The religious community, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, began in France in 1641 when a progressive priest, Father John Eudes, started an innovative ministry providing shelter to homeless women who were social outcasts. For this purpose, he founded a community of Sisters then known as the Sisters of the Refuge.

In 1815 a young French woman, Rose Virginie Pelletier, joined one of these communities and received the religious name, Sister Mary Euphrasia. At this time, as a result of the French revolution, there were great numbers of homeless children in need of care. To better serve them, in 1835, Sister Mary Euphrasia established a new community, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Angers, France. The community adopted its name from the biblical parable of the good shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep to go to find the one who was "lost." During Sister Mary Euphrasia's lifetime and under her leadership, the sisters grew into a worldwide community established in 110 homes serving girls and young women with educational, social, family and personal difficulties.

Sister Euphrasia, a woman of vision and a compassionate innovator, was impelled by the religious conviction that her love for individuals would awaken in them a sense of their worth and dignity as children of God. She was an eminently practical woman whose commitment to individuals was based on religious principles and a profound dynamic understanding of the person. Aware of the need to accept and address the total needs of each individual served, she fostered programs characterized by a spirit of compassion, understanding and kindness -- an approach quite different from the prevalent thinking of 19th century France. Her broad sense of mission encompassed women and youth of various cultures and nationalities.

Secondly is the belief that each individual has the ability to change and to grow and that this growth takes place very differently within each person. Sister Mary Euphrasia encouraged individuality in relating to the youngsters, "Take notice that what might help one child might have a contrary effect on another. Great tact and discernment are necessary to say the right thing... watch over the children carefully, observe their needs whether of soul or body providing for them with prudence, whatever is needed and suited to each one's state and condition."

A third implication is that each person be seen in a holistic framework. Their needs must be addressed in the context of their family situation and environment. Services must respond to the strengths and difficulties of the individual while also working to alleviate stresses caused by environmental and socio-economic factors. Here, again, the words of Mary Euphrasia ring true for today. "Be careful to know and provide for their temporal needs. Before speaking to them of their personal difficulties, arrange that they should be satisfied with the treatment they receive." Also, in speaking of the different countries practices were to be adapted to the culture and circumstances of the country; the children were to receive food to which they were accustomed and the local customs and family practices were to be respected and observed.

This spirit of solicitude, awareness and respect for persons is the hallmark of Good Shepherd philosophy. By developing and enhancing personal relationships and by providing concrete services, each individual's self-worth and self-esteem as well as his/her quality of life is enhanced.

Today, there are over 6,500 sisters of the Good Shepherd on five continents and 67 countries serving in more than 500 programs, including 40 cities in the United States. Services range from family, residential and community programs as we know them, to programs in the third world countries. On every continent and within various cultures, Sisters and staff continue to provide services addressing the needs of those deprived of a sense of hope and dignity.

Philosophy

The philosophy and values of service by which the agency operates evolved from a Judeo-Christian tradition, attesting to the inestimable dignity and worth of the individual person.

Much of this philosophy has been crystallized and given concrete expression in the works and writings of Sister Mary Euphrasia. Although written over one hundred years ago, her principles and beliefs are remarkably relevant to our modern understanding of human development and psychology.

Sister Mary Euphrasia's fundamental principle is strong belief in the uniqueness and dignity of each person. She counseled her Sisters to love and encourage the youngsters entrusted to their care so that, "you will raise them in their own estimation." She recommended "Look for the good, emphasize the good, the positive in each one. It is there. Make constant efforts to develop this even if it is a continual re-beginning. Only in this way will there be progress." And, "Never remind them of past failures. Always recall their successes, their victories, even though they may seem insignificant."

And so, in her instructions regarding the treatment of the young people in care, she concluded "Love and tender concern must mark your services -- a tenderness and concern for all their needs, their schooling, their suffering, their work, their food, their leisure, nothing must be omitted," Sister Mary Euphrasia emphasized a spirit of respect and compassion. "If you wish to gain their hearts, soften their characters and correct their faults, you must first conciliate and take care of them, showing them much care and consideration."

Sister Mary Euphrasia was declared a saint by the Catholic church in 1940.

Several implications for our present work can be drawn from this conviction regarding the dignity of each person. Fundamental is the belief in a person's right of self-determination, including the right to receive an education adequate for making responsible, knowledgeable decisions. This is as fundamental a right as the right to adequate food, clothing and shelter.

The philosophy and objectives of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd are rooted in the Sisters' mission of reconciliation particularized in their effort to bring troubled young people and families to new understandings and to help them make choices toward personal and social fulfillment. This mission of reconciliation is illustrated in the unique history of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and the evolution of the services, which they sponsor.