By Sr. Julia, Unit Communicator, Province of Central East India – Nepal (CEIN)
On June 4th, 2025, a new chapter began in Ayandur Village, Villupuram District, India, with the inauguration of a new mission to deliver care and holistic empowerment to the rural poor.
Celebrated during the centenary of the Good Shepherd mission in Chennai and the silver jubilee of its foundation in Salem, the Ayandur initiative stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Mary Euphrasia’s vision, affirming that “each soul is worth more than the entire world.”
The historic inauguration event on June 4 reflected the deep community connection and commitment that our sisters and partners-in-mission have fostered in the area over the years. In fact, the new initiative is the result of dialogue with local leaders such as Fr. Sahaya Celestine and Mr. Antony Dass to ensure it meets the needs of the people in the village.
The ceremony, which included a blessing by the Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, coincided with the St. Antony’s Church flag festival and drew dignitaries, villagers, and leaders from across India and Nepal.
Led by Sr. Vinnarasi and Sr. Rubi Kala, the new mission in Ayandur is built on three core pillars: Pastoral Care, which offers spiritual healing and faith-based accompaniment to support the holistic well-being of women and their families; Social Empowerment, through initiatives such as skill development, women’s empowerment, and education for children, targeting marginalized communities; and Community Engagement, which fosters dialogue, unity, and active local participation.
At its heart, the mission seeks to create a sanctuary where the vulnerable can experience dignity, hope, and renewed purpose through the compassion of the Good Shepherd. Its presence in the village is a tribute to Sr. Arockiamary and Sr. Monica D’Silva, daughters of Ayandur, who embraced their vocation as Good Shepherd sisters – spreading awareness of our mission to this village and beyond.
Beyond providing spiritual care, the sisters aim to partner with local leaders to identify key areas of development and encourage villagers to take an active role in building a compassionate and united community.
The Ayandur mission aspires to become a beacon of light for the unreached corners of Tamil Nadu, anchored in faith, love, and renewal. With ongoing support and participation, this initiative holds the promise of expanding the tent of the Good Shepherd mission, touching more lives and creating ripple effects of empowerment far beyond Ayandur.
The sisters embody the words of St. Mary Euphrasia, “We should have but one desire: to make God known and loved.” Through their efforts, Ayandur has already witnessed the synergy of faith and transformation, bound by hope for a brighter future.
