By Ms. Socorro Lalap, Partner-in-Mission, St Bridget College Batangas, Philippines (Province of Philippines and Japan)
A series of cluster meetings were recently held to foster a shared understanding of the new governance structure within the Province of Philippines-Japan. These gatherings took place at Maryridge Retreat and Renewal Center in Tagaytay from July 22 to 24, at Heart of Mary Villa Hall in Quezon City from July 28 to 30, and at Good Shepherd Spirituality and Training Center in Cebu from August 4 to 6, 2024.
The meetings – facilitated by members of the Province Restructuring Team (also known as the Unit Implementation Team) – brought together a diverse group of participants united in their commitment to the Congregation’s mission, with 22 sisters and 26 partners-in-mission attending at Tagaytay, 34 sisters and 30 partners-in-mission in Quezon, and 23 sisters and 17 partners-in-mission in Cebu.
The three-day sessions began with a reflection on the Congregation’s spiritual heritage. Taking inspiration from the zeal, audacity, and creativity of St Mary Euphrasia and St John Eudes, the participants explored pathways toward transforming governance in alignment with the 31st Congregational Chapter’s Call to Action.
Participants went through the rationale behind the new governance structure, discussing the historical journey and the evolving landscape of the Province of Philippines-Japan.
Day two focused on the founding history of the Congregation and the Province’s transition toward a regional structure. Attendees examined the SCOPE of this shift, reflecting on its impact and the discernment required for the Province’s new governance framework. A special emphasis was placed on the role of partners-in-mission, acknowledging their essential contributions to the Congregation’s evolving governance.
There was also an evening marked by moments of joy and camaraderie, fostering a sense of community among all mission partners.
On the final day, participants were moved by the reflections shared by the Contemplative sisters, offering spiritual insights into the Congregation’s mission. The discussions then turned to the operational structures of the area community, a vital component of the new governance model.
The meetings concluded with an evaluation and a closing ritual, reinforcing our collective commitment to the Congregation’s future.
The completion of these cluster meetings marks a significant milestone in the Congregation’s journey toward regionalization. As the Province continues to navigate this transformative path, upcoming meetings and dialogues will further refine these discussions and outline the concrete steps needed to move forward.
These gatherings have laid a strong foundation for the new governance structure of the Province of Philippines-Japan, highlighting the unity and shared purpose of all those involved in the Good Shepherd mission.
