By Sr. Rozina Emmanuel, Province of Sri Lanka / Pakistan (Pakistan Sector)

La Maria Droste Home for Girls was established in 2011 en Multan, Pakistan, with the vision of supporting underprivileged girls from rural areas. The home began with just two girls, aiming to provide basic education, life skills, and social awareness to help transform family and community life.

Since then, the project has continued to grow steadily, offering educational opportunities and moral formation, in addition to organizing awareness-raising sessions for girls and their families to help create healthier home environments.

Over the years, the home has helped transform the lives of countless girls, guiding them toward brighter futures. Their success stories, characterized by resilience and empowerment, reflect the immense impact of the global Good Shepherd mission.

This year, on June 8, following a week of spiritual and practical preparations, residents and staff of the Maria Droste Home for Girls celebrated the Feast of Blessed Maria Droste – drawing inspiration from the example of her life and deep spirituality.

The day’s events highlighted the life of Blessed Maria Droste, a devoted woman of faith whose love for the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús inspired a lifetime of service to society’s most vulnerable. Her compassion and dedication have become a driving force behind the work of the sisters and partners-in-mission at the home who are committed to empowering underprivileged girls and fostering hope among local marginalized communities.

The celebration featured a range of engaging activities, including a cultural program with a drama highlighting key moments from Maria Droste’s life, such as her historic letter to Pope Leo XIII that led to the consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart. Participants also took part in a quiz on her mission and wrote personal prayer intentions. Additionally, a vibrant tableau performance brought to life the virtues and values she championed in a creative way.

Lives Transformed Through Love and Service

To celebrate the feast, two residents of the Maria Droste Home shared their testimony about the profound impact of this initiative.

Ayesha*, who arrived as a shy 8th-grader but left with confidence, skills, and faith after discovering her passions in tailoring, doll-making, and teaching.

"From the very beginning, the environment at the home was very supportive and encouraging, especially towards education. The sisters continuously guided us in our studies, which helped me grow academically and personally.

Early on, I began learning to cook and sew. This gradually led me to doll-making, and I even started uploading my creations on social media. As my interest grew, I began to discover my talents and passions. Through these activities, I developed discipline and learned how to manage things in an organized and responsible way.

Eventually, I started giving online classes. Although I made many mistakes in the beginning, I learned from them and corrected them on my own. This phase of my journey taught me the importance of self-reliance, problem-solving, and persistence.

I was also blessed with the opportunity to participate in various training and seminars. These experiences expanded my knowledge and taught me how to share what I had learned with others. I discovered how to help others uncover their hidden talents and realized the joy of contributing to their growth.

One of the most memorable parts of my journey was serving as an altar server—an experience that, along with catechesis, a transformative silent retreat in 2024, and Lenten seminars guided by the sisters, deepened my faith, strengthened my relationship with God, and taught me to live with purpose, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of commitment and service.

Through these experiences, I actively participated in various social programs, where I had the opportunity to showcase my talents and learn from others. These platforms boosted my confidence and gave me a broader perspective on life.

I will always be grateful to the sisters for helping me grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. They helped me become the person I am today — confident, responsible, and ready to serve society with the skills and values I have acquired.”

Another resident, Sakina*, shared about how she grew into a strong, self-aware young woman through seminars on women’s rights and compassionate guidance from the sisters.

"From the very beginning, I was warmly welcomed by the sisters and staff. The hostel also provided a well-rounded atmosphere for growth. Sr. Sumaira, in charge of the residential program, takes our classes. Her sweet nature and gentle yet impactful teaching made me realize the true meaning of education. Regular seminars on gender justice and women’s rights made me mentally strong, aware, and confident in expressing my opinions.

We were regularly trained in various programs designed to enhance our practical knowledge and life skills. The sisters at the hostel always guided us with patience and love.

Looking back, I feel deeply grateful for everything this place has given me—the courage to grow, the confidence to express myself, and the wisdom to lead a meaningful and organized life.

The home became more than just a place to live; it became my second home, a space of safety, support, and transformation."

The stories of these young women show how the home has become much more than a shelter; it’s a place for transformation and the creation of new possibilities.

The day’s events served as a powerful reminder of the tireless efforts of Good Shepherd sisters and partners-in-mission. Through unwavering commitment, an environment of love, service, and spiritual growth is cultivated where the lives of countless girls are transformed and new hope for a new future is nurtured.

*the names of the girls have been changed to protect their identity