July 31st 2017 marked the 221st birthday of St Mary Euphrasia, our dear Mother Foundress. To celebrate this
day, Good Shepherd Alumni Scholars were gathered with the aim to create and
renew connections among each other and with Good Shepherd sisters. It was a way
as well to keep alive the Good Shepherd spirit among our alumni scholars.
There were 54 alumni scholars who came.
This includes benefeciaries of: SME Scholarship from: Sariaya, Bagong Silangan,
Welcome House-Tahanan Community, Mountain Maid Training Center - Baguio, Damayan
Community Center which used to be the outreach program of Heart of Mary Villa
in Malabon; Maryridge Tulong Paaral, St Bridget College Student Assistance
Program (including some from CCF); SBS Working Students and scholars from Bukid
Kabataan sponsored by our partners from Fluor Daniel and AMEC.
We started with the Eucharistic celebration
presided by Fr. Ron Bagley, CJM. It was Filipino Mission Sunday and Fr. Ron emphasized
the importance of having a listening and understanding heart. He expounded how
during the time of Saints John Eudes and Mary Euphrasia the heart is not just the
seat of emotions but more importantly, it is the source of the will where
important, wise and right decisions are made.
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Lunch and fellowship followed. A fun game,
“RGS bingo” gave the participants and the sisters opportunity to interact and
recall some important details in St. Mary Euphrasia’s life as well. The
highlight of the afternoon was the “kumustahan” (updating) and faith sharing.
We ended with a tribute to SME where the scholars offered their prayers to God
through the intercessions of SME keeping to heart the many concerns of our
country and of the world.
It was indeed a joyful day of thanksgiving.
In our post-celebration evaluation survey form, everyone agreed that it was a
meaningful day that reminded them of how blessed and valued they are. Many are
looking forward to the next reunion!
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A short reflection from a Damayan scholar -
Danica Rose Aquino
Having
been invited to the first Good Shepherd Alumni Scholar's gathering was both a
privilege and a blessing; not only was I able to spend time with my former
co-scholars and Sr. Susan Montano, it also was an opportunity for me to meet
and mingle with the other alumni, from other parts of the country, and reflect
on how blessed we are by God's grace through the help of the Good Shepherd
community.
As
I had been too busy for work lately, the moment I found out I was invited for
this particular gathering I said yes despite having only little amount of rest.
I knew then that this is the Lord's way for me to have a whole day of giving
thanks for all his blessings, and also to celebrate the birthday of St. Mary Euphrasia.
Surely if there would be another alumni gathering next time, count me on my
presence as part of it.