This Is Our Story
The Sisters of the Divine Shepherd (SDS) is a Religious Congregation of Diocesan Rite founded on December 10, 1989 in the Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan, the Philippines by the late Most Reverend Cirilo R. Almario, Jr., D.D., then Bishop of the Malolos Diocese.
He was assisted in the congregation's formative stage by Sr. Ma. Fatima R. Senarillos, and Sr. Ma. Imma Conception A. Masocol, two formerly professed religious of the Handmaids of the Holy Trinity. The two sisters, together with 6 novices and three postulants, comprised the pioneering community of the Sisters of the Divine Shepherd.
The sisters initially occupied the classrooms at the second floor of the Immaculate Conception School for Boys building where they stayed for five months and then in May 1990, they transferred to the other side of the building which was formerly occupied by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop entrusted to the sisters the social service apostolate, thus, their first assignment was to serve and care for the aged at the Emmaus House located in Caingin, Malolos City. There, they shared their time and talents in taking care of the sick and the dying. They particularly extended support in spiritual and moral aspects.
Another apostolate was added to the work of the sisters with the launching of the Caritas Malolos located within the Cathedral compound which was blessed and opened by Most Reverend Cirilo R. Almario on May 16, 1990. The sisters, through the help of some volunteer doctors, a dentist and a nurse, provided free medicines and medical consultations for the poor every Wednesday.
With the congregation's thrust to always be with the poor, the sisters continue to reach out to people most especially those living along the railroad tracks. Most of them are not church goers so the sisters provided them catechetical instruction. The sisters served them snacks which the sisters themselves prepared. They visit the community every Saturday afternoon to perform their catechetical apostolate.
With God's abundant blessings, the sisters were able to procure a house and lot at 18 Kabihasnan Street, Caniogan, Malolos City. They transformed it into a home for street children and the abandoned ones. It was blessed by the founder, Most Rev. Cirilo R. Almario on October 25, 1995.
In keeping with the congregation's charism are its threefold aim: to see the Glory of God, to live up to the sisters' own sanctification and to help ensure the salvation of others.
The Congregation seeks to love, serve and suffer just like Christ, the Divine Shepherd through the various apostolate and works of charity it performs. The members totally devote themselves in the salvific mission of the Church through social service and charitable works among the people, especially the poorest of the poor, the needy, and also, the rest of Christ's brethren.
