The afternoon with Sr Ann Jo was one of reflecting the life and works of St Mary Euphrasia. As she shared various stories of the relationships of the Foundress, it spoke to me of St Mary Euphrasia as a woman of relationships; one who sees the value of the person beyond her works or achievements. To me, Sr Ann Jo conveyed the message of partnership in a very simple way by telling the stories of friendship/relationships of St Mary Euphrasia.

While one would normally speak of the various achievements or work that the world can be proud of and share principles of success or how one can live out the spirituality of the Good Shepherd, I found Sr Ann Jo to be very much the opposite. She shared instead of the everyday stories of St Mary Euphrasia which subtly spoke of the realization and need for partnership in order for the work to be effective.

I was very encouraged by the stories, which challenged me in looking at my relationships. As much as I can speak of the values of the mission or do what I feel will reflect this, it would be my relationship with those around me that will reflect those values.

The sharing in groups highlighted our experiences in partnership, described in various forms. Our group chose the PKGS logo, outlined using crepe paper, squeezed into small pieces. It expressed our lives shaped and molded by our experiences in our work as staff, volunteers, lay partners and ex-resident. The other groups shared too on their reflection on partnership in various ways which reflected the desire for it and the experience of it.

By Beatrice Wong

PKGS, Sabah