In 2026, six sisters celebrated significant milestones in their consecrated life as Good Shepherd Sisters, giving thanks for God’s enduring love and faithfulness throughout their decades-long journey of service and dedication.
Celebrating in Quezon City
On April 24, 2026, the Feast of St. Mary Euphrasia, three Sisters celebrated their Jubilees of Profession in Quezon City: Sr. Mary Patricia Perez, Diamond Jubilarian (60 years), and Srs. Myra Atian and Maria Teresa Mahinay, Silver Jubilarians (25 years).
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, with Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ; Fr. Benedict, MJ; Fr. Robert Leus, CJM; Fr. Junjee Sumpaico, SJ as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr. Manoling invited the Jubilarians to look back on their journeys of consecrated life through the Gospel story of the Risen Jesus meeting His disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–19). Like Peter and the other disciples, the Sisters were invited to reconnect with the love story that began when the Good Shepherd first called them and led them along paths they had not anticipated.
They were reminded that their vocation was not something they had earned through their strengths or accomplishments, but a gift of grace. Throughout their years of service, the Good Shepherd had continued to reveal His presence through their families, formators, fellow Sisters, Mission Partners, and the many people whose lives had been touched by their love and care. Even amid disappointments, limitations, and failures, His mercy had remained a source of healing and renewal.
Fr. Manoling concluded with a message of assurance for the Jubilarians: “You are my beloved. You are my beloved. I am here with you always.”
In response, the three Jubilarians sang an original composition by Sr. Myra, inspired by their reflections during their retreat and which also became the theme of the celebration, “The Heart of Mercy, the Hands of Compassion: A Memory of Gratitude.”
The celebration continued with dinner at the Heart of Mary Villa Hall, attended by family members, Sisters, and friends. In a delightful change of role, Fr. Manoling traded his presider’s role for that of a caterer as food was served by “Iggy’s Canteen,” which he manages. It was a joy to see his enthusiasm as he encouraged everyone to try the dishes and eat well, adding a personal and cheerful touch to the evening’s festivities.
Diamond Jubilees in Baguio
Meanwhile, three other Sisters in Baguio also celebrated their Diamond Jubilees, marking 60 years of consecrated life: Sr. Mary Rita Danganan, Sr. Mary Guadalupe Bautista, and Sr. Rosemary Bacaltos.
Sr. Rita celebrated earlier, on April 18, 2026, at the RGS Baguio Convent Chapel, with Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, presiding. Like Sr. Rita, Fr. Jerry had also served as a missionary in Korea, adding a special connection to the celebration.
It was an intimate celebration with the community, partners in mission and some family members of Sr Rita.
Sr. Rosemary and Sr. Guada celebrated their Diamond Jubilees on September 5 during the community’s regular anticipated Sunday Mass at the convent in Baguio. Their anniversary falls on September 8, marking 60 years of “Echoing Mary’s YES.”
Sr. Guada recalled that they had celebrated their Silver Jubilee in 1991, their Golden Jubilee of entrance in 2014, and now their Diamond Jubilee—all in Baguio. Adding to the sense of providence, the presider at the Mass was Fr. Elmer Loreto, SVD, a visiting priest from San Fernando, La Union, who had also presided at their Golden Jubilee. He was joined by Fr Gus Villanueva, SVD.
Their simple yet heartfelt renewal of vows expressed their continued desire to remain faithful to their calling: “As I live through the remaining years of my life, I continue to echo Mary’s YES through my vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, and the vow to labor for the salvation of souls. My Shepherd God, in the simplicity of my heart, I have joyfully offered all to You. Amen.”
As we celebrate these milestones of grace, we congratulate our dear Sisters and express our deep gratitude for their generous and faithful witness to God’s merciful love through the Good Shepherd mission. May their lives continue to inspire us and many young women to respond with renewed love to the call of the Good Shepherd, trusting that every step of the journey is sustained by His grace.
