Pastorelle Sisters’ Family Day 2025

Pamilyang Sama-sama, Puno ng Pag-asa

On 17 May 2025, the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd “Pastorelle” of the Philippine-Australia-Saipan-Taiwan Province joyfully gathered with their respective families for Pastorelle Sisters’ Family Day at Fr. Mark Horan Hall, Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Quezon City, Philippines. With the theme “Pamilyang sama-sama, puno ng pag-asa,” the event commemorated the 60th foundation anniversary of the Pastorelle Sisters in the Philippines, founded on May 15, 1965.

Approximately 250 participants, including the Sisters, gathered to take part in a day filled with faith, joy, and a strong sense of family spirit. The celebration began with a beautiful Eucharistic Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Gungon. Adding a personal touch, his aunt, Sr. Veronica Gungon, served as the emcee, gracefully setting the tone for the day’s events. Following the Mass, Sr. Lily Ann Delos Santos offered warm and heartfelt opening remarks. The Sisters then sang “Welcome to the Family”—a joyful and symbolic gesture that perfectly captured the unity and love shared throughout the day.

After gathering at the table of the Word and the Eucharist, everyone continued their communion at the table of fellowship through a shared meal, strengthening bonds not only of kinship but also of vocation and mission.

A meaningful highlight of the day was a touching video presentation featuring messages from our Provincial Superior, Sr. Purisima L. Tañedo, woven through songs that traced the journey of our Congregation. She recalled the humble beginnings of the Pastorelle Sisters in the Philippines, reflected on our vocation as a love story with God, and reminded everyone that we are one family, bound not just by blood but by faith, prayer, and presence. Her words stirred deep gratitude for our past, fidelity in our present, and hope for what lies ahead.

The celebration was made more special through video and musical performances from the families of our Sisters, as well as some parlor games facilitated by the Junior Sisters.

The gathering concluded with the singing of the Our Father, a fitting prayer that united hearts in thanksgiving and trust. As we commemorate this milestone in our history, we are reminded that God’s grace continues to sustain the Pastorelle Sisters Family through the loving guidance of Jesus the Good Shepherd, the tender care of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd, and the apostolic zeal of Saints Peter and Paul. Inspired by the charism and vision of Blessed James Alberione, we move forward with hearts full of joy and hope, committed to building Christian communities with love, fidelity, and courage - today and always.

Sr. Naema Alim and Sr. Julie Gonzalo, sjbp