Journeying Together in Grace:Provincial Assembly and Spiritual Exercises 2025–2026

In a spirit of prayerful discernment and communion, we, the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd “Pastorelle” of the Philippine–Australia–Saipan–Taiwan Province, gathered at the Provincial House in New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines, for our Provincial Assembly from 28 to 31 December 2025, followed by the Annual Spiritual Exercises from 2 to 9 January 2026. These two significant moments were lived as a single journey of listening, renewal, and recommitment, deeply rooted in the person of Jesus Good Shepherd and in fidelity to the General Objective of the Congregation for 2023–2029.

The Provincial Assembly unfolded in an atmosphere of hospitality, prayer, and sisterly sharing. The sisters from Australia, Saipan and Taiwan participated in all the assembly proceeding through the on-line platform. Through common prayer, reflection, and dialogue, we revisited our consecrated life with gratitude and honesty, recognizing God’s faithful action in our personal and communal journey. Particular attention was given to safeguarding and pastoral responsibility, highlighting that care for the flock is an essential expression of shepherding love. Reflections on becoming more integrated, missionary, and vocational communities invited us to read the signs of the times and to respond with renewed pastoral creativity and commitment.

In a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Rey Sotelo, OCD, drawing from the Gospel figure of the prophetess Anna, he invited to embrace a spirituality of faithful perseverance, reminding us that credibility in fraternal life does not come from perfection, but from consistency in love. Quiet fidelity, daily patience, and genuine care for one another form the heart of a community that truly reflects the Good Shepherd. As he emphasized, fraternal life becomes credible when what we pray, what we say, and how we act flow from a single, undivided heart.

The third day of the Assembly further deepened our reflection as our focus turned toward heritage and mission. Sr. Purisima Tañedo, SJBP offered an inspiring input on Pauline Charismatic History, inviting us to rediscover the life, vision, and enduring legacy of our beloved Founder, Blessed James Alberione. In the afternoon, our attention shifted to the “signs of the times.” Atty. Rene Sarmiento provided a timely and insightful update on the political, economic, and social realities of the Philippines, challenging us to discern where our pastoral mission intersects with the concrete needs and struggles of today’s world.

On the afternoon of December 31, our Assembly gently transitioned into a time of silence and Eucharistic Adoration, allowing us to interiorize the grace of the days we had shared. To end 2025 and to welcome 2026, we gathered in common prayer to thank the Lord for the year 2025 and entrusting each sister of the Congregation to His loving care. This prayerful vigil marked a sacred threshold, closing the year in gratitude and opening the new one in trust.

The following day, January 1, was joyfully celebrated with a New Year program prepared by the junior sisters and novices for the whole community. Through presentations, games, and moments of fellowship, we rejoiced in the gift of shared life, strengthening bonds of joy, gratitude, and mutual encouragement. We also listened together to the Urbi et Orbi blessing of Pope Leo XIV, who reminded the faithful that “for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, His mercy, and the response of our freedom.”

The Annual Spiritual Exercises, animated by Rev. Fr. Jay Hector Lituañas, AA, officially began on January 2 and concluded on January 9, 2026, under the theme: “Living the fraternal life, in the love of Jesus Good Shepherd.” Fr. Jay invited us to contemplate community life as modeled after the Holy Trinity, mirrored in the Holy Family and the early domus ecclesia, where relationships were shaped by communion, self-giving, and love. Drawing from the Alberionian vision and the Rule of Life, he encouraged us to see community as a privileged place of formation and mission. His concluding words echoed throughout the retreat: “Everything is a grace, and nothing is a waste.” This message strengthened our trust in God’s ongoing work, even amid challenges and limitations.

Together, the Provincial Assembly and the Spiritual Exercises renewed our commitment to live fraternal life with greater authenticity, credibility, and joy. Entrusting the journey ahead to the Holy Spirit, and under the loving care of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd, with the intercessions of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and with our beloved founder Blessed James Alberione, we move forward with hope, confident that God continues to form us as one body, for the life of the Church and the world.

Sisters Naema Alim, Julie Gonzalo and Leini Margaret Billones, sjbp