Sisters Sobia James and Samina Mukhtar from Pakistan, who attended the recent 20th Chapter of the Province of Sri Lanka / Pakistan (held in Sri Lanka from 3 – 13 September 2025), share their experience.

With mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness, we felt so grateful to attend the Chapter as delegates, something which was a new experience for both of us!

The 20th Province Chapter was a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal. It provided us with an opportunity to evaluate the progress of the past six years and to discern the future direction of the Good Shepherd Mission in the light of the Congregation’s vision and spirit.

La opening ceremony featured a powerful symbolic act: pouring water into a boat that symbolized the call to revitalize the mission and set sail towards new horizons. This moment was deeply meaningful, marking the Chapter as a time of God’s visitation.

In her opening address, Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Lopez reminded us: “Our identity is clear: we are Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, with a vision that embraces justice and opens us to a culture that is truly universal.” A quote she shared from St. Mary Euphrasia became a guiding light throughout the Chapter:

«Let your love be stronger than your weakness or your difficulties.''

This message reminded us of all that true shepherding means: continually reaching out to the lost, the fallen, and the weak with unwavering compassion.

The chapter commenced with a three-day retreat facilitated by Sr. Inigo, which set a deeply spiritual tone. Drawing from the Word of God, Sr. Inigo reflected on the Shepherding Spirit of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. This retreat prepared the delegates to enter into the depth and meaning of the chapter process.

The sessions began with the sharing and listening of the province’s progress report over the past six years. Presented by Sr. Maryanne Perera and the Province Leadership, this report invited reflection on personal and collective contributions toward the growth of the mission, especially in Pakistan.

Throughout the days of the Chapter, we all experienced a mix of joy, challenge, renewal, and reconciliation. The process encouraged open dialogue, deep listening, and communal discernment: the facilitators, Sisters Anaya Borbon and Rebecca Kay, guided the discussions with skill and calmness, ensuring that the spirit of respect and collaboration was maintained.

We experienced the visionary spirit of our Congregational Leadership Team as they journeyed with us throughout the Chapter. Their availability and guidance supported the delegates at every stage. The cooperation between the Provincial Leadership Team (PLT) and the CLT was evident, reflecting a shared commitment and visionary leadership inspired by the Good Shepherd spirit. We are grateful to God for such leaders filled with the shepherding spirit.

The Chapter experience was a time of mutual learning and spiritual enrichment. Delegates shared openly, learned from one another, and deepened their understanding of the mission. The entire process reinforced the call to be women of contemplation, creativity, and courage.

During the periods of deliberation for the election, sisters were honest, expressing both their struggles and their hopes for the future. During these deliberations, the Sector of Pakistan proposed joining the new Region, a step believed to enhance mission effectiveness and collaboration.

This experience strengthened our sense of belonging and renewed our commitment to live the Good Shepherd mission with greater zeal and vision.

A reflection that left a lasting impression was:

«What if the darkness is not of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb?»

This symbolized hope, new birth, and transformation emerging even through times of uncertainty.

Bidding farewell to Sri Lanka was an emotional yet grace-filled moment. It was accompanied by gratitude for shared years of growth and mission, and hope for new beginnings.

The Chapter will remain a milestone of grace—an invitation to grow, to serve, and to move forward as one body, guided by the Spirit of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.