Good Shepherd News Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

1 Good Shepherd News Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

GSN 282/ April May2015

The 30th Congregational Chapter of the Sisters The Congregational Chapter of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd will Const. No. 116 be held from June 7—July 2, 2015, in Angers, France. The congregational chapter is a collegial as- The theme is “Energized by the Spirit, we risk to- sembly and the highest authority within the gether for mission.” The Congregational Assem- congregation. Representative of the congrega- bly for Contemplative Sisters and the Interconti- tion, it is a sign of unity and an expression of nental Assemblies were held in different regions the participation and interest of all the mem- to prepare for the 2015 Congregational Chapter. bers in the progress of our mission. It is a spir- There will be a total of 131 participants with ex- itual event, a time of corporate reflection and officio members, elected apostolic and contem- conversion. By promoting renewal in the spirit plative delegates from the various units, resource of our charism, the chapter safeguards our her- persons, invited guests including Mission Part- itage and is a source of life and inspiration for ners and representatives of Temporary Pro- the entire congregation. fessed Sisters from each region. The ex-officio members are composed of the Congregational The congregational leader, the apostolic and Leadership Team and the province leaders of the contemplative councils are elected during the congregation. congregational chapter. The chapter examines reports on the affairs of the congregation, the During the Chapter, Sr. Brigid Lawlor, Congrega- directions that have been submitted by congre- tional Leader, and the Congregational Leadership gational assemblies, province chapters, and Team (CLT) will present their 2009-2015 Re- also those that may be sent by local assemblies port. and individual sisters. It addresses issues of Reports will also be presented by the Congrega- general concern and decides directions for the tional Treasurer, Mission Development Of- entire congregation. fice, Justice and Peace Office, Congregational Spirituality Centre and the Mother House.

Congregational Chapter Website The green banner above will be posted on the Homepage of the Congregational website a few days before the Chapter to indicate the new site where the updates will be available.

Be informed! Be connected! Be in global solidarity!

1 2

Leadership Session for Unit Leadership Teams of North America April 9-20, 2015

The Leadership Session for the Leadership Teams of the Provinces of Central South Unit- ed States, Mid-North America. Montreal, New York, and Toronto began in Carrollton, Ohio, United States, on April 9. The participants arrived throughout the previous day and were warmly welcomed by our Sisters in the Carrollton Community in Ohio. The warmth and hospitality of our Sisters here have been extraordinary and their attention to every detail, remarkable. On our first full day together we were welcomed by Sr. Brigid Law- lor, who also introduced Srs. Elaine Basinger and Susan Chia, the leaders of the session.

In her opening welcome Sr. Brigid described our time together as an Emmaus moment, Participants at the Leadership Session for Unit inviting us to journey with one another in the Leadership Teams of North America middle space of what is our NOW moment – called to be leaders in this time between death and resurrection, seeking God’s pres- WHAT IS INSIDE ence with us, energized by the blessings of the call of the Spirit. In the Sacred Space that was created around the centerpiece we 30th Congregational Chapter opens June 7, 2015 shared together our desire for open hearts Mother House, Angers, France and minds and an appreciation of the truth Page 1 each of us held. Leadership Session for Unit Leadership Teams of North America April 9-20, 2015 As the day progressed we expressed our Good Shepherd Early Childhood hopes of developing a more relational style of Education Centre leadership, increasing our collaborative op- Pages 2-4 portunities with our Mission Partners, and Business Leadership to End Human Trafficking and keeping our focus on the mission of Jesus – Modern Day Slavery— North east Asia Page 5 that is ours. On the following day, we met to- Taking daring steps - Sri Lanka/ Pakistan gether in our individual teams to share on the Page 6 experience of how our team was evolving in The Group “ Solidarity with Women” our leadership role and in our experience of will represent Spain at UNESCO one another. We focused on this time in our Page 7-8 journey as an “in between time” which is not Province Reflection - Commitment to Justice unlike a Holy Saturday experience in which Spirituality - Peru we wait amidst the chaos and shifting move- Ceremony of Recognition and Placement of Names in ments for the transforming moment in our The “WEEPING EYE” Memorial -Peru lives, the Holy Ground moment, where we Page 9 -10 wait for the revelation of Jesus in our midst. In Nepal, Catholics reach out to remote areas devastated by quake - by Melanie Lidman We ended our day by designing a ritual using Page 11 water and a basin that expressed the experi- Good Shepherd Malaysia speaking on behalf of refu- ence of our team in our call to discipleship. gees stranded in boats with no food or water! Meet the new board of Mission Development Office Page 12-14

2 3 Leadership Session for Unit Leadership Teams of North America April 9-20, 2015

Leadership Team from Province of Central Canada French Sector sharing thoughts, Interprovince conversations about Jesus’ South U.S. dialogue about changing the hopes, experiences. call to go beyond the margins. culture of leadership.

Development Office sent by Cristina Duranti who was unable to attend. They offered a comprehensive overview of the ministry of the Office, pointing to the gradual shift that has been made from the organization’s initial purpose and function as being simply a fund-raising agent to growing into its wider aspect of Mission development aimed at addressing the global realities challenging the Congregation today.

Sr. Noreen O’Shea later described the progress made in the Spirituality Centre, the plans for its future, and the current status of the Heritage Museum and the Heritage On April 14 Sr. Winifred Doherty, the committee. She portrayed the work of the Spirituality N.G.O. in our New York Justice and Centre as having an increasingly outward focus offering a Peace Office, and Sr. Noreen O’Shea, the variety of retreats and workshops as well as employing Director of our Spirituality Centre in the use of various forms of communication (translations, Angers arrived here in Carrollton. technology, videos, etc.) to make the message of the Cen- They were warmly welcomed as partic- tre more widely accessible - even to “taking it on the ipants looked forward to being with road.” them and to hearing their presenta- tions. Sr. Winifred Doherty described the Transformative Approach to our mission of Social Justice and Peace - having a One World vision and leaving no one behind. The hope was to continue working to end worldwide poverty, transform all lives, and protect the planet. Winifred stated she found in the United Nations a “Gospel Space” where we can work together toward achieving this worldwide transformative agenda of empowering all people. Some of the Contemplative Participants: Srs. Regina McHugh Sisters Susan Chia and Elaine Basinger (New York), Sharon Rose Authorson, Beverly Hedgecoth and shared the presentation on the Mission Maureen Johnson (Mid-North America) with Teresa Pomar (CLT)

3 4 Leadership Session for Unit Leadership Teams of North America April 9-20, 2015

our Spirituality, Social Justice The overall response to the in- and Peace, and Mission Devel- formation we received was one opment into all of our Vocation of enthusiastic acceptance of and Formation Programs for the challenge for all of us - Sis- our Sisters and Mission Part- ters and Mission Partners – to ners. The desire and commit- continue to share and strength- ment to collaborate in various en the integration of our Spirit- areas of our life and ministry as uality, Social Justice and Peace, a means of making the best use and Mission Development to of our resources for the benefit support Good Shepherd mis- of all those with whom Jesus sion and life into the future. calls us to journey in our world There was also a greater identi- was embraced. fication and commitment to the Right: Susan Chia, CLT, inviting We began our sessions viewing reflection on the Centerpiece. desire and need to find ways to the experience as an Emmaus share our resources across all journey, knowing we were of North America. Affirmation where we were meant to be but for the formation of a “Circle unaware of where the journey for Life” group for the Contem- might lead us. However, as we platives in North America was continued together, the veil also expressed. The inclusion of that made our path unclear - as Mission Partners in all of our it had for the disciples - dis- efforts was viewed as an essen- solved. Like them we recog- tial part of these movements. nized the Lord in our midst. “It is the Lord!” Now we go forth We spent the final days of our in joy and solidarity, as one. time together identifying the Gilda Fernando and Called to a prophetic disciple- global trends in society and Yolanda Martinez ship, we follow the path the how they challenge us to re- Shepherd has set before us and spond to our mission. Once - WE REJOICE! again, there was a general affir- Mary Thomas More Fahey mation for the call to integrate

GOOD SHEPHERD EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER

We, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, are in mission in Abreu e Lima, in the state of Pernambuco, District of Fosfato. We welcome children at risk aged from one year two months to five years, prioritizing those who are underweight, with a total of 60 children.

We have eight employees and a pedagogical facilitator who receives mothers and persons responsible for these children. Each month we meet with mothers to discuss social topics affecting women through lectures, for example, the dignity of women and their value as citizens. We rely on your prayers and support for the work of our mission.

Sister Inês Evangelista Province of South East Latin America

4 5 Business Leadership to End Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery -Province of North east Asia

Sr. Juliana Devoy giving the opening remarks On March 17, 2015 The Macau Good Shepherd Centre put on a Human Trafficking Summit entitled "Business Leadership to End Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery. This event was co- organized with Vital Voices, a U.S. NGO founded by Hilary Clinton after the 1995 World Congress on Women in Beijing. Collaborators for the Conference were the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau and the Macau government's Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Com- mittee. Speakers came from the US, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. The keynote addresses gave an overview of Modern Day Slavery and demonstrated why human trafficking is a concern of the business community.

Labor exploitation in business practices, the sexual exploitation and slave labor of child victims were also discussed. The speaker representing Carlson/Rezidor Hotels spoke of her company's commitment to stamping out trafficking in the hotel and tourism industry and a Police Attache to the Consu- late of the Netherlands in Bangkok spoke of his experience in tracking down the traffickers and the importance of cooperation between Police and Non-Police Partners.

The Macau government trafficking concern committee spoke of what the government has been doing since the passage of an Anti- trafficking law in 2008. One of our former staff gave a presentation on the 39 under-age trafficking girls we have given shelter to since 2012. The Acting Head of the EU Of- fice also spoke about the EU strategy to combat trafficking while the Acting US Consul General shared about the purpose of the US TIP report as an important tool to help "break the chains of modern day slavery". More than 130 people participated including speakers and Good Shepherd Sisters, staff and advisory board members.

Those attending came from Hong Kong as well as Macau and were representative of many sectors of society - lawyers, Consulate members. academics. NGOs, priests, Women's groups and most im- portantly a good number from different hotel/casino companies attended. On the day itself the participants' feedback was very positive and we have gotten a lot of subsequent praise for the success of the Conference.

In her very short opening remarks Sr. Juliana gave a quote from Mother Theresa that impressed many people as she urged everyone to get involved in fighting against this great evil of modern society, "I can do something that you cannot do, and you can do something that I cannot do. But together we can do great things" The good news is that as a result of the Conference one CEO of a major hotel/casino company decided to take the initiative to begin to address the problem and has already held some preliminary meetings with one of our keynote speakers from Hong Kong to plan how to move forward. It is his hope that if he takes the lead the other companies will follow suit. Province of North east Asia

5 6

Taking daring steps Province of Sri Lanka Pakistan

During this year of family life there were many posters, among them one poster caught my eyes. It says “Family is the nursery bed of a religious vocation”. Inspired by this thought we decided to take daring steps to make known our way of life.

2009 Congregational Chapter urged us to go forward by saying that each unit discern creative ways and enthusiastically promote our mission thus attracting new members and lay partners. 18th Province Chapter inspired us through creative ways to awaken God’s call in young people to respond to Good Shep- herd mission through religious life – Contemplative and Apos- tolic or Lay partnership (Pr. Ch. 2013 directive 2)

On hearing of our desire, to promote our way of life, our Parish Priest Fr. Laurence was very happy to give his support. As leader of the Kalutara deanery he asked all the priests of his deanery to support us in meeting the young girls during the Sunday school.

We had our first meeting in our own area Kalamulla and many children from grade 8 onwards gathered for the talk and at the end they wrote their impressions or inspirations received. The responses of the girls were very encouraging. We had the 2nd gathering in the Parish Church where Fr. Lawrence introduced us and shared how he experienced the support of our prayers.

There were 53 young girls and their responses were;  Prayer request for peace in family.  Readiness to support those who desire religious life although they themselves feel they are not called to this way of life.  Appreciation of our way of life and the assurance of prayers.  Asking prayers for those who go through various problems.

We found buds of vocation which we have to nourish by our prayers and support. We also felt that God is opening a new mission for us through letter writing to the young girls who have expressed personal problems. We ourselves felt renewed in our vocation as we shared our vocation story. We received invitation from the Parish where we have Contemplative Sisters.

Little flower convent Kalamulla, Kalutara. Sri Lanka

6 7

Solidarity with Women The Group “ Solidarity with Women” will represent Spain at UNESCO

The Congregation which has already been part of the Parish of Conception for 27 years has now four Sisters who form the basic membership of Solidarity Team whose headquarters are on the top floor of the building which was donated by Caja Badajoz to the parish where the Sisters re- side. The group shares the space with Caritas De la Conception and St. Andres.

A table and four women

The teacher, Maria Luisa Alpuente, works hand in hand with the Sisters and is co-ordinator of Sister Paulina Diez teaching a woman the group. She remembers how it all started when four gipsy women seated around a table The Minister for Education chose the pro- shared their ideas on how to change their reali- gramme proposed by the Sisters of the Good ty. Shepherd to highlight Literacy teaching and the struggle against exclusion. From these humble beginnings another thresh- old was crossed when the Town Project for the BADAJOZ Restoration of the Old City of Badajoz also au- thorized the development of new social initia- Meli Vargas who is just 38 years of age will soon tives. “ We had been engaged with many per- become a grandmother. This is a frequent situa- sons in the area; at the time it was not simply tion in her family. She herself was still very improving their living quarters, we were also young when she had her first pregnancy. “ I re- engaged in their education.” member how I used to cry very often because I One example of how this programme has suc- had no family in Badajoz, but I was encouraged ceeded is shown by Meli Vergas. She admits how to come to school. I was terribly afraid the first her day to day life has improved thanks to these day but I felt loved there and since then I am initiatives. She says:” Here I have learned to be still there.” vocal especially through education. The school of which Meli speaks and which is I learned to manage my own documents…… This situated in San Juan Street, is not an adult educa- school opens one’s spirit, and as a result the de- tion centre as such, rather it’s a social initiative sire to educate the children and view life from promoted by the Association Solidarity Team an an entirely different angle is a normal outcome. organisation which won the Miguel Hernandez Prize and which will represent Spain at the In- For that lady it is clear that her life would have ternational Literacy Award Ceremony run by been entirely different if she hadn’t had the UNESCO. good fortune to come in contact with “ Solidarity This distinction is awarded each year by the Team”. She says : “ Without that school my dai- Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports to the ly living would have consisted in staying shut in Association which distinguishes itself at nation- at home, dressed in pyjamas and apron con- al level in favour of those who need special sup- stantly occupied with caring for the family” port to overcome their cultural deficiencies. The premises where women like Meli are edu- cated open daily from 17h00 to 19h00. During The prize awarded by the Minister includes Eu- those two hours more than 50 people are in the ro38,000 which will provide support for the so- care of four teachers and 15 volunteers. cial inclusivity project “ Solidarity Team”, an As- sociation already twenty years in existence and run by Good Shepherd Sisters.

7 8

Solidarity with Women. The Group “ Solidarity with Women” will represent Spain at UNESCO.

provided for migrant women to teach them our The contract for the teachers is for two hours, Spanish language and culture. These come in but as Maria Luisa Alpuente explains, “ This is great numbers from Morocco, Sahara and Roma- much more than a job. We are concerned when nia . “ I have spent four years in Spain where I the girls don't turn up for class, and when they have learned so much, felt the heat intensely . I are in need we visit their homes and at times also got my driving licence” so says Andrea accompany immigrant women to the Clinic.” Parachiv, who has come to Badajoz from Roma- nia. The Good Shepherd Sisters are actively engaged in educational activities . The project initially set These workshops have been realised thanks to up by one sister has been maintained by Sr Pilar the economic support of the Town Council of Torres who is a qualified Social Worker and par- Badajoz as well as the General Council of the ticipates as a teacher. province of Badajoz, the Government of Es- When questioned as to the reason they are pre- tremsdureet of Caixa. pared to devote their lives to these women they Eliminate Inequalities. do not hide the fact that the DNA of our Congre- gation is “ devotion to the most needy in socie- The work accomplished by the Solidarity Team ty”. “The spirit of service is Gospel inspired , it is bears fruit in daily living , but it was only recent- something that we should be concerned about” ly that the Ministry of Education awarded them adds Andres Fernandez, priest of the parish of the Prize Miguel Hernandez 2014, where Associ- Concepcion San Andres who is also President of ations countrywide compete for the elimination the Association of Solidarity Team. of inequalities in the education sector and fight against discrimination and illiteracy. This spirit shows results in good works. Thanks “ We are astonished that they chose us as ours is to these workshops hundreds of women have a small project which takes place in a small received qualification Diplomas and Certificates. town” so says Pilar Torres. Sometimes it happens that when a gipsy woman sounds the horn of her car I know that it was Very soon the project which they support as- here that she qualified and got her Driving Li- pires to be winners of the prize awarded by the cence. This has opened many doors for work in UN Organization for Education, Science and Cul- the markets ,insists Maria Luisa Alpuente. ture ( UNESCO) a feat that will not deter any Sol-

The Courses which had existed from the start idarity Team from their Project Aim. continue to function but there is also space set aside for those who prepare for competitive ex- We neither publicise nor proclaim our work. aminations and work for special grants from the There is a saying that when a lorry travels noisi- town council. ly on a paved roadway sounding the horn it is empty of cargo but when the lorry is really car- “ We also have a computer room which we hope rying a full load , it doesn’t sound a horn nor to modernise with the Prize money as well as a alert anyone of what it carries. That’s our motto nursery School where children are taught while too! their mothers follow their special classes.” Province of Spain The initiative is completed by a class specially

Marie Françoise MESTRY, Communications Coordinator Casa Generalizia, Suore del Buon Pastore, Good Shepherd News Via Raffaello Sardiello 20- 00165 Roma, Italia. Email: [email protected]

8 9

PROVINCE REFLECTION - COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE SPIRITUALITY April 12-13 2015, Lima Province of Peru

Action on behalf of justice and participation in the the events of Peru, and we put all within our ex- transformation of the world fully appear to us as a perience to re-vision our mission. constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gos- pel. Some questions we considered: Justice in the World, Synod of World Bishops 1971 What attracts us in the life of St John Eudes and St Mary Euphrasia? In April a two day work- What is our own history within the history of shop was held to examine the church and Good Shepherd? and reflect on the theme How do spirituality and justice influence our of spirituality and justice work? in our Mission today. The The group’s response was a quick, strong com- days, sponsored by the mitment to review policies, to be open to new Province Justice and Spir- directions. ituality Commission on The dynamics also took us to examine the call to Good Shepherd Mission, Justice from our Congregation and our work as provided an opportunity a non-governmental organization (NGO). We to search our own desires recognize this movement and we thank the sis- for peace and justice. The days were facilitated ters who spend their lives "in its commitment to by Clare Nolan (Clarita to us!) of the Internation- reconciliation, promoting justice and peace." al Justice Peace Office; our regional NGO desig- Marta Iris gave an overview of the regional pos- nate for Latin America, Marta Iris Lopez, was also sibilities for Good Shepherd (advocacy and pro- present with her contribution. There were 41 moting human rights) through the UN in the re- participants, partners and sisters from across the gional Economic Commission (CEPAL.) ministries of Peru who share a common mission; together they looked anew at the meaning of an Clarita also gave her time to encourage us to integrated spirituality and justice in our work weave threads of justice on the congregational and lives. priority areas and the congregational stance on We were given a deep and challenging message the priorities (GS Position Papers.) Outside of for reflection. We began by looking at the sacred the structured sessions there was much discus- within our own heart. This led to the meaning of sion and accompaniment among all the partici- Justice as a radical message of inclusion from pants of this workshop. God. Together, we took a journey within to our center, entering the labyrinth of our experience Thanks Clarita, for those new horizons in the from birth until today. experience of Justice. Thanks also to Martha Iris. Blessings for the continuation of their work and We marked our timeline with milestones, both for the work of Good Shepherd in Peru. personal and congregational influences that have affected our spirit and through which has By Delia Rodriguez evolved a sense of our personal name as God Justice and Peace Commission on GS Mission knows it. We considered the events of the world, Province of Peru

9 10

CEREMONY OF RECOGNITION AND PLACEMENT OF NAMES IN THE “WEEPING EYE” MEMORIAL - Province of Peru

Picture 1,2 The weeping eye Memorial 3. Sr Alicia Corvacho Unit Leader Peru

Sr. Agustina Rivas “AGUCHITA” unites with the offering of her ist Lika Mutal. Her principal present! On March 9th in Lima, brothers and sisters who gave objective is the collective com- Peru, we attended the ceremo- us their life, a life in abun- memoration of the Peruvians ny of placing the names of the dance . . . who had been victims of vio- religious men and women and We have in her a holy martyr. lence and her message is to priests who had been assassi- Aguchita showed us the Gos- promote peace and reconcilia- nated by the Sendero Luminoso pel during her life and after tion in our country marked by during the period of political her death she continues to the stigma of terrorism. violence in Peru (1980-2000). evangelize us with the radical The form of this stone force of the blessed. sculpture symbolizes Mother The ceremony was convoked Today, before this altar, to- Earth from which flows water by the Major Religious Superi- gether with her martyred like tears. Around it are eleven ors of Peru (CRP). Mons. Luis brothers and sisters, we ask circles, a sort of stone labyrinth Bambaron of the Diocese of her to help us understand the which contains 32,000 stones Chimbote, the Association for significance of being artisans with the engraved names of the Human Rights (APRODEH) and of peace with justice in our victims. the “Paths of Memory” Associa- Peru and to become conscious This place has become popular tion. of the extent of our offering with visiting foreign celebrities “until death.” and all those committed to the We remembered Sisters Agusti- defense of Human rights, peace na Rivas Lopez (first Peruvian We listened to the accounts of and reconciliation. martyr), Irene McCormack each martyr, one by one, like a It was very impressive to trace (Australian), the priests Victor message given to us by these the history in the labyrinth, in a Acun a Cardenas, Teodoro San- brothers and sisters. Despite profound and prayerful silence tos Mejia and Reynaldo Saenz the risk and the recurrent and place the stones with the (Peruvians) the three foreign threats they decided to remain names. Sr. Alicia carried the religious Zbigniew Strzalkoski, with their communities, for stone with the name of Sr. Miguel Tomaszek (Polish and those they are working. The Agustina Rivas Lopez. Alessandro Dordi (Italian) as- ceremony wished to recognize All this provided an atmos- sassinated in 1991 and who these life examples of commit- phere of hope and life. We felt will soon be beatified. ment, a value, we hope above the great love of God for His all, to reach the new genera- little ones, the poor and the In the moving ceremony, a brief tion. weak, through these brothers summary of Aguchita’s life, mis- and sisters, assured that they sion and oblation was read: Memorial “The Eye That accompany the way of faith of On the 25th anniversary of the Weeps” His people. martyrdom of our sister, Blessed are they who work Aguchita, in front of this memo- The memorial “The Eye That for peace. (Mt. 5:9) rial of our martyrs, the blood of Weeps” or “The Weeping Eye” our sister Maria Agustina Rivas is a sculpture of the Dutch art- Delia Rodriguez, RGS Peru

10 11

In Nepal, Catholics reach out to remote areas devastated by quake by Melanie Lidman for Global Sisters Report

living in Pokhara and was nervous about the move. “It really was a miracle. The road from Pokhara to Kathmandu is a mountain on one side and a river on the other. Who knows what could have happened . . . but Jesus said, ‘Even if you walk in the dark valley, I am with you.’ I really felt Jesus was driving the vehicle.”

Somehow, the bus made it to Kathmandu that evening, where the sisters joined the Jesuits, who had offered them a temporary home. “That first night, we didn’t know if we were safe or not; we just slept in the hands of God,” she said. Two days after the earthquake, when Nicholas Good Shepherd Sr. Taskila Nicholas, originally from Sri Lanka, is the leader of the new community in Kathmandu, was traveling with the Catholic aid group Caritas which was set to be inaugurated on April 28. and saw a tar road completely split in two, she realized how lucky she was to have been on the bus. People told her that some smaller vehicles Good Shepherd Sr. Taskila Nicholas was one of were thrown in the air by the force of the earth- the people in Nepal who did not feel the 7.8- quake. magnitude earthquake that rocked the country April 25. She was on a bus from Pokhara to Kath- Before the earthquake, two Good Shepherd Sis- mandu to inaugurate her congregation’s newest ters had planned to work in Kathmandu at St. satellite community. Xavier’s Jesuit high school and with girls at risk of being trafficked. But because of the earth- “We didn’t feel anything because we were on a quake, Nicholas has decided to shift the mission big bus,” she told Global Sisters Report in Kath- to relief and rehabilitation. Good Shepherd Sr. mandu on Tuesday. “People started calling pas- Lucy George is overseeing a mobile medical clin- sengers on the bus to ask ‘are you alive?’ That’s ic, which is traveling around the hard-hit Gorkha how we heard about the earthquake.” She was region, west of Kathmandu. The sisters will still only about 100 kilometers from the epicenter. target women and children, some of the most The bus pulled over, and people began to notice vulnerable groups, especially through counsel- clouds of dust and debris coming down to a riv- ing and psycho-social services. er. But from the road, the passengers couldn’t see any destruction. So they continued on their “Even though people lost their dear ones, they way to Dhading, the last big city before Kath- had no time to mourn, they had to look after the mandu. survivors,” Nicholas said. “One day they’ll have to let out all this sadness.” “As we got into Dhading we could see that things The Good Shepherd Sisters are coordinating had fallen, that schools and buildings had come with the Salesian brothers and sisters, Caritas, down,” Nicholas recalled. “We didn’t really un- the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus, and the derstand how big it was. But then we saw people Nepal Jesuit Society, among others, for a unified crying, and bodies laid out in the road waiting to Catholic response to the earthquake. be taken to the hospital. They were bleeding and had broken bones.” Source : From the site Global Sisters Report

Earthquake Relief Work Report “This was a spiritual experience for me, I under- stood that God really wanted me to serve the people in Kathmandu,” said Nicholas, who loved

11 12 Good Shepherd Malaysia speaking on behalf of refugees stranded in boats with no food or water!

ernments of the region have been rejecting them resulting in a deplorable plight. This situation is a multi- layered crisis with broad and deep root; it entwines issues of national identity, migration, trafficking, refugee status, international human rights and responsibilities and, most basi- cally, human compassion. Below is a press release by the coalition, The Migration Work- ing Group (MWG) which advocates for the rights As part of an NGO coalition fo- ugees now off their coast. of migrants, refugees, stateless cused on the issue of migration Mostly from the oppressed persons, trafficked persons and and the rights of migrants, and non-state-recognized Roh- foreign spouses. Good Shep- Good Shepherd Malaysia is ac- ingya minority of Myanmar, herd Welfare Services Malaysia tive in responding to the ur- they are seeking asylum in Ma- has endorsed it. gent humanitarian crisis of ref- laysia via Thailand. The gov-

Press release: Migration Working Group (MWG) -Turning Boats Away Not an Option For immediate release: 14 May 2015 For more information: Kristine Yap, [email protected] / 03 7957 5636 Jessica Low, [email protected]

Malaysia must act humanely and keep its borders open to receive these survivors of human trafficking, some who are believed to have been at sea for up to three months. In a statement, volunteer organisation, Migration Working Group (MWG), said that the recent an- nouncement by the Malaysian government that it would push back boats carrying thousands of women, men and children was a looming human tragedy. "Many will be fleeing systematic persecution and untold horrors in Myanmar and on the Bangla- deshi border, and many, including children, will be survivors of human trafficking and other abuses and deprivation," MWG spokesperson Sumitra Visvanathan said. "We stand appalled at the decision. We urge our government and agencies to admit, protect and provide for the new arrivals. The time to act is now." Malaysia, she said, must set a positive example as a member of UN Security Council and as Chair of ASEAN. "A coordinated emergency humanitarian response is critical at this time. Instead of washing its hands of the problem and abandoning the thousands of human beings to possibly die at sea, the Ma- laysian authorities must demonstrate leadership through implementing an emergency response plan to meet their immediate humanitarian needs," Sumitra said. MWG lauds the Langkawi police and local communities for their immediate humanitarian response to the recent boat arrivals there, which demonstrated Malaysians' capacity to aid individuals in dire need. But the Malaysian government must step up. It should view these recent boat arrivals in Langkawi as the catalyst to spur local and regional action. Contd. On page 13

12 13 Good Shepherd Malaysia speaking on behalf of refugees stranded in boats with no food or water!

“International law and our shared common hu- serve to fuel the scale of the tragedy and is po- manity demand we respond to individuals in tentially a death sentence for the women, men need of international protection," she said. and children onboard. As recent as last month, The systemic abuse, discrimination and perse- Malaysia’s Foreign Minister emphasised that the cution underlying the Rohingya’s refugee pro- Rohingya refugee issue should be resolved with- tection needs are crystal clear. Under the Uni- in ASEAN. versal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone "We support this and echo the call by the Thai has the right to seek asylum from persecution. Government to urgently and sustainably address While Malaysia is not yet a party to the 1951 this as a regional issue through a cooperative Refugee Convention, under customary interna- ASEAN and inter-agency framework for action, tional law the Malaysian government has an but while we get this going, we must not aban- obligation of “non-refoulement” – not to return don thousands of people in need. We must pro- anyone to places where their life or freedom tect them," she said. would be at risk. The Executive Committee of Petition: the Office of the United Nations High Commis- To the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E.Le Lu- sioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reaffirmed the ong Minh, Chair of ASEAN Govt of M'sia: basic human right to seek asylum and stated Appeal for action to save boat refugees that “as a general rule, asylum seekers should not be detained” and should be admitted to the We, Good Shepherd Sisters and mission partners State in which they first seek refuge. We must of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand from the be guided by the international standard. Asia Pacific Justice Peace Network, are deeply Thus, it is not an option to turn the boats away, concerned over the plight of the thousands of neither is it an option to treat all new arrivals Rohingyas trying to reach the shores of Malaysia, as illegal migrants who needed be detained and Indonesia and Thailand. returned to Myanmar or Bangladesh. In Myanmar they face extreme oppression, dis- “We urge the Malaysian government to work crimination and poverty. They have been de- closely with Malaysian civil society and the UN- prived of citizenship and subjected to forced la- HCR, to first provide humanitarian relief to eve- bour and forcible displacement in Myanmar and ryone on board, and thereafter to screen all on the Bangladeshi border. Many including boat arrivals to ensure people in need of inter- women and children have fallen prey to traffick- national protection are accorded their due ers. Women have been reported raped on boats. rights," Sumitra said. We urge the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia ASEAN and national governments has been in- and Thailand: effective in handling similar situations although To rescue the boat refugees on humanitarian it had been occurring in the region for many grounds and provide them with shelter, medical years. care, food and water "It is precisely because of this inaction in the To respect life, show compassion and offer pro- face of well-documented horrific abuses and tection for the vulnerable against human traf- killings, those human traffickers and criminal fickers and smugglers syndicates have flourished. Similarly there have To collaborate with other ASEAN member coun- been vast and protracted regional displacement tries to accord internally displaced persons, such of groups like the Rohingya, and thousands as the Rohingyas, the right to life, dignity and have ended up in horrific Thai trafficking livelihood camps," she said. Do the right thing, save them now! The decision to turn back the boats compounds Below is the link to the petition: the authorities' indifference, and would only

Sign the petition

13 14

Meet the new board of Mission Development Office

funds to meet all of the needs that were being request- ed. Thus, the MDO was asked to find funds from outside the congregation to support particularly those missions which didn’t have the internal resources to do it themselves. Although there had been strategic planning sessions in the prior years and sessions on grant writing we knew that what had been done wasn’t sufficient. The local levels needed more assistance. (…) We have also seen over these eight years the important linkage of the various structures within the congregation - our Spir- ituality Center, International Justice and Peace Office Picture: The CLT with the Board members and MDO and Mission Development Office and now we are staff. working on a more united approach to mission. From top left to right: Ms. Zoe Dean Smith (Swaziland- USA, board member), Sr. Angela Fahy (CLT), Mr. Hubert One of our chapter mandates in 2009 was to develop Janssen (Netherlands, Board member), Br. Allen Sherry, networks throughout the congregation. While mission fms, (Australia, board member), Sr. Elaine Basinger (New development is the responsibility of the entire congre- York Province, board member), Mr Pierre Harang (Board gation, the Mission Development Office has a specific member, France), Sr. Armelle Dehennault (CLT and board focus regarding it. The work of the MDO, and your member), Sr. Rita Laurenço (CLT), Sr. Paulette LoMonaco work as a Board, is to be a resource that keeps the (New York Province, board member), Ms. Andre e Perreaut “jewel” of the mission entrusted to us polished and to (Canada, board member), Yolanda Borbon create new designs! (Congregational Treasurer, board member), Anne Jo Carr (CLT); centre row from left to right: Eliene Barros (CLT What a beautiful mission you have as members of the and President of the Foundation), Sr. Joyce Meyer, pbvm, (USA, board member), Ms. Patricia Marshall (UK, board Board of Directors of the Good Shepherd International member), Sr. Brigid Lawlor (CLT); bottom row: Cristina Foundation. While we have had a Board for the Foun- Duranti (Italy, MDO Director), Andrea Curreri (Italy, MDO dation almost since the time of our founding the MDO Staff), Calogero Gugliotta (Italy, MDO Staff), Simone Capo- Office, we knew that as the work expanded we needed lupo (Italy, MDO Staff). Missing in the picture: Mr. Silvio more expertise. We needed you….and thus in 2013 we Gentile (Italy, Board member). invited you to be with us as an Advisory Board. Recog- nizing the gifts that you bring, the CLT reflected on and responded to your suggestion to enlarge the The Good Shepherd International Foundation (the Board and we have now integrated most members of legal body of our Mission Development Office), has the Advisory Board into the Board of Directors. (…) extended the membership of the board directors.

Alongside some original members, Sr. Eliene Barros. I invite you at this time of commencement of your of- Sr. Elaine Basinger and Sr. Yolanda Borbon, new fice, to take to heart the words of St. Mary Euphrasia members have been appointed from within and out- and make them your own. – that I/you are no longer side the Congregation to enrich and extend the ca- are French, Italian, Angolan, Canadian, Irish, English, pacity of the MDO to serve the Good Shepherd mis- American, Brazilian, Dutch, Swazi, etc. but I/you be- sion. All new directors have served for the past three long to all nations! Saint Mary Euphrasia goes on to years in the Advisory Board of the Foundation, where say: "One town, one foundation cannot satisfy your they have become more familiar with the mission zeal - it must embrace the whole world." Conferences and function of the MDO. The new members have p. 63 been appointed by the Assembly of the Founders, which coincides with the Congregational Apostolic For this Board Meeting, you have left what is at home Team, in November last year and after some neces- and have come here with a global mind to take into sary amendments to the by-laws of the Foundation, account our internationality as you make recommen- they have officially began their office with the first dations and decision and expand the vision of the con- meeting held in Rome from 15th to 17th May. gregation. Our internationality is our strength. On In her welcoming speech to the new board, Sr. Brigid behalf of the CLT I wish you countless blessings and Lawlor said: great joy in your work as members of the Board of the “The initial vision we had for the MDO was to respond Good Shepherd International Foundation.” more fully to the needs of the people at the margins with whom our sisters and lay mission partners engaged. As a congregation we didn’t have sufficient

14 15

Calendar 2015

Good Shepherd News While each unit is encouraged to send articles anytime during the year, we have planned that there are speci- 30thCongregational Chapter opens June 7, 2015 fic editions when each unit is asked to Mother House, Angers, France 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 Bel- gium/France/Magyarorsza g, Nether- Congregational Leadership Team lands,Mid-North America, Egypt/Sudan April From left to right: Anne Josephine Carr, Angela Fahy, Armelle Philippines, Portugal, Peru, Dehennault, Susan Chia, Eliene Barros, Rita Lourenço Luis, Brigid Australia -Aotearoa-N. Zealand Lawlor, Jude Ellen Golumbieski, Reina Escobar, Maria Teresa Pomar May Spain, Angola/Mozambique, ColomboVe ne zolana/Cuba June Central America, Mexico Norte, Northeast Asia July East Asia, West Africa , ( Se ne gal/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 Good Shepherd News Japan, Great Britain, Special thanks to the following for the O sterreich/Schweiz/Czech Rep translations and proofreading December Nicole Bastien, Canada; Karla Barnabe , Burkina Faso; Mary-James South West India/ Wilson, Philippines, A. Maria Quiroz, N. York, Claire Alessandri, Central East India/Nepal, Patricia Marturano, Generalate; Narcisa Vivanco, Ecuador; Ireland, Congo/Kenya Catherine Veale, Ireland, Marie He le ne Halligon, Helen Anne sand, Claudine Fargeix , Adriana Pere z BFMN; Marle ne Coret, Michel Ferrer, France; Yolanda Sanchez, Colombia, Reina Escobar, El Salvador