Sister of Jesus the Good Shepherd

Sister of Jesus the Good Shepherd (“Pastorelle Sister”) –   Sister Giannina Marie, S.J.B.P.                                                                             Suore Jesu Buen Pastor                                                                                                           “Born from the Tabernacle”    

Founder: Blessed James Alberione ( a prophet of the modern times )

Place: Rome, Italy

Year: October 7, 1938 ( Feast of the Holy Rosary )   

Her Charism:  As part of the Pauline Family, (a small presence in the furrow of humanity cultivated with joy) this Sister’s apostolic mission is to communicate that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The name she bears is a “memorial” of Christ Who died and rose again so as to gather into one the scattered children of God. It is also a “call” to live in communion with Him for the sake of building up His Kingdom. Through her vows to live a chaste, poor and obedient life with charity for all, she personifies the compassion that becomes word, deed, and closeness and builds relationships of reconciliation and fraternity. This “Pastorcita” (“little shepherdess”) does this by engaging in liturgical animation and education and by collaborating with the work of the pastors of the Church and those dedicated to pastoral care. It is through her commitment to being a complementary and integral figure in pastoral ministry that this Sister brings the love of the Good Shepherd to communities directly. Nourished by the Eucharist and the Word of God, she is called to “lay down her life” with joy. Devoted to Mary, Queen of Apostles and Mother of the Good Shepherd, she reflects the apostles Peter and Paul, prays to them, and imitates them because they had great love for Jesus and for souls. Like Mary, she is one in heart and flesh with the Shepherd – a sister, mother, teacher, catechist, and a consoler in every sorrow. A Pastorelle Sister is a continuous presence of light and kindness in the parish by extending God’s grace to those around her and helping them understand they are a beloved child of God, enveloped in love, and never diminished by their flaws or failings. In the intricate tapestry of her life, mercy is the golden thread woven by the Hands of a compassionate Creator. ☩ The pectoral Cross she wears as part of her habit signifies pastoral care and communion in the Blood of Christ in the shape of a chalice. On the front are the engraved words: “Ego sum Pastor bonus” (“I Am the Good Shepherd”) Who gives His life for His sheep. On the back are the words: “Ecce Mater tua, Ecce Filius tuos” (“Behold your Mother! Behold your Son!”) ☩ Because Mary is her model, this Sister is with her at the Foot of the Cross and one with Jesus the Shepherd and those who follow Him.