Sr Joan Celebrates 25 years of God’s Faithfulness

When Sr Joan Lopez made her First Profession 25 years ago, the theme was, “To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). In steadfastly trying to live her life according to those words, it was no surprise that Sr Joan would choose the same theme when she celebrated God’s faithfulness with the community of Good Shepherd Sisters, her family members, lay mission partners and some residents of the programmes in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

On 27 June 2017, about 100 people gathered at the Chapel in Good Shepherd Place in Toa Payoh, Singapore to join Sr Joan for a time of prayer and thanksgiving at the Eucharist, celebrated by Fr John Sim. Father spoke of the faithfulness that we are all called to in our different vocations. The lovely singing by the choir headed by the sisters in formation added great meaning to the celebration. The joy of the occasion and bond of loving fellowship was completed by the cutting of cake, artfully created by volunteers of DAWN (Developing All Women in the New era), dinner and lighted-hearted impromptu songs and dances.

0n 01 July 2017, another celebration was held at Madonna Heights, Kuala Lumpur. The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, parish priest of Good Shepherd Church Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. In his homily, Fr Chris spoke about relationships and connectedness with others. Another cake to cut was made with great care and love by two sisters, Srs Lourdes and Helena. The choir from Good Shepherd Church added to the celebrative atmosphere with their beautiful singing. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch.

Sr Joan expressed her heartfelt thanks to her late parents, for their example of living the faith and for their guidance; to her family members, some of who were present, all her Good Shepherd sisters and mission partners for journeying with her through the 25 years. She drew inspiration from her family members, sisters and mission partners, who, through their own lives and sacrifices had taught her to trust and to hope. They show her through their own examples what it is to be committed and faithful to God and to the Good Shepherd mission. She expressed her indebtedness to the many programme participants and the persons in the different services who face challenging situations daily, and yet are prepared to work at overcoming them. They teach her the meaning of perseverance and humility.

Sr Joan felt that life is a gift, given to her each day by our magnanimous God, and the ministries and the people who come into her path are opportunities provided to her to live her life meaningfully and with purpose. For her, celebrating 25 years is not about her faithfulness to God but rather, it is about God’s faithfulness to us.

Sr Joan with Sisters and Family in Singapore

Sr Joan with Sisters in Kuala Lumpur

Sr Joan with Mission Partners in Kuala Lumpur