On August 2, 2025, four sisters made their final vows in Madagascar, marking not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a deeper, lifelong commitment to the Good Shepherd mission. Here they share the moments that defined their journey, the joys that sustained them, and the love that continues to call them forward.
A Journey of Faith Across Borders (Sr. Esther Soanome Lazanamalala, RGS)
In my seventh year as a Sister of the Good Shepherd, I look back on a journey filled with unexpected graces. After completing my professional training, I was sent for an international formation year in France. At first, I was overwhelmed—living in a new country, adapting to new customs, learning a new language. But through it all, I discovered the beauty of surrendering to God’s plan.
What especially deepened my faith was visiting the sacred places linked to our Founders—Caen, Noirmoutier, and the Motherhouse in Angers. These moments of walking where they once walked renewed my sense of mission and my desire to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd with even greater conviction.
Equally transformative was my time serving the elderly and persons with disabilities. Their resilience and gentleness taught me how to embody Christ’s love in small, concrete acts—through listening, presence, and compassion.
What keeps my zeal alive is knowing that Jesus called me by name to love and serve Him. I have freely chosen to follow Him each day, through joy and through the cross. His grace carries me, and His mission gives my life meaning.
“Mercy as My Guiding Light” (Sr. Bienvenue Randriamananantsoa, RGS)
Six years into religious life, I can say that my greatest discovery has been the depth of God’s mercy. It has carried me through painful goodbyes, personal trials, and moments of growth. God’s mercy came to me through the patience of my community, the courage to seek reconciliation, and the strength to get back up after failure.
This journey of inner transformation hasn’t always been easy. Letting go of home, family, and familiar things was painful. Yet, in these very moments, I encountered Christ’s faithful love. I learned that fidelity is not about perfection, but about trust—trusting in the One who called me.
My relationship with Jesus is what fuels me. In prayer, in the sacraments, in silence, I return to Him again and again. His presence renews my strength and gives me courage when I am weary. I don’t walk this path by my own strength. I walk it with His grace. And that grace is enough.
“Finding Jesus in the Little Ones” (Sr. Judith Voahary Nandrianina, RGS)
One of the most impactful chapters of my eight-year formation was the two years I spent at the Fihavanana Center, working with children and vulnerable girls. It was a place where joy and suffering existed side by side. These young lives—often marked by deep hardship—radiated a joy that moved me to tears. I felt so privileged to be with them.
Serving at the Center helped me put into practice all that I had learned, both spiritually and professionally. I used my talents and education not just to teach or support, but to love. I came à la understand more fully what it means to be a Sister of the Good Shepherd: to recognize Christ in the poor and the suffering, and to serve Him there with zeal and tenderness.
Today, as I make my final vows, my heart overflows with gratitude. I am amazed by the grace I have received throughout this journey. I thank God for calling me, and I thank the Congregation for welcoming me. My mission is now a permanent offering—a joyful “yes” to walk with the most vulnerable in society.
“Strength in Community and Grace’’ (Sr. Lydia Lalaina, RGS)
During my seven years of consecrated life, I’ve come to deeply understand the sustaining power of God’s love. This love has called me to serve the marginalized and to witness Christ’s mercy wherever I’m sent. Even in painful moments, I’ve found joy—not in circumstances, but in the presence of Jesus.
Prayer remains at the heart of my journey. It is in quiet moments before the Lord that I hear His voice most clearly. His love is what fuels my energy and passion. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I return to that well of grace where I find renewed strength.
Community life has also been a great source of growth. Living, praying, and serving alongside other sisters has taught me humility, patience, and joy in shared mission. It’s in these spaces of dialogue and mutual support that I feel God’s presence alive in our midst.
My formation continues every day through commitment, self-giving, and the desire to grow personally and spiritually. I move forward trusting completely in God—through perseverance, through hope, and through a deep love for those I am sent to serve.
A Shared Mission of Hope
Though each of their stories is unique, they share a single mission—to be women of hope in a world longing for healing and compassion. They have said “yes” to a life of prayer, service, and love. They have chosen to walk with Christ the Good Shepherd, who seeks out the lost, comforts the broken, and never tires of loving.
