By Jenny Beatrice, Director of Communications, Region of US / Toronto
On the Feast of St. John Eudes, August 19, Sr. Theresa Nguyen professed her first vows. While this marks a significant step in her vocation journey, it is a shared journey of accompaniment, community, transformation, and hope that enriches everyone who participates.
El Wisdom Resource Formation Team guided Sr. Theresa on her journey; members include Srs. Barbara Beasley, Brigid Lawlor, Gayle Lwanga, Jude Ellen Golumbieski, Claudia Palacio, and partner-in-mission Melinda Stricklen.
«From the beginning of this journey, I recognized that initial formation is not the work of one person but a communal ministry that is enriched by the shared wisdom, experience, and commitment of many,” says Sr. Claudia Palacio, vocation/formation director.
«The meetings we had as a formation team with the vocation team were very life-giving. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to live our charism in this way,” shares Sr. Brigid.
Beyond the team, many sister communities across the region participated in Sr. Theresa’s formation, including Cincinnati, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.
Sr. Gayle, a member of the Beechwood Community in Cincinnati, says, “The entire experience was so life-giving for all of us; it was a wonderful journey of sharing faith through theological reflection."
Sr. Jude Ellen shared that when Sr. Theresa visited the contemplative community in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, “Sr. Theresa participated fully in our life, and her wish to learn more about contemplative prayer and the contemplative lifestyle was evident."
Shared Journey
Formation was not only a journey of growth for Sr. Theresa but also a transformative experience for those who walked alongside her.
«Through the classes and sessions planned for Sr. Theresa’s preparation, we discover that we are all both learners and teachers,” says Sr. Barbara. “Accompanying her as she prepares for her vows is a privilege that deepens my awe and appreciation as I witness the power of God’s call and her generous response.”
Sr. Theresa is equally grateful for those who walked beside her. “I have been truly blessed by the accompaniment of the formation team throughout this journey. Their guidance, encouragement, love and the many prayers they have offered for me have made this journey a true blessing.”
Melinda sees the inclusion of partners-in-mission in formation as a meaningful and evolving expression of the charism. “Partners-in-mission have always been woven into the fabric of Good Shepherd mission, having been a partner for nearly 50 years. I am so grateful to have been invited to be a member of this special circle of friends and look forward to the future together.”
A Sign of Hope for the Future
While Sr. Theresa’s profession marks a milestone in her journey, it is also the beginning of a new chapter as the Good Shepherd community continues to walk together in mission, accompaniment and hope.
And it’s a future of hope as the Good Shepherd mission continues to call people into the fold. Sr. Barbara says, “I deeply hope that many others will be moved and energized by our profoundly timely and urgent mission.”
Sr. Gayle says, “We look forward to the next young woman we will get to pray and share faith with as she explores her call to life with Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.”
