Meet Our Project Partners

The Good Shepherd Sisters, Thailand

The Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd is an international congregation of religious women located across 73 countries. Established in 1835, they have sought to provide support to women and girls facing harsh social conditions. The Sisters started their work in Bangkok in 1965 with a mission to ensure that children, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, are protected and can develop their lives free from all forms of abuse. Sister Chalaad and Sister Louise have dedicated their lives to this mission. Learn more about them below.

Sister Chalaad

“Every value of life is important, and I believe that everyone can support each other in a small or big way. It’s about giving a chance to the mothers and the children.”

Sister Chalaad grew up in a faith-filled family in north-east Thailand, the fifth child in a family of eight. While in secondary school, Sister Chalaad heard of the Good Shepherd Sisters and through her faith was inspired to join them and support those in need.

Having dedicated the past 27 years working with vulnerable women and children in Bangkok, Sister Chalaad understands the struggle that these women face and how important the love, care and support the programs are for those in need.

Believing that everyone has a vocation for love and mercy for all, and much like Sister Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters congregation), understanding the importance and worth of each and every individual no matter what their circumstance may be, Sister Chalaad is a vital part of the ongoing work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok.

Sister Louise

“One person, it doesn’t matter if she comes with bumps and dirty or torn clothes (or) they never comb their hair for the last month or whatever; they’re still unique in God’s eyes. So, yes, one person, this very person, is of more value than the whole world.”

Born and raised in Ireland, Sister Louise Horgan knew she wanted to support those in need from a young age, when a missionary Sister came to speak at her school sharing about her work in Sri Lanka. At just 18 years old, Sister Louise followed the call and joined the Good Shepherd Sisters, where she has worked in Sri Lanka for a few years, followed by Thailand where she has been for over 55 years.

Seeing great need to help women and children who have nowhere to turn, Sister Louise - and a few other Good Shepherd Sisters who had been placed in Bangkok – created what is now the Good Shepherd Centre in Bangkok.

Since 1965, Sister Louise has seen the faces and heard the voices of those in her local community, and in response, created and manages many programs for women and children in need.

Salesian Sisters

Sister Adelaide Supertino

Originally from Italy, Sister Adelaide has been with the Salesian Sisters for 60 years, 55 of which have been dedicated to mission work in Chiang Mai, a city in mountainous northern Thailand.

She has worked hard through her ministry to support young people of different ethnic groups in rural Thailand, giving them the opportunity to receive an education, improving their overall quality of life.

Arrupe Centre, Cambodia

Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvagonzalez SJ

Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvagonzalez (pictured right) has been living and working in Cambodia for over 30 years. Following a transformative experience at a youth synod in Taizé, he decided to dedicate his life to living alongside and helping people in need. He was ordained in 1992 and settled into missionary service based in Battambang, Cambodia.

In recognition of his contribution to the region, Bishop Enrique was appointed Prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang in 2000. He continues to actively promote the rights, inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable people in Cambodia through a range of social initiatives and enterprises.

Kidist Mariam Pastoral Centre, Ethiopia

María José Morales Jurado

Born in Barcelona, Maria José Morales Jurado is a Spanish lay missionary and director of the Kidist Mariam Pastoral Centre which she helped establish in 2015.

Maria has been a member of the Community of Saint Paul since 1988 and has been working as a missionary in pastoral and development projects since 1993.

She moved to Ethiopia in 2013 and is currently responsible for pastoral and development projects with youth and women in the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki.

Lideta Catholic Cathedral School, Ethiopia

Father Tekle Mekonnen

Father Tekle Mekonnen, current Headmaster at the Lideta Catholic Cathedral School, is a priest based in the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa Ethiopia. He has an background in education with over 20 years experience teaching in Elementary and Secondary Schools, and Lecturing at the Franciscan Institute of Philosophy and Theology.

Father Tekle has extensive qualifications including a BA in Philosophy, Licentiate in Theology, Licentiate in Philosophy, an MA in Government and international relation, and a PhD in Political Philosophy.