Starting Point
The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd is often referred to as the Good Shepherd Sisters or the Religious of the Good Shepherd. It is an international Roman Catholic religious congregation of women founded in 1835 by Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier in Angers, France. The order has grown into a worldwide network with over 3,000 sisters, active in 74 countries across five continents. Their mission revolves around serving the most marginalised individuals, especially women and children, through education, social work, and direct aid to those who are at risk of exploitation, including those involved in prostitution and human trafficking.
Peace Process
The primary charism of the Good Shepherd Sisters is their commitment to the pastoral care of vulnerable and marginalised women, children, and families. They provide care, education, and support to those at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This includes working to rehabilitate those involved in prostitution, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. In the process, the congregation aims to help individuals lead lives of dignity, self-respect, and autonomy.
In the past few decades, there has been a significant focus on helping those who have fallen victim to human trafficking and sexual exploitation. These issues have become especially prominent in today's globalised world, and the Good Shepherd Sisters have adjusted their ministries to address these contemporary challenges by offering rehabilitation services, safe houses, education, and vocational training for those affected. They also advocate for social justice and work closely with other organisations to combat human trafficking.
Success Stories
The Villa Maria Good Shepherd Sisters, Inc. in Cebu, Philippines, was established in 1951. Like the rest of the congregation, the Filipino Good Shepherd Sisters have focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable women and children. Over the years, they have expanded their services to include shelters for girls at risk, programmes for women caught in prostitution, and educational initiatives aimed at providing a better future for these women and children.
Their work in the Philippines, particularly in Cebu, involves direct outreach to those involved in prostitution and at risk of human trafficking. They offer rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, where survivors of trafficking or exploitation can receive psychological counselling, life skills training, and vocational support. The aim is to help these women and children regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.