Our History
In 2003, with the invitation of Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, parish priest of St. Thomas Church at Moodbidari, God had destined for the Good Shepherd to sow its seed in the soil of Mangalore. With the generous acceptance of Mrs. Gonsalves, a parishioner, who agreed to rent out the first floor of her house at the request of the parish priest, three sisters Sr. Prema, Sr. Lavina & Sr. Molly Xavier were missioned to Mangalore, to teach in St Thomas School in the Church compound. Sr. Prema was appointed to teach the Lower KG, Sr. Lavina taught std VI and Sr. Molly Xavier taught Class IV. The community was set up on the 24th of May 2004 by province Leader Sr. Bridgett Paily and her council. One Acre and 18 cents was offered for sell to the Sisters by Mr. Viswas (Jain), which was originally intended for a cashew nut factory, in January 2005. How God brings people of all faiths to enable His work !!
The sisters provided support and encouragement to the weak students and endeavored to understand the struggles that the families were going through which were clearly affecting the children. Thus began our Good Shepherd story here..
Our Mission
In the spirit of prayer and sacrifice and through our own experience of merciful love of Jesus the Good shepherd, we the Good Shepherd Sisters of India, Mangalore endeavor to bring reconciliation to all, especially, to women and girls by means of qualitative, social, pastoral and educational ministries.
Our Ministries
1. Social Ministry:
a. Family Visits:
We regularly visit neighboring families to show them our care and concern and build life-giving relationships in the image of Jesus
the Good Shepherd, particularly in times of family grief, problems and difficulties
b. After-hours Classes for students:
Poor children from the neighborhood are given classes after school hours to assist them in better understanding of what is being taught at school.
Children are also taught basic
values so that they grown up as responsible citizens of the country.
The campus is used for play after schools hours adding to the social growth of the children.
c. St. Mary Euphrasia Scholarship Fund:
Deserving school going children are helped by the support of St. Mary Euphrasia’s Scholarship Fund.
2. Education Ministry:
Our sisters make use of the opportunities to teach at the parish school, to impart values that will make the children more responsible citizens and care with love and compassion, the less privileged ones in society.
3. Pastoral Ministry:
Sunday Catechism Classes : Our sisters teach children catechism on Sundays to deepen their faith in God and to learn family prayers.
Basic Christian community prayers : Our sisters attend basic Christian community prayers with the local community to help families to better
understand the word of God and experience it in their life situations. The group also extends their services to those who are in need of help.
Legion of Mary : Our sisters attend the Legion of Mary group meetings to help members deepening their Marian spirituality
Parish Ministry : The community helps out the parish in Eucharistic celebrations, particularly on special feast days.
Vocation Awareness
Having felt the need for personnel to continue or Good Shepherd Mission in India, we invite young women interest in religious life to have a live-in experience with the community. During their stay are helped to continue their studies and t grow in their relationship with Jesus and in self awareness besides helping them deepen their own call and understand the Good shepherd way of life.
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
Sr. Rosily P .V – Local Leader
Good Shepherd Convent, Alangar P.O.
Alangar, Moodbidri 574227 D.K District,
Ph. No: 08258 236092
E-mail: gscmangalore@yahoo.com