Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd renew annual commitment

The Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd renewed their annual commitment during a Eucharistic Celebration held on November 25 at the Good Shepherd Chapel, 1043 Aurora Blvd. in Quezon City.

Presider of the Eucharistic Celebration was Fr. Titus Mananzan SVD who in his homily emphasized the importance of dedicating oneself to the mission of God.

Sr. Marion Chipeco RGS who is currently the link to the Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd witnessed the ceremonies.

Those who renewed their promises to continue helping in the mission of the Good Shepherd Congregation include: Annie Lukban, Ching Daclan, Mila A. Del Fonso, Jo Carriaga, Chit Almario, Virgin Torres, Chit Salas, Lucy Panganiban, Tess Mondragon, Lulu Concepcion, Pacita Panopio, Lourdes de la Paz, Dette Pascual, Rose Roig, Julie C. Alegre, Sonny O. Sison, Dina V. Carpio, Marvi Valdes, Charito B. Ahorro, Mercy E. de Guzman, Letty Medina and Inday Alagar.

The Lay Affiliates have been actively involved in the mission of the congregation for more than 20 years. They are involved in counseling, in the giving pre-departure orientation seminar at the Center for Overseas Workers, the headstart program at Bagong Silangan in Quezon City. They also organized recently a medical mission for the urban poor women in Bagong Silangan.

In 1986, a group of 20 lay women actively involved in promoting and defending the dignity of women and who have collaborated with Good Shepherd Sisters in various ways, expressed their desire to enter into a formal relationship with us. Their purpose was to deepen Christian living while maintaining their present lay state, and sharing actively in the mission of the Good Shepherd.

The first Lay Affiliates were formally accepted in 1987 on the Diamond Jubilee of the Good Shepherd presence in the Philippines. Sr. Gema Cadena, then Superior General, and several of the General Councilors were present during the ceremony of commitment. How fitting that the formal acceptance of the lay affiliates happened in the same month that the Synod of Bishops in Rome were meeting on the subject of the Laity and that the first Filipino martyr-saint Lorenzo Ruiz was a married person.

At present, the congregation has recognized the work of lay people worldwide who are actively involved in the work of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd Mission Partnership Team, composed of Sr. Marion, Sr. Ananita Borbon, Sr. Patricia Perez, Ms. Tes Barzaga and Ms. Nelly Juan, hope to have better collaboration among sisters and mission partners.

Other Good Shepherd Sisters who attended the November 25 celebration were Sr. Mary James Wilson, Sr. Victoria Joson, Sr. Corazon Nido, Sr. Regina Kuizon and Sr. Lorraine Libres, novice.

(RK)

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