Lay Affiliates
The
presence of the Lay Affiliates in the Congregation is a significant development
in these post-modern times. In the document, Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II
underscored this special relationship: "“A new chapter, rich in hope has
begun in the history of relations between consecrated persons and laity “(VC
54). “… a significant expression of lay people’s sharing in the richness of
consecrated life. (VC 56)
At the end of the General Chapter
held at the Motherhouse in Angers, France from July 7-31, 1997, the
participants from all over the world where the Congregation is established,
issued this statement:
“The General Chapter of 1997 affirms
the Association of lay persons already existing in many provinces and
encourages this development throughout the congregation. This is done with the
approval of the Provincial and her Council. Lay persons who wish to share our
spirit and mission may be affiliated to our Congregation in a non-canonical
relationship. After an appropriate period of formation, they may express their
association with us through a promise renewed annually. The Chapter sends a
message of support to out Lay Affiliates for their witness to Jesus the Good
Shepherd in the world.
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.
Since then other
communities have organized Lay Affiliates: Welcome House, Malate, Negros,
Davao, Isabela.
The following are some
of the apostolic involvements of the lay affiliates:
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Direct Service |
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Counselling
in Our Lady of Peace Shrine, “Accompaniment” of some of our girls at
Euphrasian Residence. |
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Conducting
seminars in parishes, schools and villages in order to raise consciousness about
the oppression and exploitation of women; involvement in our ministry to
migrant workers through the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, participation
in the Parenting Program of Euphrasian Community for the parents of students
in Quintin Paredes Public High School. |
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Raising
funds for scholarship for girls from poor marginalized sectors; collection
and donation of school supplies for the schools of the ‘lumads’ in Agusan del
Sur. |
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Conducting a ‘soup kitchen’ for children in a depressed area in Escopa which serves as their regular immersion with the poor. |
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Advocacy and Networking |
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Collaborating with other women’s groups and NGOs; writing letters to newspapers on behalf of women; lobbying for better laws protecting women and children; joining peaceful rallies and demonstrations on relevant issues like protection of forests and ecology, human rights, peace and justice. |
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Outreach Service |
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Visiting, giving assistance and supporting rehabilitation programs for families and communities affected by calamities e.g. Mt. Mayon and Mt. Pinatubo |
The
following are part of the on-going formation program of the Lay Affiliates:
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1. |
Annual
retreats and other days of recollection |
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2. |
Monthly
meetings, sharing of reflections and insight |
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3. |
Reading
and input on Good Shepherd spirit, congregational saints, feasts |
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4. |
Participation
in important events of the Church, Congregation |
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5. |
Daily
prayers of and for the Congregation |
The
Good Shepherd Lay Affiliates try to live, in their homes and places of work in
the world, St. Mary Euphrasia’s philosophy that “A person is of more value than
a world. Their mission is summed up in their prayer:
God we come to you as sharers of Jesus mission
In our broken world, help us to incarnate
Christ’s mission of reconciliation by making his own love visible:
a love that seeks, forgives, and saves. Amen.
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Good Food Book
The Good (Food) Book is a compilation of recipes by the Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd. These are the women who give their effort and time to help in the program of the Good Shepherd congregation.
Their meetings include sharing of food. And out of those, recipes were shared and made into a book to sell and raise funds for its program called Headstart.
Php 250. Available at Good Shepherd Convent in Quezon City and in Baguio City