Dear friends, we have another intercessor in heaven! With heavy, yet grateful hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Sr Mary Angela Battung, RGS early this morning of October 15, 2024, Feast of St Teresa Avila. Sister was 58 years a Good Shepherd Sister, 43 of which were spent in overseas mission: 20 years in Korea and 23 years in Canada. Recalling her experience of mission and inter-culturality, Sr Angela shared:
“Beginning to understand ‘otherness,’ and to respect other races, one begins to become sensitive to one’s own prejudices, misconceptions, assumptions, defenses. Given the right conditions, it is possible for all nationalities to live and work together in charity and spirit of peace. We are all called to share God’s home and to build God’s kingdom. Enabled to accept the reality that we are not nor can we ever be all the same, we acknowledge our differences and remain different, without feeling threatened.
My journey began when I took my first giant step out of my country and culture. Today, I like to believe that I am no longer culture bound. One finally ‘arrives’ and comes home. The language has been learned. The environment and food have become comfortable and familiar. The missionary is not only willing and ready, but also available to spread and accept the Good News. There is deep wonder and awe and gratitude to God, to one’s congregation and its charism.
I have heeded St. M. Euphrasia’s counsel: ‘Go forth and erect your tents from one end of the world to the other. One town, one foundation should not satisfy your zeal…’ I am no longer Filipina, Canadian, Korean, French… I am a Religious of the Good Shepherd. I belong to all nations. With zeal I embrace the world!”
Thank you Sr Angela for the inspiration of your zealous witness and missionary spirit! Help us pray that more young women also offer themselves for the sake of the Gospel.
