, wishes, desires and strength: The gift of my baptism and fidelity to God is my strength. Contemplative life here will grow and bloom according to His Will and in His own time. That there will be more voca-

tions coming in. That the prayer, the primary aspect of our life be fruitful, and my love for God be intensified as I continue in this earthly life through the expres-sion of our charism and spiritual-ity of the Congregation. „Gratitude is the memory of my heart“ - the song of my soul dur-ing these 70 years of loving God. Let us continue to be united with her and all our sisters who are journeying towards a grace-filled old age. Contemplative Sisters of the Good Shepherd Innsbruck, Austria

Contemplatives in Sri Lanka open community in Kalamulla, a village for victims of Tsunami

Today even the Contemplative Sisters are expected to live in solidarity with the struggles and difficulties of the people of God. This is the purpose of our small community of Sisters at Kala-mulla (the area where the Good Shepherd Sisters have provided housing for the vic-tims of the 2005 Tsunami). By our prayers and listening, we encourage them to have a deep faith in the providence of God and learn to trust in Him at all times. We invite the people of Kala-mulla to come and pray with us, and this they find very con-soling. They join us during the celebration of the Eucharist, at our adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the daily pray-ing of the rosary. During Lent we were really touched by their devotion at the Way of the Cross. Many days they came as individuals or families to accompany Jesus on the way to Calvary and ex-

perience His love for them. We invited all the children of these families to come everyday to pray the rosary with us. At first six or seven children came, now the number has increased to 25 -30 a day. These children have deep faith they come to us for ask for prayers for their family needs, or their own studies and examinations. We treasure them as the future of the village, and hope that vo-cations to the priesthood and religious life will sprout from among them. Sr. Callista CGS Taken from the Newsletter of the Sri Lanka/Pakistan Province May 2007

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Province of Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic

Celebrating Jubilees

Contemplative Corner

In order to make progress with the English language I spent six-weeks in Belfast in Ireland. I lived with the community of the Contemplative Sisters. This was a good and fruitful time for me. Thanks to the help of a retired teacher and the Sisters, I really could improve my English. A very special experience for me was the opportunity to participate in a meeting of the different Irish contemplative congregations in Dulgan near Dublin. We were together for two days. Fr. Marc Ephrem Nolan OSB from the monastery in Rostrevor gave the talks. I was very happy to be able to understand most of it as they were valuable talks. It is wonderful to be able to con-verse with others and to under-stand them. I would like to en-courage everyone to learn one of the congregational languages.

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Province of Germany

Learning a language: A fruitful time for me

Thanks to all who have helped me during this time.

Sr. Dolorosa Pennekamp, CGS, Münster, Germany

Prayers and Discernment

Sr. Dolorosa , standing, fourth from left, with the sisters of Dulgan, Ireland

Sr. Shalini Podimattam, with the tambourine, and the Sisters during the Mass

Rome. A noon Mass on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 9 gathered the Sisters, apostolic and contemplative, to pray with the Congregational Leadership Team and Contemplative Life Commission as they began their discernment for a contemplative community in

Srs. Vitoria Antonio and Rosalia Nguelia with the maracas, lead the Sisters in the singing of an African hymn.

Africa. In the afternoon, the CLT and CLC met at the SME oratory to continue their discernment.

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Province of Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic c Presence of Jesus, the Good Shepherd in the ‘Justinus-Werk’ Cité St. Justin is part of the ‘Justinus-Werk’ which promotes the formation of young people from developing countries for developing countries.

Come to visit Cité St. Justin. There you will meet people from all continents without regard to origin, religion or nationality. Here you will meet people who try to build a community where tolerance, intercultural dialogue, living together and collaboration are fostered.

You will also meet Sr. M. Theresia Pfiffner RGS, who is working here since autumn 1990. Some of her numerous tasks are: secretarial work, writing of letters to about 950 devotees of St. Rita, arranging the Mass lit-urgy, help with the sending out of the so-called ‘Justinus-Blätter’ (Justinus brochures), organizing of feasts… but espe-cially to create warm relations by being aware of personal feasts, jubilees, birthdays, bereavement etc. It is about presence – to be there, to be with… and thus she is living in the midst of this col-ourful, diverse community and is trying to live in such a way that these people sense: here I met a human person… I met God in a human person.

Sr. M. Theresia shares with us some precious encounters:

When I really have met HIM in the Eucharist then it can happen that, when I go to work, I meet people in the city whose face for a moment lights up – and I have met HIM – and we have met each other…

Maguy is ten years younger than me. Obviously she is touched by the Lord and is incredibly com-mitted for his cause: as catechist for children, in children’s adora-tion groups, in preparing them for First Communion, Rita-admiration, visiting of sick peo-ple, organizing of pilgrimages to Italy. She does not live in Fri-

bourg but when I see her it is always a happy meeting.

“B” for years works in the of-fice next door to mine. When I got to know him first he was very inhibited and anxious. Sometimes we talk about something, also about religious questions. I am very happy that he now participates in a Bible group. He is meeting its members regularly. Now he is more relaxed and open.

“A” in her own opinion is terri-bly committed through work and financial support for the cause of God. No-one could do what she does but she is a sick person and thinks that only I can help her. Meeting her is always something ‘special’. In many situations I only can pray.

On Sundays I help to arrange the liturgy in Cité St. Justin. About 50 students participate. A student from Eastern Europe who is continuing her studies at the university of Geneva wrote

to me saying that she always felt very much at home at these litur-gies and with gratitude she sent me this embroidery. It is a little affirmation of my work.

Jo is from Eritrea and belongs to the Jehovah’s Witness. She works very hard and well in the restaurant of Cité St. Justin. The Jehovah witnesses normally do not accept gifts. I am happy that she accepts some clothes here and there and also wears them.

Hatun from Turkey is a Moslem and responsible for the house-keeping with 300 rooms in four-houses. When her mother died she asked me to light a candle at the altar of St. Rita.

I feel very close to many devo-tees of St. Rita. They often share their sorrows and joys with me – these are real meetings. Sometimes we meet in the house of a lady.

There are also meetings with priest students. Quite a few see their mother in me as one wrote to me …’your son in Christ’!

All these are meetings of daily living. HE knows what will come out of it and this is enough for me. I can just be a Good Shep-herdess who with zeal is there for the people as promised at profession. Whoever reads these few lines, may help me through prayer. Thank you! Sr. Maria Theresia Pfiffner Pentecost 2007

Sr. Maria Theresia Pfiffner

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By Sr. Elisabeth Mrkvicka, RGS For some years now I speak as a so-called ‘witness to history’ at the University of Innsbruck within the context of lectures on “education”. I also give talks in schools in Tyrol and at events of parishes. What does this mean to me? Thinking about my life story it became clear to me that soon there will be no one alive any more who experienced the time of National Socialism in Austria during the years between 1938 and 1945. Only very few know how it really was at that time. What makes me speak as a wit-ness to history to young people? When I open myself “meeting” happens and this can contribute to reconciliation. I was born in 1925 in Vienna and came from a totally areligious home. My father was a con-vinced social democrat and against the church. We three children attended the Catholic religious education classes but at home we never spoke about re-ligion. Until up to the age of 14, I did not know a single prayer. From one day to the other (through the connection of Aus-tria with Germany in 1938) I found out (I was 12 ½ years old at that time) that my mother was a baptized Jew and that I was considered a Half-Jew according to NS-laws. From now on perse-cution befell my family especially the relatives of my mother. My family was decimated through suicide, flight to foreign coun-tries, deportation into extermina-tion camps. Helpless and dis-traught I stood facing this new situation. My parents – through the burden of their fears and sor-rows – did not think of explaining to me that a crime was happen-ing here. From all billboards and out of all newspapers I heard it

screaming: “The Jews are to blame for all the evil in the world; they are vermin which has to be exterminated; they

are scum to be wiped out.” I was not allowed to study and again and again I was ex-posed to

humiliation. Thus I experi-enced myself as not wanted and always at risk. At that time I came into contact with a forbidden Catholic youth group in our parish and I began to believe in God. In some way it was more an escape than a genuine conviction of faith. I survived these terrible years of war, years of constant threats and fear. Countless people suffered greatly be-cause of the war, because of the loss of close relatives, bomb attacks; and then the

Province of Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic

WITNESS TO HISTORY – A call? A vocation?

(Continued on page 7)

final fighting around Vienna and expulsion and attacks of the oc-cupying forces. My father died. I nursed my mother in her last illness and when I was alone after her death, the decision grew in me to enter the congregation. I lived for many years in the congrega-tion but I was still determined to hide my origins. I was convinced not to have the right to live, that I was scum, inferior, not wanted. I lived constantly in fear that if someone hears that I am a Half-Jew they would despise and

avoid me. A sister who through an indiscretion learned of it said to me that she did not want to live in the same house with a Half-Jew. I hardly had any self-esteem and I was full of fear of others. Only when I was 74 did I learn through gentle spiritual accom-paniment to accept myself and the journey of my life and to rec-ognize my mission. A professor friend at the University of Inns-bruck - who through his lectures and his publications does every-

Sr. Elizabeth with the students in Innsbruck.

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Then I asked them: “There is so much terror in your country, do you not long for peace?” They re-plied: “We all wish for peace but it is very difficult to be rec-onciled. There is no Israeli family which has not lost a loved one through assassina-tion attempts and with the Pal-estinians there is the same suf-fering. It becomes almost im-possible to make peace.”

How terrible it is if no one can draw a line but only suffering is set off against suffering.

In my deepest devastation, when I was not able to accept myself and did not want to live anymore, I ex-perienced the help of God. For the first time I experienced that I am unconditionally loved by God and that he died for everyone, and that he wants life to the full for all hu-man beings. Only by having ex-perienced myself as loved by God can I rule out any revenge. Again and again terrible memories

thing he can for marginalized people of every nation, religion and race - and my spiritual direc-tor suggested to me to speak to young people as witness to his-tory about my experience during National Socialism. Never can I forget the wrong. This experience has robbed me-too much of my self-esteem, took too much of the courage to live. I was only able to survive. My great desire is that never again will people be so marginalized, humiliated and exterminated. Only with the accompaniment of loving people was I able to look at my life story; only thus could I perceive the suffering and in spite of all desperation I was able to see God’s guidance in my story and to put everything into His hands.

Some years ago a group of stu-dents from Israel visited Inns-bruck. These young people wanted to know how it was to live as a Half-Jew in Austria dur-ing the time of National Social-ism. I told them my life story. They were very much taken aback and asked me: “When you have suffered so much from Christians why did you not become a Jew but even entered an order?” I explained to them that I nevertheless had found my home with Christianity.

WITNESS TO HISTORY... (Continued from page 6)

The Sisters of the Province of Great Britain are preparing for the September 30-October 6 provincial chapter this year. Theme of the chapter is, “Theme : Weavers of Compas-sion and Reconciliation in Global Solidarity.” The Province of Great Britain has more than 60 sisters in 10 communities, one of which is in Scotland. It has one Contempla-tive Community.

come back especially when, today, I still experience rejection. Some years ago while I was traveling in a bus, the media had just reported an attack on a synagogue in Istanbul. A couple, traveling on the same bus with me, spoke about this attack and about the persecution of the Jews, the concentration camps, the gas chambers which in their opinion surely never existed. These, they said, were only made up because even in Turkey, in Istanbul there was a synagogue and so many Jews were still alive. At that I overcame my cowardice and said to the two: “Oh yes, these concentration camps and the gas chambers truly existed.”

The answer was: “From where would you know this?” I said: “Because relatives of mine got killed there.” Then they replied: “Then they forgot to gas you too!” The young people to whom I speak are extremely upset by my reports but are also touched by the thought that only God can heal all injuries and wounds. I also try to tell them that they cannot take on themselves what their fore-fathers may have done; that each person is only responsible for what he/she thinks and does himself/herself.

For me it is important that they un-derstand that we only can live in peace with each other when we re-spect and regard each person in his/her dignity.

May 2007

Province of Great Britain Onwards to the Provincial Chapter

Great Britain Chapter planning team. Photo from left to right, Front row: Srs Consolata Smyth, Olivia Ward, Christine Mearns; Back row: Srs Raymunda Jordan OP (facilitator), Anne Josephine Carr, Helen Warburton.

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On the 2nd March 2007 Sister Brigid Keane was presented with the 2006 Renee Mackintosh Me-morial Award. This is awarded annually by the south and East Belfast Trust to ‘any individual member or staff, team or volun-teer who has made a special effort or contribution towards im-proving the quality of life of pa-tients/clients in the previous year’. In this instance Sister Brigid re-ceived the award for intensive work and support of one person over many months, set in the context of her endless commu-nity work during our “Troubles” prior to our present peace. A major celebration was initiated by Councillor Rosaleen Hughes MBE whose consultation with our Lord Mayor led to the hosting by him of a Reception in his parlour at the City Hall. This splendid occasion was attended by more than 70 long-term friends, com-mittees and volunteers of Sussex Place Family Services and mem-bers of the Senior Citizen Club. The club was run by Sister Brigid for more than 20 years and is now in the competent hands of

Rosaleen. Following a warm welcome and sincere speech, the Lord Mayor

Province of Ireland/Ethiopia A Unique Honour

presented Sister Brigid with a clock set in Belfast Crystal, while publicly commending her for her dedicated service over many years. The words engraved ran as follows

“Presented by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat McCarthy, to Sister Brigid Keane, in recog-nition of her tireless work to improve the lives of the com-munities within the city. 18 April 2007.”

Mr Denis Maloney, who had nominated Sister for the award,

responded to the Lord Mayor’s speech and complimented Sister on her good work. - Sr. Clare O'Mahoney RGS

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)

Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly RGS/CGS

During the past ten years, we have undertaken important work inthe Congregation concerning the Contemplative Sisters. Regional teams established in different continents worked on what was specific to Contemplative Sisters and on Complementarity between RGS/CGS. An international Commission with contemplative and active Sisters representing the different continents was created in response to the 1997 General Assembly/Chapter Directive. The work of the Commission helped the Congregation to be aware of one charism expressed in two ways of life while working on our reciprocal identities. Essential elements of GS contemplative life were elaborated and our Spirituality was clarified in the sense of finding once more our Eudist roots. From the General Council Report, June 2003

Visit the new website:

Province of Peru

www.buenpastorperu.org

Sr. Brigid with Councillor Pat McCarthy

Sr. Brigid Keane with friends from the Senior Citizens’ Club.

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Two of our alumnae, Ruth and Jeannette, both now living abroad came to visit us. After 28 years they wished to relive their stay in our Home where they had studied, together with Sr. Paula Salvatierra. With pleasant surprise and great joy we welcomed them in our community of Aldea Maria Reina. Ruth lives in Germany where she teaches in a children’s home for boys and girls aged 3 to 12 years old. She also teaches the Salsa, a Caribbean dance, to adults. She told us, “Here I feel so at home, welcomed and loved as when I was staying here. I re-member the celebrations of the month of Mary – what feelings! I recall my companions and every-thing I experienced and received – human and spiritual values; the gardens and flowers, the scent of our park. I have a great feeling of gratitude.” Jeannette said in her turn, “Here I had the best experiences of my adolescence, which have marked my life, with the forma-tion that is so enriching given by the Good Shepherd Sisters. From 1976 to 1979, Aldea Maria

Province of Chile

Alumnae Visit Aldea Maria Reina

Reina was my home and my academic studies were at the

Technical School Rosa Virginia Pelletier. Both the Home and the school were the pillars of support which gave me the necessary means to become a professional in the health field, with the voca-tion of giving myself to others.” “My husband and I live in West New Cork with three of our chil-dren. Our eldest daughter re-sides in Chile and is a theater actress.” Ruth’s mother has cancer and Jeannette is under treatment for embolism in the lungs. They ask for our prayers.

Weaving with the thread of today Spirituality Center

Getting closer to people. The community in the city of Puente

Alto was tasked to plan and implement a Series of Meet-ings which would be relevant to current needs and prob-lems. Thus evolved topics such as drugs, adolescence, love and sexuality, and the art of becoming a person. Many interested people attended the meetings.

Formation of Lay Associates as pastoral agents, accompany-ing them in retreats according to the spiritual itinerary of St. John Eudes. A new path has opened.

Ruth and Jeannette

From our community of Our Lady of Carmel in Iquique

A testimony from one of the residents

From my heart, I wish to relate a story which until now has great significance for me and for the Good Shepherd Sisters.

I am Juan Enrique, 31 years old. I came from a neighboring country and have been in Chile for over a year now. I came for anti-retroviral treatment as I am zero positive an AIDS-HIV car-rier. Everything began with a scheme which I could not solve

economically. I tried to struggle but it was a very arduous way. I found much help from the NGO’s but being a foreigner, not every-thing went easily. There were terribly difficult days. The human or psychological part of me, the tiny “candle” lighting up my heart was being extinguished little by little.

One day while walking, I reached the municipal hall and there they told me that the Good Shepherd home helps persons with my ill-ness. The home helped me a lot especially in the psychospiritual realm. Within me, the tiny flame lit up again … I know young peo-ple with the same disease but I, with my ideas, can also contrib-ute my help by telling them not to be discouraged with life and to value what the Home has given us. This house of welcome is a blessing from God.

I would like to end this brief shar-ing with this reminder: As long as we have the Merciful God in our hearts, there is nothing we shall lack, and even after death He promises us light on our way.

(His name has been changed for the sake of confidentiality)

Iquique, April 2007

“CHILE, THE MISSION OF MY LOVE- SME

Going round the San Felipe museum

San Felipe was the very first Good Shepherd community in Chile and in all of Latin America. Here, many precious souvenirs of the Congregation are kept. We invite you to take a virtual walk through the museum. For in-stance, you may sit on the chair used by St. Mary Euphrasia when she used to visit the kitchen of the Mother House in Angers. There she made sure that the meals were tasty. This chair was sent to Chile as a gift from Mother Peter de Couden-hove to Mother Augustine Fer-nandez-Concha. Statuette of St. Euphrasia, virgin (380 AD – 412 AD) patron saint of our Mother Foundress. Rose Virginie Pelletier took the name of this Greek virgin of the family of Emperor Theodosius. In the Greek Church she is known to have preferred the hidden life in a monastery of the Thebaid

rather than the honors of her time. Her feast is kept on March 13th. This statue is much loved and venerated by the sisters of Chile. Euphrasia

means “beautiful speech.” In 1855, seven sisters from France were welcomed to Chile by seven consecrated women from the Beate-rio of Del Carmen. All of them en-tered the Good Shepherd novitiate. Soon there was an interchange of culture and integration which gave a strong thrust to the apostolate for girls and women.

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Rancagua, Chile. Young women and girls whose rights had been violated learn different skills in a workshop started three years ago by one of the volunteers in our Resi-dence. The workshop produces toys, dolls, cushions or throw pillows, wallets, picture frames and other similar items. Their self-esteem has grown,

seeing their capacity to be creative and in seeing the fruits of their efforts. Now they can say: I am a person of value.

Chile News

Weaving Today for Tomorrow

Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly “... Some sisters have mentioned the need for a renewed vocation ministry and small communities definitely offer a good opportunity for this. But that is not the only possibility. Each community is responsible for attracting vocations...” With Saint Mary Euphrasia I say to you: “Work to become worthy of your wonderful vocation, by a burning zeal and a charity without limits, always keeping the Good Shepherd before you as your model.” The precious pearl of the Congregation is in your hands.” Sr. Liliane Tauvette Superior General Closing Address, June 27, 2003

Statuette of St. Euphrasia, virgin

The cloister of the Good Shepherd in San Felipe, Chile

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Teaching the Link Language By Sr. Carol Beairsto RGS

English as Link Language In the spring of 2006, the request to teach English to our Spanish speaking sisters was extended to me. The Congregation had voted to adopt English as the new link language. In a matter of time, all communication would be generated in English and transla-tion, as we have known it, would be depended upon less. The General Leadership Team was eager to provide assistance to the provinces for this venture. With this information as a back-ground, Sr. Cecilia Patiño, asked me to think about initiating a course that I could offer to the Spanish speaking provinces. At the time that this request came, the New York Province was pre-paring to celebrate its 150th Anni-versary and it was decided that every new project would be done in the context of this jubilee cele-bration. What better way to initi-

ate our new organizational structure than to begin sharing the same language. We have already been enriched by our Latina sisters and enhancing our ability to communicate would further this mutual inter-dependence. Finally, the first Assembly of the Americas in 2008, served as the immediate impetus for enhancing our ca-pacity to engage with one an-other.

The Course

The idea was to spend six to eight weeks in each province and to offer a course in Basic English to sisters who had no training or experience in the English language. At the same time, I would offer a second course to sisters with some

knowledge and/or experience in studying English. The first thing we had to agree upon were real-istic goals for a six- week’s course. This I did with a profes-sional ESL teacher, who taught at the university level but also had years of experience in teaching and directing programs for immigrants from Latin Amer-ica. The counsel of this woman was and remains, invaluable. Together we identified a text, designed specifically, for people who might have to learn English on their own. Thus, it was con-ceivable that after some instruc-tion in the basics of sound pro-nunciation, vocabulary and the structure of the language, the sisters could keep on improving their language skills, with or with-out a teacher. The good news is that, for the most part, the pro-vincials have been able to en-gage a teacher or a volunteer to instruct the sisters for at least one hour per week.

Various Countries

To date, I have taught 92 sisters in five countries. Beginning in Medellin, Colombia, I then moved to Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and now Mexico. In Sep-tember, I will begin teaching in El Salvador and that course will

(Continued on page 12)

(Sr. Carol Beairsto of the Province of New York writes about her experience of teaching English to Good Shepherd sisters in Latin America. Each class is about two hours long, each day. She said that during the classes they have used music, drama, story telling, debating and other techniques to engage the sisters in speaking and writing. Sr, Carol has added other activities, suited to their levels of proficiency and depending on their level of comfort with the language.)

In Ecuador

In Mexico

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bring the number of sisters to 112. Motivating students to learn a second language To teach well is to enter into the lives of the sisters and to assess with them the value of knowing a second language. Motivation must be their own, if they are to begin this difficult process of learning a second language, as adults. Living in the greater met-ropolitan area of New York, I am confronted by the rapidly chang-ing complexion of the USA and of the East Coast, in particular. Contextualized Education The number of immigrants from Central and South America is rising exponentially, and we have yet to find a just and honorable way to deal with these new peo-ple, who, like our own ancestors, seek, in our richly blessed coun-try, the freedom to secure basic human rights with dignity. While our own sisters actively engage with our new people, others con-tinue the work of advocacy at the governmental level. One of my tasks is to interpret the conflict-ing responses of the North American people to the sisters whom I am teaching. Here in Mexico, our sisters are laboring with the people on the border, trying to provide sound advice, as well as to translate the risks involved in seeking refuge across the border. One wise sister said to me, I never tell them what to do. I just put be-fore them the risks they are tak-ing. And then she added that it’s their desperation that is forcing them to leave family, country and all that is familiar. In my limited experience, I have known Mexi-can people to be among the hardest working of the immigrant peoples.

Diversity of Cultures

It has come home to me loud and clear that one cannot think of the peoples of Central and

South Americans solely, as Lati-nos. Although they share the Spanish language, its expression is distinct from one country to the next and so too, its traditions and customs. Latin American countries are culturally Catholic, something we Americans are not. Most of their celebrations are connected with feast days and sacraments and the religious significance en-gages the whole community. As a minority, American Catholics celebrate these rituals in a much more private fashion and our na-tional holidays are what we share more publicly. Additionally, public places and commercial buildings in Latin America are commonly adorned with statues and religious symbols, something prohibited in our land of religious liberty. To be one with the people here, it is to enter into their mentality and cus-toms. All of this reminds me of an article I read. Its source eludes me but the words speak for them-selves:

I think of a conversation I had in Haiti once with a wonderful vol-unteer doctor being driven crazy by Mother Teresa’s nuns. Could I help him understand? I said it was like this.

Imagine that a primitive tribe has somehow landed in our midst. They cannot possibly survive without our assistance. Yet they are very important to our salvation—as they are. So our task is to enable them to live and to work, and to avoid trying to change them. For that change would be their death and ours. The doctor said to me, “That’s it! That’s it!”

Great Blessings and Ministries

One of the great blessings of my days here has been to experience

the great ministries of the sisters in the various provinces. As our Gen-eral Chapter Direction statement calls us, particularly, to the service of women and children, nearly every work here is directed at enhancing the lives of these two groups. Pro-grams for street children, deprived of permanent homes and education and even childhood, have found a new start in the programs estab-lished for street children and their mothers. Insertion communities in the barrios witness to our commit-ment to the marginalized. Talleres or workshops that teach women and children skills that will help move them toward independence are springing up in each of the prov-inces. In Medellin, these talleres have not only given employment but micro enterprises and housing to the women. It is heartening to see the schools run by the sisters that make possible other services to the poor, while schools for the poor in barrios are beacons of hope in otherwise blighted neighborhoods. Residences for homeless youth, including chil-dren with aids, bear witness to our deep belief that; one person is of more value than a world.

The faith of the sisters is expressed when one sees new construction for expanded programs in areas where only trust seems to insure the fund-ing for such projects. The courage of the sisters and their lay associates who walk dangerous streets at night draws the women to come to what will really change their lives. All of this is done without judgment or re-crimination. How like the Good Shepherd!

Language gives expression to the thoughts of the heart. May we con-tinue to learn from each other, so that together we may speak out for God’s special ones.

(June 2007, Mexico)

LINK LANGUAGE ... (Continued from page 11)

In Mexico

8 13

Studying the Link Language The following are some of the comments of Sisters from Latin America Venezuela "It was an excellent opportunity of understanding and growth in the language; an experience of close-ness with Sister Carol." Martha Parra "The course was magnificent, it gave us the oppor-tunity to exchange cultures and personal experi-ences. She was a marvelous teacher, many thanks.” Martha Villegas "Excellent Sister and teacher. Very approachable and understanding." Leonor Gómez "The interaction of Sister Carol with the Province was very interesting, we found her very approach-able, respectful of our culture, interested in every participant, sisterly, and inclusive. We wished that all could participate in her class." Marina Montes "It was a very productive experience. Beginning from the basics she continued to perfect her les-sons. She made learning easier. She helped me to trust myself and to risk speaking, to practice and to correct myself." Lucrecia Galeano "I liked it very much. I admire Sister Carol, she is an excellent teacher. She stimulated me to keeping on studying English." Angélica Guzman

In Ecuador

In Peru, Sr. Carol Beairsto (standing) with her students, one an apostolic and the other a contemplative sister.

Ecuador Ten Contemplatives and 16 Active sisters from the Province of Ecuador took part in a basic English course. We want to express our gratitude to the Congregational Leadership Team for making this course in learning the Link language possible in our Province. We particularly are grateful and want to congratulate the Province of New York, who ow-ing to the celebration of their 150 years of founda-tion, promised to collaborate in providing education in the link language. Sr. Carol’s (Carolinita) presence with us left a deep impression of her tenderness, friendliness, affec-tion and fondness. We really felt like sisters and thanks to her methodology we were able to extend our knowledge of English, and simultaneously we experienced the internationality and the wealth of our cultures. This experience has revitalized in us and in our communities, the spirit of the Congregation and our commitment to continue to learn English. At present, we continue in our study of English with the help of a few young English speaking volun-teers who collaborate at the Center for the working girls of the street called “CENIT.” Carolinita, you are an excellent English teacher. Thank you very much. Students of the English Course, Province of Ecuador

14

Rome: Languages and Internationality

Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly

As Delegates to our General Assembly we are called to be open to the changes necessary to be life-bearers for and with the poor our world.

We are blessed to belong to an international congregation. Our presence here is not primarily to represent our individual Provinces/Districts or Sectors. Our responsibility is greater than just to our own communities or provinces. We may be called to critically discern issues affecting the mission of the whole congregation for both Active and Contemplative Sisters. The Holy Spirit will be with us throughout these days as we listen and participate with openness, sincerity and conviction.

Sr. Sharon Rose Authorson CGS (Mid-North America) On the role of the CGS Delegate, June 2003

(Two Good Shepherd Sisters from the Sector of Angola were in Rome recently while waiting for their visa to go to Malta to take courses in English. During the time of waiting they also had language lessons and an experience of internationality.)

Gratitude is the memory of the heart

My experience at the Generalate in Rome was a grace for me. I had the opportunity to spend 25 days there on the way to Malta. It was a time of sharing and experiencing our internationality, of meeting the other two congregations with us. It was an occasion to hear and speak different languages, to encounter Sisters from different countries of the world, and also our contemplative Sisters whom I met for the first time.

I also had the grace of visiting and knowing different sacred places in Rome. I thank the Sisters for everything they have done for us.

Sr. Vitoria Antonio Simao

Medellin: A beautiful gift!!!

It was September and I had a call from our Provincial Sister Maria Ligia Usma. She was inviting me to take part in an English Course being held in Medellin and taught by a North American Sister. I was afraid and did not know how to respond, given my age and the limita-tions that it implies, along with my poor memory that can make me even forget my name. There was also the fear of disgracing myself in front of younger persons who are just beginning and are more knowledgeable. In other words there were so many reasons against it! But it would be an act of cowardice to let this opportunity go by and so I said, “Yes”. Now let me share the conse-quences of my choice.

Sister CAROL BEAIRSTO arrived in Medellin at the end of September and started the course on the 1st of Octo-ber of last year. There were 17 students divided into two sections, grouped according to their knowledge of Eng-lish.

Carol, as a teacher, was dedicated and gave each stu-dent her full and unconditional attention. Her time of rest was used to evaluate, to reinforce and to attend to the one who was requesting more help. It was a great reas-surance to be able to have additional help because it is not easy to learn to speak a second language like Eng-lish. Her class turned out to be enjoyable and entertain-ing. Her teaching methods were very good and effective. She was a very resourceful and dynamic teacher, enthu-siastic and concerned about the well-being and learning of each student… it was impossible to have asked for more! And the fruits of our labors showed themselves quickly. After 10 days we were able to sing, have con-versations, share stories and do other things in the sec-ond language. Although at times we mixed the words, a few in Spanish, others in English. The enthusiasm and effort to learn was evident in all the participants. At the end of this intensive Course, we had to give our “dissertation” for our final grade - an artistic presentation on a Future Congregational Event. The text was written and directed by Carol. Each of us participated but were allowed to speak only in English. What an experience! I

think I can say that we all deserved an A – at least for our efforts. To speak about our dear Sister CAROL is to evoke a beautiful and grateful memory of an “exceptional woman” who left deep traces in the hearts of those who had the privilege of being with her, not only by means of these classes in English, but also in sharing a little of our simple and happy life. The experience was one of the tenderness of our God of Love!

Today we are grateful to the General and Provincial Councils for this lovely opportunity afforded to us, and to the Province of Sister Carol, this “ambassador” who by her witness regarded her sisters so highly. We perceived her as an authentic woman and a sister of the “Good Shepherd” in the whole expression of her commitment. To you, Carol, our eternal gratitude. We love you very much and we say to you in your own language: " THE ENGLISH COURSE WITH CAROL, WHAT A WONDER-FUL GIFT!!!!!!! Nora Lemos

(Continued on page 15)

Sr. Evelina Coronel (standing) with Srs. Rosalia (left) and Vitoria in Rome.

Province of Italy and District of Malta

“Weaving together our future, opting for life” Pre-Chapter Assembly 17-20th

May 2007 The news that the District of Malta had asked to be united with the Province of Italy came like a summer storm in early Spring 2006. To the immediate astonishment, followed an ex-plosion of great joy and enthusi-asm.

Indeed, for the past 150 years, the Good Shepherd Sisters in Malta, have had friendly ties with the Province of Rome and many Sisters were missioned in Italy as well as in various RGS & CGS communities scattered around the Mediterranean. Towards the end of the 19th century Malta had been erected as a Province in-cluding Sicily and the neighbour-ing region of Calabria. Then World War I broke out and Sicily was united with the Province of Rome. Malta became depend-ent directly on the Generalate. From 1960 to 1973, Malta was annexed to the Province of Rome where the majority of the Sisters, now present in Malta, have had their initial formation and training for mission. Since then, the two Italian Provinces became the Province of Italy and Malta formed a Province, on its own.

Having been called to weave together the robe of the Congre-gation, the Province of Italy was called to start afresh its prepara-tion for the Pre-Chapter Assem-bly, considering Malta’s request. A discernment followed and visits were exchanged by the respec-tive Unit Councils and other Sis-ters in Italy and Malta. The joy and the excitement aroused by these visits require a video-tape…no words can express what triggered new energy dur-ing the embracing and greetings of Sisters who had not met for many years….

At long last, on the 17th of May 2007, the Pre-Chapter Assem-bly brought together in Rome 34

Sisters from the two Units. Quite a novelty! Sisters who had never had an opportunity to participate in a Provincial

Chapter or to any enlarged pro-vincial gathering, were obviously delighted to be present at this encounter for which they had worked in their respective com-munities. Now, they could pin-point the top priorities for the next six years of the new Prov-ince, give names of candidates for the Unit leader of the new Province.

The three-day Assembly started with a meaningful Power-Point

(Continued on page 16)

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Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly

The Church calls on us to make an option for the poor: the option means choosing between various possibilities. Where there are differences of interests, the person who has made an option for the poor will favour the interests of the poor. Where there are differences of wisdom, the person who has made an option for the poor will favour the wisdom of the poor. When we have to decide where to invest our resources the person who has made an option for the poor will invest them in favour of the poor. When we come to choosing our friends, the people with whom we will spend time, the person who has make an option for the poor will find friends among the poor. This option for the poor is a reflection of God’s option who demonstrated his love for the poor in the covenant he made with a poor and powerless nation and the choice of Bethlehem for the birth of his Son. The pathway through the world of the poor is the preferred and more effective pathway to evangelization, moving from the world of the poor to embrace the whole world.

Fr. Miceal O’Neill, O Carm, June 2003 “Spirituality in a Globalized World”

ROME: LANGUAGES... (Continued from page 14)

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Dear Sisters, I thank you for the love, joy and happiness which we shared together. It was a great and meaningful experience of my life and vocation. I experienced living the internationality of the congregation with two other

congregations and the sisters of Our Lady of Charity. I thank God that even if I didn’t know how to communicate in the language of the community I felt at home.

My experience is also a grace because I have been to holy and historical places while in Rome. Thank you Sr. Digna Maria, the community coordinator, Sr. Helen Anne, general treasurer and Sr. Evelina Coronel, our teacher in English and companion.

God bless you all.

Sr. Rosalia Ngelewa

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. Alexandra Eisenkrätzer, Karla Bernabé, Marta Ceballos, Evelina Coronel, Armelle Dehennault, Gisèle Lalonde, Odile Laugier, Rosario Ortiz, Adriana Perez, María Janina Ponte,

Digna María Rivas, Ms. Claire Alessandri and Mr. Michel Ferrer

16

presentation of the two Units by their respective leaders, Sr. Esther Gervasi of Italy and Sr. Margaret Gonzi of Malta. The underlying theme was great hope represented by a variety of flowers. The logo itself, de-signed by our Maltese Sister, Rosette Goggi, depicting a blossom stemming from joined hands and surrounded by dif-ferent colours of of yarn to be woven harmoniously into a new structure represent the new Unit which will be officially pro-claimed so at the Provincial Chapter scheduled for No-vember 2007.

Sr. Nicla Spezzati, one of the two Sisters Secretaries at the Sacred Congregation for Consecrated Life and Secular Institutions, delivered a solid enlightening Talk on Conse-crated Life Today. Her sharing was based concretely on data that had just been given at a European Meeting of Bishops representing 14 Bishops’ Conferences of Bish-ops in Europe. It is true, she said, that vocations are diminishing but are we aware that in the last twenty years there have been 300 new foundations?. She challenged us to be prophetic, to find ways of mentioning God to people who are craving unknowingly for Him; to be clear about our identity. Sr. Dina, a Daughter of St. Paul, who has been facilitating our Pro-

WEAVING... (Continued form page 15)

Treasures from the 2003 General Assembly

We believe that the Spirit of God calls us to CREATIVE fidelity in order to open new paths and thus to penetrate the heart of the mystery of God, our Centre. We are women who dare to make the dream of God a reality and to this we dedicate our lives. From the Direction Statement, June 26, 2003

vincial gatherings for over 14 years, is professional with media and she carries out her job magnificently with visual and audio aid.

One of the highlights of the Assem-bly was celebrating Sr. Teresa Linda’s Silver Jubilee. Sister is one of the youngest Sisters in the Prov-ince and she was taken utterly by surprise. She had been absorbed in the apostolate and never thought she would be remembered in such a joyous way. The Assembly offered us a good chance to celebrate, to feast, to come together, to acknowl-edge the strong points of the Sisters and even the weak ones which give flavour to our humanity.

Mini-Assemblies were then held in the North, Centre and South for those Sisters who were unable to attend the historical venue. Indeed , we may count our blessings …we belong to .a “family” where we can all feel at home and responsible of its life and mission.

Sr. Annunciata Gatt, RGS