By the Communication Center, Bolivia/Chile Province
From March 2 to 6, the IV Provincial Chapter 2026 took place at the Buen Pastor retreat house in Valparaíso, Chile. Around 50 participants gathered, including sisters and partners-in-mission from Chile, with representatives from Bolivie joining remotely.
The Chapter served as a space for communion, evaluation, and discernment, with a focus on shaping the province’s future direction and electing the new contemplative and apostolic leadership team for 2026–2027. Over the course of the meeting, participants engaged in reflection, prayer, and dialogue, sharing key aspects of their work and contributing to a more integrated understanding of the Good Shepherd mission.
Several reports were presented, including the accounting and finance overview, shared in person by Orlando Gajardo from the Administration for Mission Team and complemented from Bolivia via Zoom by Walter Alanés. Partners-in-mission also shared their testimonies that nourished the spirit of shared discernment. The Region South Committee contributed with a session on the process of regionalization, led by Sr. Nelly León.
A central moment was the sharing among the sisters, marked by active listening and an openness to the Spirit, which led to the discernment of the new leadership team. Sr. Sandra Suárez Cordero was re-elected as Provincial. The apostolic council includes Sr. Francisca Ponce Castro as the first apostolic councilor and Sr. María Cristina Paso as the second apostolic councilor, while Sr. Clarina Méndez continues as contemplative councilor.
At the close of the chapter, Congregational Leader Sister Joan Lopez offered words of gratitude:
''Now I want to thank the previous leadership of Sisters Sandra Suárez, Carolina, Clarina, Ema, and Guadalupe. I am confident that, after your rest, you will be called again to serve; thank you for your availability. I also pray for the new leadership team, that the Ruah may guide you, showing you the paths to follow so that no one is left behind or excluded. Thank you for your service and for choosing unity at this important moment, so that new possibilities may open for the future.”
This gathering marks a step forward for the province, grounded in listening, shared responsibility, and commitment to the mission in the spirit of the Good Shepherd.
