Bicentenary Jubilee
Celebrating 200 Years of Contemplative Sisters
November 11, 2024 is the launch of the Bicentenary Jubilee year*.
This momentous occasion of launching the 200th Anniversary of the Contemplative Sisters, invites us to reflect and give thanks for the remarkable journey that began two centuries ago and to celebrate the enduring spirit that continues to guide and inspire us not only as contemplative sisters but as apostolic sisters and partners-in-mission.
Two hundred years ago, in 1825, Sr Mary Euphrasia, who was made the leader of her community, responded in faith to establish the contemplative lifestyle within the Congregation. Despite the challenges and societal norms of her time, she created a space for women to live out their deep yearning for union with God and community life through a contemplative way of life. Her courage, creativity, and commitment to God’s call have left a significant mark on our Congregation’s history.
*Special Bicentenary Jubilee launch ritual (download here)
Celebrating 100 Years since the Canonization of St. John Eudes
2025 also marks the 100th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. John Eudes on 31st May. As part of these Jubilee celebrations, the Vatican issued a special Decree that anyone who is on pilgrimage to the chapel of the Motherhouse or a church anywhere belonging to the Eudists or the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd may receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.
Five Zoominar Sessions are being held in 2025 during each of which a guest speaker shares her perspective on the contemplative dimension of Good Shepherd life and mission.
Catholic Social
Teaching
On March 7, Sr. Mary Johnson SNDdeN offers her insight on Catholic Social Teaching.
Universal Culture of Justice
On April 30, Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Marie Lopez offers her insight on the Universal Culture of Justice.
Evolution of the Contemplative Life
On May 23, Sr. Cristina Robaina CST offers her insight on the Evolution of the Contemplative Life.
Expression of Contemplative Life Today
On July 2, Sr. Carmen Toledano OSA presents an insight into the Expression of Contemplative Life in the contemporary context.
To
Be
Confirmed
On October 15, Contemplative Congregational Councilors Srs. Edith Olaguer, Sadhani Welmillage, and Cristina Rodriguez will bring the Bicentenary Zoominar series to a close.
Contemplative Reflections and Creative Responses
Reflections are shared after each Zoominar session by a few contemplative sisters. You can read these in the Bicentenary Committee newsletters or you can access them below.
In addition, we felt that to engage the spirit and heart of our Jubilee, words alone will not suffice. Therefore, to deepen the reflections, everyone in the Congregation is invited to submit a creative response expressing what is stirring within them. These include:
- artwork, (sculpture, painting, etc.);
- song and music;
- food recipe;
- poetry and inspiring stories;
- planting or any symbolic action.
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Selected creative responses will be displayed in the Generalate in November 2025 to celebrate God’s divine presence in all of our lives.
Please submit your creative responses using the form below or email them to creations@gssweb.org.
