Women at the Center of our Mission
Women have always been at the heart of the Good Shepherd mission. From its inception, inspired by Marie de Vallees’ call to St. John Eudes to care for women in situations of prostitution, to the mission’s expansion beyond borders during St. Mary Euphrasia’s time, and continuing today, the congregation has remained steadfast in prioritizing the dignity and well-being of women. As stated in our constitution: “Our specific orientation is to girls and women whose condition in life cries out for the healing and salvation which Jesus alone can bring. We are deeply committed to their human and spiritual healing and integral development.”
This year’s celebration of the International Women’s Day and Women’s Month witnessed many collaborations and joint efforts with other church communities, NGOs, and government agencies, to celebrate and honor women.
NCR Celebrations
The NCR Consolidated Ministries kicked off the celebration at Heart of Mary Villa in Quezon City with a program featuring posters, slogans, and poems as well as performances of the program participants. A space was also given them to express their insights about their work.
In Welcome House – Paco, Manila, the community hosted an intimate gathering with the Asosasyon ng Kababaihan ng Peñafrancia (AKAP) members, celebrating women’s stories of courage and freedom. Likewise, women leaders and members of Basic Ecclesial Communities of San Andres Bukid Manila conducted their general assembly connecting their celebration to the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Headstart-Bukluran in Bagong Silangan celebrated with a Mass, a community parade, and a sports festival themed “Pistahan sa Bukluran – Sama-samang Pagpupugay para sa Kababaihan.” The event provided a fun break for women especially hardworking mothers. The month-long activity also included educational sessions on Bukluran policy reorientation and voter’s education.
The SMEIDFI Zoom Series on priority issues started with the topic on prostitution last March 10, with Sr. Clare Nolan sharing insights on the beginning and developemtn of the congregational position papers. Sr. Maureen Catabian guided participants through an interactive discussion of the Position Paper on prostitution. An interesting point that emerged during the exchange was how technology and the internet have reshaped prostitution, requiring a more effective response.
Sr. Maureen also spoke at an ecumenical forum jointly organized by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Ecumenical Women’s Forum and CMSP Women and Gender Commission. She shared on the “Philippine Midterm Elections and the Challenges to Women.” This was held at the Holy Trinity Parish in Manila on March 8.
In St. Bridget School’s on-campus Advocacy Group, Idinayale, led a series of activities in the grade school and high school departments to honor women’s month. With the theme Mayari: Harana sa Pagsulong ng Kababaihan, they launched a variety of events designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and unity among students, including self-defense classes.
Baguio Celebrations
In Baguio, Good Shepherd Mountain Maid Training Center hosted an awareness campaign on women’s health, offering free cervical and breast exams. Topics discussed included breast and colorectal cancer as well as tuberculosis. Local health workers from Brgy Mines View were the resource persons.
Calabarzon Celebrations
Last March 10, RGS Sisters in Bukid Kabataan were recipients of the 3rd Lyceum University of the Philippines – Cavite’s Outstanding Women of the Year.St. Bridget College Batangas painted the town purple as they encouraged everyone to wear purple from March 3-7 in celebration of Women’s Month. To promote the campaign, a short poem was shared on their social media pages.
St. Bridget College Batangas painted the town purple as they encouraged everyone to wear purple from March 3-7 in celebration of Women’s Month. To promote the campaign, a short poem was shared on their social media page:
Bridgetine women stand tall and bright, empowered to lead with all their might. To serve with grace, to inspire change. In a world where love and respect arrange. Shades of purple, bold and true, symbolize the strength in me and you. Let’s create a world, just and fair, where every heart can truly care. Let’s paint the town with purple hues, with our light that shines, and spirit that glows.
Bicol Celebrations
Hablondawani – Good Shepherd Home Naga organized a training on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), facilitated by Sr. Juliet Abrigo with the theme: “BEC (SKK) An Simbag kan Simbahan na Nakikibaklay Bilang mga Peregrino Pasiring sa Pinapanibagong Banwaan nin Dios. The session was attended by Hablon’s gender advocates. Fr Emmanuel Mojica, BEC Archdiocesan Coordinator of Caceres and Fr Felipe Culvera III, parish priest of Peñafrancia Shrine were also also present. Sr Francia Blando, program coordinator explains that “with the training, the zone to zone visits will take the BEC form, deepening themselves in the Word of God as they respond to community issues that affect them.”
Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Home Legazpi celebrated its 35th anniversary on March 19, giving thanks for God’s blessings through all the children and women reached by the mission with the generous help of benefactors and dedication and commitment of sisters and partners in mission. The celebration included free medical and dental check-ups courtesy of the regional hospital, parlor games, and grocery give-aways for program participants.
VisMin Celebrations
In Cebu, Villa Maria Good Shepherd Sisters Inc. joined local networks in the celebration of the National Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” on March 8. On March 22, in partnership with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7-Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACAT7-VAWC) and other networks, they held the annual gathering of women and girl-child leaders and survivors of gender-based violence. Topics discussed focused on women’s health and self-awareness.
In Mindanao, CDO sisters and partners in mission joined the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro march on Women’s Day where themes on good governance and roles of women were interwoven. Three women shared their inspiring stories of hope during the program. In Davao, RGS Center for Overseas Worker raised awareness about gender equality to the JFC (Japanese Filipino Children).
Beyond March
All these activities held in observance of Women’s Month highlight that through journeying together and collaborating, efforts to empower women are both enriched and amplified. May the fruits of these endeavors bring abundant life to every woman, as promised by the Good Shepherd—beyond just a day or a month. While Women’s Month may have come to a close, the celebration and valuing of women should remain ongoing, continuing to inspire and uplift every day of the year.
