Five Bicentenary Jubilee Zoominar Sessions are being held in 2025, during each of which a guest speaker will share her perspective on the contemplative dimension of our Good Shepherd life and mission. Following the Zoominar on July 2, in which Sr. Carmen Toledano OSA offered her insight on The Expression of Contemplative Life Today, three contemplative sisters share their personal reflections and prayers on the theme, which you can read below.
By Sr. Lalani Ekkanayaka
Our life of zeal, rooted in contemplation, is a sign of hope that is born of action and serves to remind us that we are in God’s presence, regardless of the activities we undertake. Cultivating a positive mindset helps to foster an attitude of hope.
As a community centered on the Eucharist, we are encouraged to seek the face of God in the everyday moments we live. Inner transformation arises from the practice of humility and simplicity, which lead to renewal and newness in all things. Embracing silence and solitude is essential to entering into true contemplation in today’s busy world.
By Sr. Maria Fernanda Zambrano
The lit lamp recalls the parable of the wise virgins (Mt 25:1–13): those who had enough oil to wait for the bridegroom. This religious sister represents someone who has chosen to live with a heart that is attentive, prepared, in a contemplative and available attitude. Her gaze to the heavens is a silent prayer, an interior dialogue, a whisper that only God hears. She does not act on impulse, but by faith. The light she holds is not just fire: it is the presence of Christ that lights up the night, that gives meaning, that guides.
This brings up the following questions for me:
- Am I keeping my lamp lit with the oil of love, faith, and constant prayer?
- Where do I direct my gaze when I hold the flame of vocation, of the call, of commitment to God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, today I celebrate the gift of my vocation, this simple and quiet life that you have given me to love you with all my heart.
Like Mary Magdalene, I want to be a lamp lit at your feet, to keep your presence at the center of my soul, and to remain with you when everyone else has gone.
Teach me to look to heaven, not out of nostalgia, but out of trust.
To lift the lamp of my faith even when the oil seems to run out.
May my constant prayer be like the perfume she poured at your feet.
May my silence speak of you.
And may each day in this hidden life be a faithful response of love.
Thank you for calling me to this “better part.” Amen.
By Sr. Hermana Elida C.
“Let us remember that contemplative and passionate woman…” Patroness of our Contemplative Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
May her example inspire each of our sisters to renew their dedication and vocation, especially in this bicentennial year. May the Lord strengthen their journey with the same passion and fidelity that animated Mary Magdalene in her following of Jesus.
With hope and gratitude, we ask God to bless them abundantly and sustain them in their mission of love and prayer in Jesus the Good Shepherd.
