With the theme, “Graced by the Holy Spirit, Embracing the NEW…”, a total of 102 Religious of the Good Shepherd and partners in mission convened for the 2025 Province Assembly at the Maryridge Retreat and Renewal Center, Tagaytay City, August 7-9, 2025.
The objectives of the three-day assembly encompassed a review of the 2020 Province Chapter Directives, the 31st Congregational Chapter Calls to Action and their implementation; the provision of updates and data on various restructuring processes within the province; and the discernment of priorities for regionalization. Additionally, the gathering aimed to celebrate the blessings, challenges, and graces experienced by the Philippines-Japan province while affirming its aspiration to join East Asia and Singapore in forming a new region.
The first day commenced with a meaningful opening ritual that included an entrance procession of symbolic images, a captivating video presentation, and a prayer dedicated to commitment to the mission.
In her welcome message, Sr. Mary Susan Montano, RGS Province Leader, emphasized that the assembly represents a sacred pause in the Congregation’s journey and a moment to unite at the threshold of new beginnings. She invited participants to gather in hope and faith as they collectively take another step forward.
The assembly featured a series of thought-provoking presentations that prompted the audience to reflect on key aspects of mission and leadership. Sisters and partners in mission representing each Province Teams presented the reports which are mostly from the conversations of held by the Restructuring Team with the various ministry and community groupings in the Province. It included reports on economic justice, integral ecology, health and wellness, formation, safeguarding, mission effectiveness and human resource and partnership.
The sisters and partners in mission were also given opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations within their respective groups, and share their observations, reflections, and insights on the assembly topics. To foster bonding and camaraderie, mission partners also enjoyed a fun-filled bingo social in the evening.
The final day of the assembly brought together the four reconfigured local communities, giving them the opportunity to meet and talk about their identity as a community and how they will move forward within the new structure. Each group expressed its uniqueness with creativity and joy, filling the assembly with a spirit of celebration and shared hope.
The last workshop of the assembly is the drawing of priorities on each area of the mission: formation, vocation-mission promotion, leadership and governance, RGS ministries, local community, human and material resources, safeguarding, partners in mission, integral ecology, and the universal culture of justice. This initial articulation of priorities are also the ones the Province will be bringing in the process of regionalization.
Each day’s sessions culminated in a Eucharistic celebration. During the Mass of the second day, the four Local Leaders: Sr Cecile Torres (Our Lady of Charity Community), Sr Florencia Tio (Our Lady of Hope Community), Sr Diana Madulara (Our Lady of Peace Community) and Sr Josefina Estella (Our Lady of Refuge Community) pronounced their Act of Fidelity and were formally installed as leaders of their respective communities.
In her closing message, Sr. Mary Susan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the joy and support received from both partners in mission and RGS sisters, highlighting a profound sense of unity and shared aspirations. She acknowledged the mission partners for their invaluable contributions and emphasized the importance of embodying the collective spirit as they transition into the new regions.
A touching and creative liturgy of giving thanks for the journey of the Province of Philippines Japan concluded the gathering. The assembly was skillfully facilitated by the Restructuring Team, which included Srs. Anya Borbon, Gemma Dinglasan, Sr Malou Castro, Lilly Sorop and Ms. Dianne Balatero. The closing Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Most Rev Rey Evangelista, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Imus.
Photos and Story by: Dr Imelda Vergara
