A gathering in the Philippines of the younger Sisters of the Good Samaritan has been hailed as a valuable time together, filled with cultural sharing, connection, reflection and hope.

By Debra Vermeer

The meeting was held in Bacolod from 7-11 January and brought together 18 Sisters from four different countries – Kiribati, Japan, the Philippines and Australia – who were born after 1958.

Congregational Leader Sister Catherine McCahill was present at the gathering. The conversation and group work was facilitated by two Sisters of St Joseph, Sister Marion Gambon and Sister Therese Carroll, using the Conversation in the Spirit method modelled at the assemblies of the Synod on Synodality in Rome in 2023 and 2024.

One of those who attended, Sister Kawi Arebonto SGS from Kiribati, said the focus of the gathering was for the younger Sisters to contribute to the Congregation’s discernment on future governance, to explore the idea of an intentional Formative Community, and identify the critical elements that will shape the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in the future.

“The workshop gathering was an enriching experience for me,” Kawi said. “We worked in small groups, sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences. Each session provided me with valuable insights, helping me to reflect deeply on my own role and how I can continue to grow and serve as a Sister in the future.”

Sister Donna Belle Ferrer SGS from the Philippines said the gathering was filled with moments of connection among the Sisters.

“What I really enjoy about these gatherings is the simple magic of coming together – sharing meals, bursting into laughter and exchanging stories, both personal tales from our lives and deeper reflections on our daily activities during the gathering,” she said.

“The sessions fostered openness, respect and renewal. We delved into our Congregation’s journey, blending nostalgia with forward-looking discussions.”

Donna said the standout moment for her came when the group faced direct questions about ‘The Edge’, which she described as “a bold exploration of what lies ahead for our Congregation”.

“Despite the uncertainties of the future, I witnessed the Sisters’ unwavering willingness to commit themselves fully. Their courage and trust in God’s plan filled me with profound hope and, at the same time, I know that we need to look at the practicalities that lie ahead.”

It was an opportunity for deep listening and sharing. Photo: Sister Meg Kahler SGS.

Sister Sarah Puls SGS from Australia said that the gathering of younger Sisters from each of the nations where the Congregation is present, was an important opportunity for deep listening and sharing.

“My experience of Good Samaritan life has always been international,” she said. “So, my age peers are not generally nationality peers. This gathering was a nice expression of that. It was a great chance to be together, to share ideas and support each other.”

Sarah said one of the important matters they discussed was the Congregational Leadership’s decision two years ago to pause accepting new members while a broad discernment on the future reality of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan took place.

“From my perspective, the question about accepting new members is tied to questions about future governance and how we move forward as a Congregation given the changing reality we’re facing, where the Sisters who are more of working age are no longer all Australian Sisters,” she said.

“There is a challenging element to this conversation going on around us and it’s important for us to engage with that conversation and support each other to engage in that conversation.

“I think that was the big benefit of coming together, and to recognise that among that group there is not a unanimous opinion about what we should do. There is diversity of opinion.

“It was really important for us to listen to each other and allow all the different viewpoints to be heard and valued.

“I found it a very powerful experience of just listening and attending to the relational work of it. There are practical decisions to be made, but there was a definite feeling that we’re all in this together.”

A highlight was a cultural festival, featuring performances from each of the nations represented at the gathering.

“It was wonderful to see each country share its unique customs, traditions and history through performances,” Kawi said.

“I particularly enjoyed the Maskara dance from the Philippines. It was lively, colourful and full of joy. Experiencing the richness of our diverse cultures reminded me of the strength and beauty of our international community.”

Sarah agreed, saying the time spent together outside of the daily workshops was a much-valued aspect. “We played card games at night and went swimming in the pool of the hotel that some of the Sisters were staying at. On two of the nights there were outings,” she said.

The Good Samaritan Kinder School is a ministry of the Sisters. Photo: Sister Meg Kahler SGS.

“One of these outings was a cultural night that was hosted by the Kinder School and the Good Samaritan Outreach Center staff. Everyone had gone to so much trouble. The Center staff did all the cooking, producing this wonderful feast, and the Center staff and Kindergarten staff had prepared cultural dance items. It was so beautiful, and they had put so much work into it. Donna, who teaches at a high school, got some of her students to come and do some of the very specialised local dances, like the Maskara dance. It was amazing.”

Donna said she was delighted at the success of the evening but gave all the credit to the Sisters’ partners in ministry.

“I may have contributed to the initial concept, envisioning elements that would celebrate our shared heritage, but they brought it to life,” she said.

“From transforming the venue into a festive wonderland, to preparing delicious food that made it feel like a true feast, their efforts shone through. The night sparkled with shared talents from both Sisters and partners, creating an unforgettable tapestry of music, dance, poetry and joy that united us all.”

Looking back on the whole experience, Kawi said the gathering “was truly worth attending”.

“It allowed me to not only contribute to important discussions about the future of our Congregation, but also to celebrate the diversity and unity of Sisters from different parts of the world,” she said.

“I feel inspired, motivated, and better prepared to grow in my vocation and serve with greater understanding and commitment.”

The gathering was a celebration of the diversity and unity of Sisters from different parts of the world. Image: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.