The Good Shepherd Sisters Convent on Bogyoke Aung San Street echoed with prayers of gratitude on July 31, at 8:00 AM, as the Health Care Ministry celebrated its 13th Anniversary.

The event also honored the 229^th birthday of Saint Mother Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters’ Congregation.

The celebration was graced by His Excellency Bishop Francis Than Htun and His Excellency Raymond Wai Lin Htun, Auxiliary Bishops of Yangon Archdiocese, alongside ten priests.

Bishop Francis Than Htun served as the main celebrant and homilist during a special Eucharistic Mass dedicated to the ministry and its supporters.

Thirteen Years of Compassionate Care
Since its inception, the Health Care Ministry, operated by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, has provided critical support to marginalized patients, particularly those living with HIV and individuals traveling from distant provinces for specialized medical treatment.

Sr. Rosie Moe of the Good Shepherd Congregation revealed the ministry’s significant reach: “We assist about 380 patients annually. This includes not only medical support but also food and lodging for those accompanying patients who cannot afford it.”

Currently, 48 Sisters and 164 co-workers extend this care, also responding to victims of wars and natural disasters beyond their core patient work.

“A Person is More Valuable Than the Whole World”
The spirit of Saint Mary Euphrasia’s motto – “A person is valuable much more than the whole world” – permeates the ministry’s work.

“We keep human dignity at the forefront,” emphasized Ms. Noreen Ni Ni Win, a caregiver within the ministry.

“We provide necessary assistance to those in need, support oppressed and marginalized women, and safeguard children in various ways.”

During the Mass, special recognition was given to benefactors whose prayers, advice, and financial aid have sustained the ministry over the past 13 years.

Homily Highlights: The Sacredness of Small Acts
In his homily, Bishop Francis Than Htun reflected deeply on the nature of the Sisters’ service.

He noted that while healthcare is not the congregation’s primary charism (focused on women and children in difficulty), their 13-year dedication arises from a deeper source: “It is a kind of desire that comes out from the hearts of the sisters, which the Lord also desires,” a sister explained to the Bishop.

The Bishop underscored the profound impact of seemingly small gestures.

He highlighted the convent’s proximity to Yangon General Hospital, where it offers vital respite: “Family members assisting patients can come to the convent to have a bath, take rest, and may get food… When it is provided with love, it is truly in accordance with the mentality of St. Euphrasia.”

Drawing from the Gospel (Mark 8:36), he reminded attendees that the Lord values the individual, likening the Sisters’ work to the shepherd seeking the one lost sheep.

He illustrated this with a story of a professor who taught students the importance of recognizing the humanity of a cleaning lady they had ignored.

“Whatever small thing is done with love and goodwill,” Bishop Francis declared, “becomes a big thing before God.”

Gratitude and a Call for Continued Support
Ms. Noreen Ni Ni Win expressed heartfelt thanks during the closing remarks, acknowledging the bishops, priests, faithful, donors, doctors, and nurses.

She specifically thanked priests for providing sacraments such as confession, Mass, Communion, and anointing of the sick and the dying.

Looking to the future, she invited donors and well-wishers to contribute to the ongoing “Pa Day Thar Pin” fundraising effort, essential for sustaining the ministry’s vital work.

Vision & Mission: Serving the Marginalized
The Health Care Ministry remains steadfast in its vision: ensuring marginalized patients facing social and financial hardship receive medical treatment with dignity and achieve healthy lives.
Its mission includes:

• Assisting with surgery/hospitalization costs, medicines, nutrition, and arranging attendants for abandoned patients.
• Providing daily meals and accommodation for patients and attendants who cannot afford them, especially those undergoing long-term treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or attending follow-up appointments far from home.

The anniversary celebration served as a powerful testament to 13 years of quiet, loving service offered in the spirit of Saint Mary Euphrasia, proving that acts of compassion, however small they may seem, hold immeasurable value.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service