With the theme “Compassion in Action: Continuing the Mission of the Good Shepherd,” all Partners in Mission of St. Bridget College, together with the Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS) sisters, joyfully celebrated the Feast Day of RGS Foundress St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier from April 21 to 24, 2026.
The four-day celebration served not only as a remembrance of the life and legacy of St. Mary Euphrasia but also as a renewed call to embody her charism through concrete acts of love and service.
As one faith-filled community, participants expressed their shared mission through liturgical celebrations, outreach programs, environmental initiatives, and communal activities held during the Triduum on April 21–23 and the Feast Day Proper on April 24.
The event opened with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, attended by representatives of the Institutional Programs and Services department and the RGS Convent community.
Living out compassion beyond the church walls, the community also conducted “Kusina sa Kalye,” a food outreach program held along the street near the Entrance Gate of St. Bridget College.
Packed meals were prepared and distributed to public utility drivers and persons in need on the streets. This initiative reflected the Good Shepherd’s mission of caring for those who serve and sustain the community each day.
Further strengthening spiritual communion, some representatives attended the 5:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Mary Euphrasia Parish.
The second day featured “Hapag ng Pastol,” a Community Pantry held at the College Multipurpose Area for the 100 families from Purok Tramo, Bolbok. Essential food items were shared as an expression of solidarity and care.
In addition, school supplies were distributed to children from Grades 1 to 5 from the same community to support their educational needs and affirm the importance of nurturing the future of the youth.
The third day emphasized caring for communities and creation with the Community Pantry 1 at the Barigon Covered Court, which served 100 families from Barangay Barigon, Agoncillo.
Alongside this initiative, school supplies were distributed to students from Grades 1 to 6 of Barigon Elementary School and Mahabang Dahilig Elementary School, extending care and support to both families and learners.
Moreover, to show commitment to environmental stewardship, some members of the SBC community visited the Foundation Day Trees planted at St. Bridget College, Alitagtag. In celebration of Earth Day, this activity highlighted the call to care for our common home as an integral part of the Good Shepherd’s mission.
Bringing the entire community together in thanksgiving, the Feast Day Proper was solemnly marked by a 7:30 AM Eucharistic Celebration at the SBC Chapel.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Pio Manzano, ORC, SBC chaplain, shared how the spirituality of St. Mary Euphrasia calls everyone to turn from judgment to mercy, especially when the lost are found, and those who lack hope are still cared for.
He emphasized that holiness is proven not by desire alone but by concrete action that seeks unity with God through prayer, which becomes the source of strength to serve.
After the Mass, the blessing and procession of St. Mary Euphrasia images took place. All SME images from offices and buildings were blessed, and three images were installed in the Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School levels, making the presence of St. Mary Euphrasia more visible across the campus.
The celebration was further enriched by the sharing of free bread and coffee to foster fellowship and joy.
In the spirit of bayanihan and in celebration of Earth Day, the community participated in “Bayanihan sa SBC,” a campus clean-up activity that emphasized shared responsibility in caring for the environment.
A community lunch which provided time for togetherness and gratitude followed afterwards.
The celebration concluded with SBC Community Pantry 2, an internal sharing initiative held at the SME Driveway.
Reinforcing a culture of generosity and mutual care within the SBC family and guided by the principle “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan at kabutihang-loob. Kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan,” partners in mission shared food and other items with fellow members of the Bridgetine community.
The St. Mary Euphrasia Feast Day Celebration 2026 was a meaningful expression of faith in action as the SBC community celebrated with grateful hearts and renewed their commitment to live out the mission of compassion, reconciliation, and service.
The Center for Formation and Praxis Office, headed by Mrs. Ma. Socorro Lalap, together with the Institutional Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA), with the support of the College President, Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS, worked collaboratively for the successful conduct of the said event.
by:
Dr. Imelda B. Vergara
IRPP Officer