Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd mark 200 years of prayer and presence

Sisters on steps of St Peter's

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd marks a year-long celebration of the Bicentenary of the founding of the Contemplative Sisters by Saint Mary Euphrasia in Tours, France. This celebration concludes on November 11, 2025, with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in Rome.

A Legacy of Faith and Courage

The origins of the Contemplative Sisters date back to 1825 in Tours, France. St Mary Euphrasia responded to the deep spiritual yearning of several young women who wished for a life of prayer and union with God.

A Celebration for All People

Today, the life of prayer and presence of 180 contemplative sisters across 23 countries complement the apostolic carried out by sisters and partners-in-mission worldwide.

Congregational Leader, Sr Joan Marie Lopez, spoke of how "we have rejoiced in the luminous witness of our contemplative sisters whose, faithful lives have become quiet prisms of God's presence, tenderness and compassion. Like every true jewel - and especially like the diamond that has accompanied our contemplative sisters' reflections --each of us is shaped by our Creator's divine hands through seasons of cutting, polishing and refining.

On November 5, 2025, over 100 contemplative sisters, apostolic sisters, and partners-in-mission from around the world participated in the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square in the Vatican - where they received a Blessing from the Holy Father.

Liam Michael Quinn is Communications Manager, Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

LINK

Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd: www.olcgs.org/