First International Meeting of Pauline Cooperators

From October 10 to 13, 49 Pauline Cooperators from the Hispanic America Province of the Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd “Little Shepherdesses” met in Bogotá (Colombia) to share our first international meeting.

The theme that brought us together—in keeping with the Jubilee Year—was “The Pauline Cooperator, Pilgrim of Hope.” Our main objective was to foster understanding and integration among the Pauline Cooperators of our Hispanic America Province, whose delegations came from Argentina, Chile, Colombia (Bogotá, Cali, Cúcuta, and Medellín), and Peru (Lima and Santa).

When we received the invitation to participate in this gathering, we wondered, “What will this first international meeting be about?” Our luggage had to contain only the essentials. Our hearts and minds were filled with questions and hopes. We left behind countless tasks, family and parish commitments, all important and unavoidable. Our prayer and faith in Jesus the Good Shepherd gave rise to a magnificent experience.

Upon arrival at the airport, we had a very pleasant first impression due to the warm welcome. We were then taken to the beautiful house of the Little Shepherd Sisters community in Bogotá. The doors opened with a joyful, welcoming, and musical reception, complete with a welcome song.

We began with a prayer, inspired by the Blessed and Servants of the Pauline Family: Alberione, Giaccardo, Maggiorino, and Borello. Our working groups also bore their names and inspiration. Sister Mirina Ibarra officially opened the gathering with a welcome and the presentation of the program for the coming days. We gratefully accepted the greeting from Sister Aminta Sarmiento, Superior General, and assigned ourselves to different tasks. Then, we had time to get to know each other and to listen to the creative presentation on the work and experiences of the Pauline Cooperators in the various communities of the Province. It was a precious and enriching time for everyone.

During the gathering, the Cooperators were able to delve deeper and reflect on several important topics for our Pauline formation, such as… “The Profile of the Pauline Cooperator,” presented by Sister Ana Acero. “The Vocation and Mission of the Laity within the Church and the Pauline Family,” presented by Father Danilo Medina, SSP. We were then able to work on the Statutes, the study itinerary, and the two-year formation plan of the Province, through our Sister Bernardita Sánchez and Sister Mirina Ibarra (Provincial Superior). We also made a concrete commitment to continue the experience of this meeting and to share it with those Cooperators who were unable to attend in person.

During the beautiful moments of prayer and Eucharistic Visit, the Cooperators from the different delegations renewed their Promises, bearing witness and encouraging the lay people who are on their journey as aspirants. Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful time of recreation where each delegation had the opportunity to present various artistic expressions from their own culture.

These past few days have been enriched by prayer, Holy Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, remembering our departed Cooperators, dialogue, and sharing, along with the experiences of our brothers and sisters from the various delegations who have embarked on a beautiful pastoral journey. The result is joy, confidence, and a Church that goes forth to serve distant and hard-to-reach places, strengthening the missions entrusted to it. Finally, within the context of the Jubilee Year, the gathering concluded with a pilgrimage with the entire Pauline Family to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Patroness of Colombia.

We are deeply grateful to God and to the Little Shepherdesses for such a beautiful and well-organized gathering, which has renewed and strengthened our commitment as Cooperators.

On behalf of all the participating Pauline Cooperators.

Marcelo, Wendy y María Elena