Good Shepherd Sisters missioned in Mindanao gathered last July 31 at the St. Paul Parish Church to celebrate the birth anniversary of St. Mary Euphrasia and mark the conclusion of the RGS centennial celebration in the region. Presider of the Eucharistic Celebration was Bishop George Rimando, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao. Also present during the celebrations were lay affiliates, benefactors, and women and children served by the communities. Sr. Magdalena “Dale” Saavedra, local leader of Reach-Out Davao Community said that Bishop Rimando is second cousin of Sr. Jet Rimando of Maryridge, Community in Tagaytay City. The Good Shepherd communities of apostolic and contemplative sisters in Mindanao are located in Davao, Kalilid- San Luis, Agusan del Sur, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Pagadian City and Contemplatives of the Good Shepherd in Butuan City. Simple snacks followed the Mass. After lunch sponsored by the Lay Affiliates, the Sisters left for Mer Grande Ocean Beach Resort in Samal Island. They also visited Coral and Clam Sanctuary and the Pearl Farm. The sisters left for their different communities filled with joy and wonderful experiences of God's love and care. It was on December 7, 1972 that Reach-Out Center, the first community in Mindanao was founded in Davao City. The first Irish Good Shepherd Sisters arrived in the Philippines on October 4, 1912 and established its first community in Batangas City. (Photos by Sr. Dale Saavedra and Sr. Franz Blando)
