Dear friends, join us in prayer as we commit to our Shepherd God the soul of our beloved Sr. Mary Josephine Bacaltos, RGS. Sr Jo peacefully passed on yesterday, March 4, 2023 in our convent in Davao City. Sister would have turned 86 this coming feast of her patron, St Joseph, on March 19. She was 61 years a Good Shepherd apostolic sister, having served in various capacities as a teacher in St Bridget College in Batangas and a group mother in our residential ministries in Baguio and Cebu. She was also involved in community organizing and development in both rural and urban setting in Negros Oriental, North Cotabato and Davao City. A good deal of her years in mission (more than 40 years) were spent serving the women and children of Davao City in collaboration with networks including the local government.
As an elderly sister looking back at her vocation journey, she wrote: “God never tire of telling me I am loved… My life as a Good Shepherd Sister is a continuous call to be a presence of Jesus to anyone who needs the merciful love of God. Many times what were impossible feats became possible. Miraculous transformation of life and conversion of hearts, healing of the spirit happen over and over again to girls and women who are victims of abuse and violence. The God of impossibilities has worked in such breathtaking ways.
Because of the marvelous wonder Jesus the Good Shepherd has wrought in my life, I have no doubt that He calls other young women to the Congregation who have the gift of passing on the charism of mercy, compassion and healing. My vocation story continues to unfold daily, and surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life as I dwell in the house of the Lord…”
Thank you dear Sr Jo! Indeed may more young women experience the love of Jesus and like you, respond to the call to be His presence in the world. Enjoy now in the embrace of our Good Shepherd who loved and called you and now welcomes you to dwell in His house…forever!
