On April 24, 2026, sisters and partners-in-mission across our global mission marked the feast day of our foundress, Saint Mary Euphrasia, in a way that reflected both our geographic span and spiritual unity. From the first light of dawn in the East to the close of day in the West, we formed an unbroken rhythm of prayer, celebration, and renewed commitment, weaving a tapestry of stories both global and personal.
The East Awakens
The day began in the Province of Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand, where the feast coincided with a remarkable milestone: the 60th anniversary of profession of Sr. Jan Ryan and Sr. Johanna Mathysen.
Their voices brimmed with gratitude as they reflected, “We feel privileged to have been invited into the lives of so many people. To have been trusted at a particular time in their life which has been difficult, or frightening, or special, or fun! The everyday mix of what life serves up for us!” Their words captured the essence of the Good Shepherd charism—walking alongside others, even briefly, in the complexity of life’s journey.
Further north in the Philippines, Dr. Juliet Colingey, who recently passed her medical board exam and once worked as a student-volunteer in a Good Shepherd community in Baguio shared her journey of perseverance: “As a way of paying it forward, I have committed to serve as a village doctor for three years before pursuing my specialization.” In Quezon City, Sisters Mary Patricia Perez, Myra Atian and Maria Teresa Mahinay celebrated jubilees, while children at the Heart of Mary Villa engaged actively in learning about the foundress through quizzes and programs that brought her legacy to life.
At Marymount Convent School in à Singapour, week-long celebrations included activities such as “Fishing for Values”, award ceremonies, and storytelling sessions to connect students to the spirit of Saint Mary Euphrasia. “Knowing our Mother Foundress and learning to live and love as she did undergird the heart of these experiences, shaping how we grow in compassion, courage and joyful service to others,” shared a staff member Ms. Geraldine Roberts. A rainbow appearing on the morning of the feast became a powerful symbol for participants—an affirmation of hope and divine presence guiding our shared mission.
Despite ongoing political challenges, Good Shepherd communities in Myanmar gathered to recall the early missionary expansion of the congregation to their country in the 19e century. Sr. Assumpta Shwe shared the life story and missionary spirit of Mary Euphrasia with nineteen young women participating in the “Venez et voyez” week, encouraging potential vocations to reflect on their own call and openness to serve.
Communities in Central East India and Nepal (CEIN) gathered around the theme “Called to Care” blending online and offline events. Stories, contests, and special meals brought children, teachers, and mission partners together. In Sri Lanka -the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ – the entire country connected through multilingual prayers and hymns, united by the message that “our zeal must embrace the whole world.»
Across Africa and the Middle East: Celebrating Spirit and Service
Moving westward to Africa and the Indian Ocean, the celebrations took on distinct local expressions while maintaining a shared spiritual core. In l'île Maurice, Partner-in-Mission Marie-Françoise Audibert gave a presentation on the life of Saint Mary Euphrasia to the girls residing at Pelletier House whilst on Reunion sisters met virtually with others from the French-speaking region with whom they are journeying as part of the regionalization process and took a virtual ‘journey’ to Egypt through various presentations on the houses, missions and apostolate, as well as some testimonies.
À Mozambique, amid military conflict and insurgency, sisters and partners-in-mission focused on providing support to displaced families: “We provide food supplies and clothing donated by people of goodwill,” said Sr. Luzia Chilombo. Further vocational training for women in sewing and tailoring illustrate how the legacy of Saint Mary Euphrasia continues to respond to contemporary challenges. One women who received a sewing machine which had been donated by the First Lady spoke of how “the machines we received allow us to start our own small business and provide for our children. »
À Liban, amid ongoing uncertainty and hardship, Sister Giselle’s annual tradition of taking a flower to Sister Isabelle—a gesture that has lasted 69 years—reminded everyone of enduring love, fidelity, shared vocation, and echoed Saint Mary Euphrasia’s words: “In love, we share all we have and are, for all is gift.»
Across the Province pour l'Afrique du Centre-Ouest, festivities included prayers and reunions with partners-in-mission, program participants, visiting GSIF staff, and protentional vocations. Reflecting together, one partner noted, “The day stood as a powerful reminder of the collective effort to uphold human dignity and transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. »
Egypt’s communities gathered for adoration and school celebrations, while in Angola the feast was preceded by a period of spiritual preparation and events for women to explore their vocation to the mission. In Afrique Du Sud, novenas, masses, and community outreach activities brought everyone together. Celebrations at the Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission included drama and dance by the children and the inauguration of a newly revamped staff room.
Europe and West Africa: A Chorus of Unity
Europe offered both a historical anchor and a vibrant expression of international unity. In Malta, the feast extended over several days, combining liturgical celebration with the renewal of vows and commitments by sisters and partners-in-mission. In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Joe Galea Curmi underscored the Good Shepherd’s calling: “Nobody is excluded… all are called individually by name. »
Meanwhile in France, the pulse of the congregation in Angers beat strong as over 150 sisters – including Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Marie Lopez and five Congregational Councilors – and partners from more than 60 countries filled the Maison-Mère with praise, poetry, and song. Parallel virtual gatherings extended this sense of unity beyond physical boundaries, connecting communities across regions “and reminded us” as one sister shared, “that Saint Mary Euphrasia continues to inspire and bring together people from all over the world. »
À Burkina Faso, the community celebrated the feast “around the Eucharist with our Eudist fathers and partners-in-mission,” followed by a meal, cultural dances, and even a humorous dramatic sketch, illustrating the warmth and creativity that animate the mission.
Sunset in the Americas: Renewing Hope and Commitment
As twilight fell in the Americas, the spirit of Saint Mary Euphrasia continued to shine. au Brésil celebrated the 54e anniversary of Colegio Buen Pastor in Salvador. In the light of the witness of Saint Mary Euphrasia, the community was invited to renew its commitment to an education that humanizes, welcomes, and transforms—grounded in Gospel values such as mercy, compassion, solidarity, justice, and peace.
À Argentina, the focus was on education and rehabilitation, particularly among imprisoned women. “The work produced in the different workshops is displayed at fairs open to the public. It gives women the opportunity to showcase their talents and sell their products,” shared Sister Marcela Arriola
Colombie et Venezuela’s communities joined in shared prayer, formation activities, and moments of fraternity. The active participation of sisters, partners, volunteers, and program participants, especially the women engaged in empowerment programs, reflected a renewed commitment to human dignity and service. Celebrations concluded with a symbolic toast with water, proclaiming together: “For the life that overcomes death, for our mission, and for the legacy of Santa María Eufrasia that lives on in us.»
Équateur’s celebrations took place across communities, apostolates, and schools, culminating in a gathering in Cumbayá, which featured a visit to the Good Shepherd Museum. “We could ‘touch’ our history through her letters, annals, and relics—feeling her presence more alive than ever among us,” recalled one participant.
A Mission Without Borders
From sunrise in the East to sunset in the West, the global Good Shepherd family came together as one. Across languages, continents, and cultures, the celebrations wove together stories of courage, faith, gratitude, and unwavering commitment.
As Saint Mary Euphrasia’s vision echoes into the future, the words “une personne vaut mieux qu'un monde” remain at the heart of this living mission.
United in gratitude and zeal, the congregation looks ahead—to a mission without borders, where hope, mercy, and compassion continue to rise anew with every dawn.
Caption: In South Africa, a vibrant community day honored both beneficiaries and children, including drama and cultural dances.
Caption: In Argentina and Uruguay, the festivities highlighted creative education and vocational training for women impacted by incarceration.
Caption: “We are truly carried with purpose—guided by Jesus our Good Shepherd, inspired by our Foundress, and strengthened by one another.”
Caption: The Saint Mary Euphrasia Award was presented to students who embody holistic excellence in both character and achievement.
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