B A L I T A A N

GS Asia Pacific Website www.goodshepherd-asiapacific.org.au

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.

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Philippines-Japan Province Chapter held

 

The 2020 Province Chapter of the Religious of the Good Shepherd in Philippines-Japan started on March 16, 2020 at the Divine Child Auditorium of St. Bridget School in Quezon City with the chapter theme “Transformed by Love, Passionate for mission. The opening liturgy was highlighted by indigenous dance and the procession of the participants with the Chapter candle to the Chapter Hall.  Community products were offered in the centerpiece highlighting the importance of economic justice and integrity of creation.  Newspaper clippings of local and global situations were also posted.   

Sr. Regina Kuizon, incumbent Province Leader opened the Chapter and said, “This sacred moment has been challenged by the Taal Volcano eruption of January 12 and the Corona Virus Disease  (COVID-19) that has become pandemic.” These events led to the change of venue and change of dates.  There would have been more sister delegates in this third open chapter if not for the present global crisis.  The other sister delegates were advised not to come when the “lockdown or community quarantine” was announced.  Providentially, Sr. Brigid Lawlor our former Congregational Leader arrived early.  She will both be the Chapter facilitator and appointed delegate of Sr. Ellen Kelly, our present Congregational Leader.  The latter is unable to come due to the lockdown in Italy. Sr. Frances Robinson, our Apostolic Link Councillor and Sr. Jude Ellen Golumbieski, link Councillor for the Contemplatives were likewise prevented from coming.

Chapter Secretary Sr. Natividad Lucero made the roll call of delegates.  Election of tellers, additional members of the steering committee and voting on the Chapter agenda then followed.  We ended the day with a Eucharistic celebration.

 

For the day to day account of the Province Chapter please click the links below...

		Day 1- March 16 - Opening of the Chapter
		Day 2- March 17
		Day 3- March 18
		Day 4- March 19
		Day 5 - March 20
		Day 6- March 21
		Day 7- March 22