A year ago has passed since the opening of the 2009 Congregational Chapter of Good Shepherd Sisters held in
Angers, France.
Held from
June 13 –July 9, 2009, the 29th Chapter gathered 89 capitulants representing
the more than 40 units where we are in 72 countrres in the world. The theme
was, “Weavers of Compassion and Reconciliation in Global Solidarity,” that also
takes inspiration from Micah 6:8," to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk
humbly with our God.”
Philippine
delegates to the Chapter included: Sr. Cecilia Torres, province leader, Sr.
Henedina Mananzan, Sr. Celeste Engutan CGS and Sr. Maria Teresa Pomar.
A very
significant achievement of the Chapter was the approval of the Integrated
Constitutions of the apostolic and contemplative sisters. The studies and
drafting of the Integrated Constitutions could be traced to the approval of
Article 1 during the 2003 General Chapter.
Photo: Good Shepherd Sisters who were in Angers, France celebrated Philippine Independence Day at the Motherhouse a day before the Chapter.
The
approval of the Constitutions also
meant that on the congregational level, there will be apostolic councilors and
contemplative councilors who will work with the congregational leader and will
form the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT).
Sr.
Brigid Lawlor was reelected congregational leader and she will work with an
apostolic council composed of Srs. Armelle
Dehennault (France/Belgium. Magyarorszag), Eliene Barros (Brazil, Southeast
Latin America), Anne Josephine Carr (Great Britain) and Susan Marie Chia
(Singapore/Malaysia). Sr. Brigid's Contemplative Councillors include Srs. Jude
Ellen Golumbieski (Mid North America), Reina Escobar (Central America) and Ma.
Teresa Pomar (Philippines).
The CLT
will serve the congregation from 2009-2015. As called by the Direction Statement of the 2009
Congregational Chapter, the CLT will journey with Sisters in implementing these
directions through the Chapter threads:
- Spirituality: Source of
Spirit and Life - Justice and Peace in Global
Solidarity - Formation for Shepherding
Today - Good Shepherd Partnership in
Mission - Envisioning Connections
- Journey of Enrichment
- Mission Development
- Enabling Congregational
Mission - Missionary Process and
Expansion
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Photo: Local Leaders' Meeting in Baguio, May 24-27, 2010.
During
the recent 2010 Local Leaders’ Meeting in Baguio City, Sr. Susan Chia, link councilor of
apostolic sisters said that, “one of the things that the CLT hopes to do, is to
look at Justice and Peace to be more integral in our ministry worldwide.” She
is confident that the congregation can do that and that lay people can be
involved in networking in promoting our mission.
The
Philippine Province continues its efforts to implement the Chapter directives
on the local and province levels, and remains active in networking and in
sharing resources on the congregational level and in Asia-Pacific Circle. Here
are some of the activities.
Networking: Philippines
Consultation
A Consultation on “Undocumented Migrants and Stateless
Children and Families” will be conducted in Davao City from August 10-11, 2010.
This is being organized by the Women, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (WJPIC)
in Mindanao.
Networking:
Inter-Province
Asia-Pacific
Circle of Formators
Sr. Cecilia Torres and Sr. Teresita Figueroa will attend
the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Circle for Formators to be held in Sri Lanka
from June 11-16, 2010.
Good Shepherd Partnership
The Good Shepherd Partnership of Asia-Pacific Circle will
hold a meeting from August 11-15, 2010 in Singapore. The Philippines will be
represented by Sr. Patricia Perez (Province Leadership Team), Sr. Añanita
Borbon (link person of the Philippines to the Asia-Pacific Good Shepherd
Partnership) and Ms. Nelly Juan (mission partner).
Mid-North
America
Sr. Patricia Perez will facilitate a 30-day Retreat for
Temporary Professed Sisters preparing for Perpetual Vows in the Province of
Mid-North America. The retreat will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA from
July 2- August 1, 2010.
APJP Network
The Asia-Pacific Justice and Peace Network (APJP) will hold a workshop from June
12-15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sr. Ma. Leah Ann Espina, Sr. M. Minela Alvarez and Sr. Maureen Catabian
will attend.
The 2009 Congregational Chapter Statement says,
“Inspired by the creative audacity of St. Mary Euphrasia, her prophetic and
radical response to the needs of her time, we are impelled as “Weavers of Compassion and
Reconciliation in Global Solidarity…, ” the Chapter threads will be our guide
as we work zealously for the poor, especially women and children, in following
Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
(RK)