Reflections Guide for October 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It is October. To us, the immediate association of \u201cOctober\u201d is Divine Heart <\/em><\/strong>(October 20, 1672), Arrival of First RGS Missionaries to the Philippines <\/strong>(October 4, 1912), Mission <\/strong>(World Mission Sunday), Rosary<\/strong>. <\/em>Constants in our Life and Mission. They inspire us, support us, guide us, comfort us in \u201cToday\u2019s Context and Complexities.\u201d <\/em>This is a take-off from our Zoom Conversation in the Spirit led by our own Sr. Edith Olaguer a few days ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CONTEXT <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let us find our place in our world today, as \u201cit faces geopolitical and socio-economic turmoil, where everything seems to be falling apart and the center won\u2019t hold, where threat of a nuclear war is as real as a climate crisis.\u201d We bring to our mind and heart the children in Gaza who are being starved to death and their mothers who are trafficked in their effort to obtain food for their children. Our Sisters and their mission in Myanmar in the worsening political situation there. Right here at home, the reality of widescale and intentional practice of Corruption! The consequences<\/strong> especially for the poorest, the weakest, the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REFLECTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sr. Edith shared the story of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ when he saw the effect of the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima: scene of smoke and ash, smell of burning flesh and tortured cries. He went down to the chapel, and in a moment that felt like eternity, prayed and asked God what he could do.<\/em> This experience of being part of hurting humanity would be a foundational aspect for Fr. Arrupe. Figuring out what it meant, what its place was in God\u2019s plan, influenced him all his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n From the Prologue to the RGS Constitutions and Statutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe spirituality of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd is centered on the person of Christ. Devotion to the Heart of Jesus and Mary, love of God\u2019s will and zeal for the salvation of souls are distinguishing characteristics derived from the doctrine of St. John Eudes. In contemplating the Heart of Jesus, Sister Mary Euphrasia experienced the compassion and solicitude of the Good Shepherd. She recognized the image of God in each person, instilling in her sisters respect for the dignity of all persons.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Heart that is Given to Us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n