B A L I T A A N

Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square on the occasion of World Day of Vocations, 2013:

Look! I would like to ask you: have you sometimes heard the Lord’s voice, in a desire, in a worry, did he invite you to follow him more closely? Have you heard him? ... Have you wanted to be apostles of Jesus? We must bet on youth for the great ideals. Do you think this? Do you agree? Ask Jesus what he wants of you and be brave! Be brave! Ask him this!

Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood or to the consecrated life there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone: a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community.... This is why Jesus said: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest”, that is, God the Father, “to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Mt 9:38). Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.

Historical Tidbits

·       March 1953 – opening of a small homey shelter for single expectant mothers in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, Philippines:  a response to the predicament of distressed young women who got pregnant out of wedlock, by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, a Congregation founded by St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier.

·       May 1957 – transfer to a property in Maysilo, Malabon on lease for ninety-nine years through the generosity of Monsignor Rufino J. Santos, then Archbishop of Manila; the new home was called Heart of Mary Villa in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

·       February 7, 1958 – registration of Heart of Mary Villa-Good Shepherd Sisters, Inc.  with the Securities and Exchange Commission

·       April 18, 1968 – accreditation by the then Social Welfare Administration of the two-pronged services for women and children.

·       September 27, 1972 – launching of HMV outreach program and establishment of  Damayan Community Center.