By Sr Dr Euphrasia Daruna Mesomklin, Thailand (Province of East Asia)
Born on October 25, 1946, I felt God’s calling from an early age. My path and commitment to serving others were significantly shaped during my years in Bangkok at St Francis Xavier Elementary School and Mater Dei High School, where I was profoundly influenced by the values and teachings I received there.
My educational journey led me to a Master of Arts at Duquesne University in the USA, and later to a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Preston University. Each step in my education has been guided by a desire to better serve those in need and to offer hope and healing through knowledge and compassion.
With a heart full of faith and a desire to serve, I responded to God’s call and joined Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd on April 26, 1971, at the age of 24. I made my final profession six years later, on September 17, 1977.
Since then, I have dedicated my life to serving those in need, particularly women and children at risk of human trafficking. I have walked alongside countless souls, offering care, support, and the hope that only Jesus the Good Shepherd’s love can provide.
Our mission is not just to meet physical needs but to nurture the human spirit, restore dignity, and offer a path to self-sufficiency through this love of the Good Shepherd.
Over the decades of my journey, I have been involved in various roles and ministries, each with its unique challenges and rewards. My path has been diverse and fulfilling: from working with socially disadvantaged individuals in Pattaya to leading religious formation in Singapore, from guiding Life in the Spirit seminars in Thailand to being the Directress of the Good Shepherd Project in Phuket.
My work with the Thai Women Catholic Associates, the Theresian Society, and our Good Shepherd Sisters’ Lay Associates has allowed me to touch many lives, offering counsel, support, and the love of Jesus the Good Shepherd to those in need.
Today, on the Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry, I reflect on the special place this apostolate has in my heart. It is where I see the profound impact of God’s mercy and grace. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of prayer and spiritual guidance in the lives of those in prison. Offering regular counseling sessions, spiritual retreats, and educational programs, I strive to restore dignity and hope to those behind bars. Many inmates who were once trapped in hopelessness have found renewed purpose and strength through their faith.
Prayer for prison ministry has been a significant aspect of my vocation. It is through prayer that we find the strength and guidance to continue our mission, to bring light into the darkest corners, and to offer the love of Jesus the Good Shepherd to those who need it most.
On this Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry, I invite you to join us in lifting up the souls of those who are imprisoned so that they may find hope, redemption, and a path to a better future.
