By Sr. Mary Sobia James, Unit Communication Officer, Pakistan
For five decades, the Good Shepherd mission in Pakistan has carried the compassionate love of Jesus the Good Shepherd to the poor, needy, and marginalized. As we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, we look back with profound gratitude at the seeds of service sown and the abundant blessings we continue to receive.
A Legacy of Compassion
Our journey began in January 1976, when the first convent was officially opened in the rural village of Fatimapur, Multan. Responding to the urgent call to serve, our early sisters laid a foundation of care that soon expanded to Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Over the last 50 years, our mission has flourished, focusing on empowering women and children through shelters, educational initiatives, and vital social services. We have walked alongside the vulnerable, offering refuge and the opportunity to transform their lives.
A Season of Celebration and Connection
Our Jubilee celebrations were marked by a “four-fold bundle of blessings,” highlighted by the long-awaited canonical visit of our Congregational Leadership Team (CLT). From December 29, 2025, to January 5, 2026, we were delighted to host Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Marie Lopez and her councilors, Sr. Josita Corera and Sr. Marie Francoise Mestry.
The sisters in Karachi offered a warm, traditional welcome, adorning our guests with flowers and the Ajrak (traditional shawl). Their visit to Karachi and Lahore was a time of deep listening and renewal, as they shared in our life-giving experiences and the challenges we face. We also welcomed our Province Leader, Sr. Roshanthi Ranwatta, and her councilor, Sr. Mary Francine Muthugala, whose encouragement and hard work for our community have been invaluable.
New Beginnings and Gratitude
A significant milestone in our journey towards the formation of new Region* in 2026 was the official handover of the Pakistan mission to the care of the Indonesia Unit. In a moving virtual ceremony (pictured below), Sr. Roshanthi entrusted our mission to Sr. Alfonsa, the Unit Leader for Indonesia, marking a new chapter in our history.
On January 2, 2026, we gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass to officially commemorate our Golden Jubilee. It was a day to honor the Sri Lankan sisters who first planted the seeds of this mission, nurturing it with the zeal of St. Mary Euphrasia. To mark the occasion, a special Jubilee song—composed with contributions from our sisters, partners-in-mission, and program participants—was released.
We liken this time of togetherness to Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: a sacred encounter of shared faith and life-giving spirit. We remain deeply grateful to our leadership teams and the local church for walking this 50-year journey with us. May the spirit of this Jubilee remain our core strength as we move forward in mission.
*The new Region will unite the Provinces of Indonesia, Northeast Asia, Australia / Aotearoa-New Zealand, Singapore / Malaysia, and the Sector of Pakistan (although Singapore will form part of a new different region).
Learn more about the Good Shepherd mission in Pakistan here 
