“Always gaze at the Good Shepherd and live as he lived”. These words of our Founder, Fr. James Alberione to our first Pastorelle Sisters has become program of life I am called to follow.
Jesus Good Shepherd, thank you for dying for me, loving me unconditionally, by faithfully sustaining me with courage, when I am afraid, hope, when I am about to give up, patience, in bearing the daily challenges of life, and finding joy in doing your will.
Together with all the sisters in the Province of Philippines- Australia- Saipan- Taiwan, my profound gratitude to the Lord for 59 years the Pastorelle presence in the Philippines and the 25 years anniversary of my Religious profession.
It is a great gift that the Province allowed me to extend my thanksgiving to the dioceses of San Fernando, La Union and Borongan Eastern Samar, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Matti Digos City, where I ministered for some years in these places before leaving for Australia in 2019.
The different gatherings were encounters of gratitude of our presence and pastoral ministry in different communities, joy of being together nourished and enlightened of each one’s sharing of life, and with the hope of inspiring young women to respond God’s invitation to the religious life.
I am grateful to Sr. Doreen Bentley, for her big heart to accompany me with the joy of her presence despite the discomfort of the hot weather here in the Philippines. And to the rest of our Sisters in Australia, Saipan, Taiwan and even those who are in communion with me in spirit, through their prayers and moral support.
Last 15 May 15, I unite with all the sisters who are also celebrating their anniversaries of profession. The celebration was held at the Minor Basilica of our Lady of Mt Carmel Shrine. Fr Mario Sobrejuanite, Provincial Superior of the Society of St Paul presided over the Eucharistic celebration together with other 10 priests.
In the prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of the consecrated persons, we asked God’s blessing to each one for fidelity and perseverance and the grace to send more labourers into his vineyard.
It was indeed a joyful day of thanksgiving with the presence of the Pauline Family - SSP, PDDM, IOLA, APC and other consecrated persons, lay collaborators and friends. Truly, the Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
Sr Josefina Labata, sjbp
