Ripples of Hope and Unity: The CLT’s Transformative Visit to Singapore’s Good Shepherd Mission
Edited from submissions by Ms Melina Ong, Partner-in-Mission, Restful Waters, Ms Chaung Luu, Good Shepherd Student Care Manager, Sr. Julia Queck, Unit Link Communicator, Singapore (Province of Singapore and Malaysia)
The arrival of Congregational Leader, Sr. Joan Marie Lopez, and three members of her team, Srs. Josita Corera, Marie Francoise Mestry, and Yolanda Sanchez, to Singapore marked a momentous occasion for our sisters, partners-in-mission, and all involved in the Good Shepherd mission in Singapore.
The five-day visit focused on celebrating the mission’s impactful work, fostering meaningful connections within our Good Shepherd network, and envisioning new possibilities for growth and collaboration.
This visit began on May 20 at Good Shepherd Place, a building complex which, in addition to housing a convent and province offices, is home to Marymount Pres-chool and Marymount Centre.
And in the days that followed, they visited Restful Waters, Good Shepherd Pre-school, a crisis shelter with self-contained units, Good Shepherd Student Care and Marymount Convent School, which in totality encapsulate the heart of the Good Shepherd mission in Singapore, serving as a sanctuary of hope and healing.
The congregational leaders received a warm welcome at Marymount Centre from staff and residents, who shared inspiring stories. With Marymount Centre services spanning three 24/7 children’s homes, a crisis shelter, and student care, it stands firm in its mission to empower lives, restore rights, and uphold dignity.
In addition, they saw how the learning programs empower residents. They met a student who grew in her journey of academic progress through dedicated support and teamwork. Such moments underscored the power of Marymount Centre’s trauma-informed care model, confirming its vital role in rebuilding lives and fostering self-worth for those who need it most.
The visit to Restful Waters, which houses Good Shepherd Pre-school, offered the Congregational Leadership Team a glimpse into a place of serenity and reflection. Restful Waters, guided by a vision to nurture deeper connections with self, others, and God, offers unique restorative opportunities to individuals across all walks of life.
There was an energizing spirit in the room, as mission partners, some meeting for the first time, connected with one another and with our congregational leaders. The circle conversation offered a space for each person to share how they came to be connected with the Good Shepherd mission. It was inspiring to hear the stories and to feel the shared passion and vision—to reach out in love, following in the footsteps of Jesus the Good Shepherd, who said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The presence of the congregational leaders brought inspiration and strengthened the sense of unity among mission partners. The legacy of connection shared that day continues to ripple across the community.
On their third day, the leadership team visited the Primary School and the Primary 4 and 5 at Good Shepherd Student Care where the students had baked butter cookies as a token of gratitude for the visiting sisters. Senior Teacher Ms. Eleana Tan presented them with a beautiful handmade quilling art piece as a welcoming gift. This exchange set the tone for the day, fostering connection and a sense of community. The sisters visit created cherished memories for the children, who were eager to listen and learn.
The visit continued with the congregational leaders meeting with staff and the school management board at Marymount Convent School and key staff and the board of directors at Marymount Centre where meaningful conversations illuminated the discussions about the new structures that are being implemented within the mission. This has provided an opportunity to broaden perspectives and vision on social ministry partnerships in Singapore. Throughout their visit, the congregational leaders met with sisters, staff, and partners-in-mission both communally and individually. These interactions highlighted not just their leadership but their deep humanity and genuine commitment. They offered heartfelt guidance and practical solutions, all while fostering a renewed sense of unity, collaboratoin, and purpose among everyone involved.
One staff member remarked, “Their presence and attentiveness reminded us that we do not walk this mission alone. It is a shared path, built on love and care” and Sr. Fiona Yeo spoke of how “they were so interested in listening, and truly held space, for both what was said and unsaid. They offered me and perhaps many others concrete help, not just generic or arbitrary advice. They genuinely invested in all that was shared.”
From the joyful laughter of school children and happy dances of young and not-so-young programme participants, to sincere, deep, and meaningful conversations with mission partners, each moment reinforced the values of love, unity, and compassion and was a grace-filled reminder of the transformational power of the Good Shepherd mission. Their presence reinvigorated connections within the community, inspired renewed dedication to Good Shepherd values. They have left an indelible mark on those they met.
