On April 24th, sisters and partners-in-mission came together across the five continents to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Mary Euphrasia, foundress of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. The day marked a sacred occasion to honor her life and her legacy of compassion, mercy, and service to society’s most vulnerable. Reflecting the global reach of our Good Shepherd mission, the celebrations began in the East and concluded in the West, uniting our Congregation in an unbroken chain of shared spirituality and mission. Below we share just some of these activities.
Philippines (Province of Philippines-Japan)
The morning sun first illuminated the feast day festivities in the Philippines. A significant moment was the blessing of the new regional novitiate house in Tagaytay City, where six Vietnamese and three Filipino novices began their formation journeys. This renewal symbolized hope and continuity, as a space once enclosed by contemplative sisters found new life.
In Quezon City, mission partners engaged in a quiz on St. Mary Euphrasia’s life and values, while women and children from Heart of Mary Villa entertained the elderly sisters with a lively procession. Creativity shone in Cagayan de Oro, where a song interpretation contest showcased St. Mary Euphrasia’s legacy of compassion. Meanwhile, St. Bridget College exemplified the theme “Compassion in Action” by distributing porridge to street workers after Mass.
The contemplative sisters in Butuan embraced a triduum of Masses, culminating in a celebratory Eucharist led by Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla. His sermon reiterated St. Mary Euphrasia’s message of mercy and love.
Hong Kong (Province of North-East Asia)
While celebrations in Hong Kong were modest, they were deeply meaningful. The Mary Cove community integrated their feast day reflections into Adoration and Vespers, proclaiming a commitment to the virtues of their Foundress. At Mary’s Home shelter, a session on “St. Mary Euphrasia, Model of Holiness” invited foreign domestic workers into a deep reflection. Inspired by her values, participants spoke of their renewed self-worth and determination to thrive.
Syria (Province of Lebanon-Syria)
Under challenging circumstances, communities in Homs, Syria came together at the Church of the Resurrection for a moving commemoration. The revival of feast day celebrations after a prolonged period symbolized resilience. Reflective presentations on St. Mary Euphrasia’s mission reignited the Congregation’s commitment to service and compassion, especially for children and marginalized girls. Moments of prayer and fellowship underscored unity and hope in a region scarred by adversity.
Angola and Mozambique (Province of Angola-Mozambique)
Communities across Angola and Mozambique embraced St. Mary Euphrasia’s feast day with nine days of prayerful preparation, culminating in heartfelt celebrations. Despite mourning the loss of Pope Francis, the sisters and their partners honored their Foundress through Eucharistic celebrations and fraternal gatherings in Kicolo, Camabatela, Uíge, and beyond. The day was a powerful testament to their dedication to uplifting the poor and marginalized, echoing St. Mary Euphrasia’s passionate spirit of hope and care.
Motherhouse (Angers, France)
At the Motherhouse, the day revolved around contemplation and reflection. A performance by the Folheliotrope theatre company brought to life Le Testament de Myriam de Magdala, exploring Mary Magdalene’s spiritual journey.
The poetic play enriched the shared faith of attendees, including sisters, partners-in-mission, and volunteers. A concluding Mass in the grand chapel and a shared afternoon tea created space for deep connection and renewal.
South Africa
The Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission celebrated with a nine-day novena dedicated to St. Mary Euphrasia’s virtues, such as compassion and service. Partners-in-mission, children, and program participants engaged in prayers, songs, and acts of kindness. The lighting of the Jubilee candle by a child symbolized the continuity of hope and love, inspiring all attendees to carry forward the Foundress’s enduring legacy.
Colombia (Provinceo of Colombia – Venezuala)
Celebrations in Medellín honored St. Mary Euphrasia’s unwavering commitment to justice and compassion. Gathered in prayer and reflection, the Congregation remembered her vivid declaration, “The glory of God and the salvation of souls, that is my life!” The day emphasized active love in serving vulnerable women and the marginalized, encouraging participants to reflect on her mission and renew their dedication to building a more just and merciful world.
A Unified Global Spirit
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Feast Day of St. Mary Euphrasia was a profound reminder of her enduring legacy of love, compassion, and service. Each celebration uniquely embodied her values while inspiring a deep commitment to our shared Good Shepherd mission.
The celebrations reaffirmed the global unity of the Good Shepherd family as a reconciling presence to the world. Together, we continue to draw strength from St. Mary Euphrasia’s life and message to light the path of love for generations to come.
