Amidst domestic violence and the pain it leaves behind, religious sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd share their lives with women and girls in Malta and Portugal, as they face marginalization by society.
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd reflects hope in despair for the wounded, following in the footstep of their foundress, Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier.
The Good Shepherd Sisters continue their mission to love and serve women, children and families wounded by violence, poverty and social segregation.
According to Sr. Doris Saliba, from Malta, and Sr. Maria Rosario, from Portugal, the sisters’ tireless work of mercy is rooted in the charism of their congregation, sharing a common mission to bring healing, dignity and hope where it is most needed.
Shelter in the storm in Malta
For over four decades, Maltese Sr. Doris Saliba has helped women and children escaping domestic violence. As the director of the Good Shepherd Sisters foundation in Malta, she coordinates a shelter where families find refuge and courage to rebuild their lives.
“Our congregation is called by God to help women and children in distress,” she explains. “We welcome them at any time of the day or night; they arrive traumatized, sometimes with nothing but only the clothes they wear. We make sure the rooms are ready with food and a bed, and we provide an atmosphere of safety. We let them rest because we understand that after what they have gone though, the first healing is peace.”
The shelter offers six months stay to the residents, who receive psychological support, legal aid, and help finding work or long-term housing. Many arrive through referrals from Malta’s domestic violence center or police services.
Collaboration with state institutions
“We collaborate with government social workers,” Sr. Doris says. “The government assists us with some staff salaries and food subsidies, and we rely heavily on the generosity of the Maltese people. Many send food, clothes, or funds. It’s not always easy, but God always provides.”
They have four active sisters supported by trained staff and we minister through presence. “We listen, we cry, and pray with them. Some later come back to say, ‘Sister, my time here saved my life.’ That is our greatest reward.”
Over time, the sisters’ ministries has evolved from caring for unwed mother and young girls to responding to urgent issues on domestic violence and care for refugees.
“Our apostolates change according to the needs of the society, remaining open to the Spirit’s guidance,” Sr. Doris notes. “We work closely with the diocese and lay partners. This is what synodality means: walking together for God works through community.”
She encourages others in mission not to be afraid to face challenges, and to do what they can and God will do the rest.
‘A Mother’s Heart’ in Portugal
Sr. Maria Rosario, who hails from the Island of São Miguel in the Azores, cares for children and young mothers in crisis. “Since I entered the congregation, I’ve worked with girls, mothers, and children,” she says with a smile. “I have no children of my own, but I feel like a mother to all of them.”
Children assisted by the sisters arrive through the state social service and have been rescued from unsafe homes often suffering from neglect, violence, abuse, or extreme poverty. “Some come with nothing, even having slept on the streets,” Sr. Maria explains. “They find food, love and stability, go to school, learn and grow.”
Children stay in this center until the age of 18 or even 21, when they can begin an independent life. The sisters provide emotional care in collaboration with teachers, psychologists and social workers. “We celebrate small joys and learn that they are loved and valued,” says Sr. Maria.
Sr. Maria acts as a mother to all residents
Support pillars
As in Malta, the sisters depend largely on community generosity. “The state gives some financial support, but it is not enough,” she notes. “We survive through partnerships with supermarkets who give us food, fruits, bread, and meat and local donors.”
The sisters also share what they receive with the poor families outside their institutions, responding to the Gospel call to communion. “We care not only for the children who live with us, but also with the poor around us,” said Sr. Maria.
In her community in Portugal of six sisters, everyone young and old plays a role in collaboration with the lay people to create a loving prayerful home.
Living spirit of the Good Shepherd
From Malta to Portugal, the sisters continue to live out their foundress’s vision to be a “sign of the compassionate love of God” in a suffering world. Their ministries reflect the Gospel call to walk and be with the poor.
“Our mission,” Sr. Doris concludes, “is to be where love is needed most.”
