History & Heritage

“Let us rouse ourselves and go forward! As we are all shepherds, no one small corner of the earth should hold us back.”

St. Mary Euphrasia

The Green Door

At the Motherhouse in Angers, France, St. Mary Euphrasia sent sisters through its doors and into the streets and the wider world to carry out their mission of compassion and service. Known as the “Green Door,” it has become a powerful symbol of the Good Shepherd mission. Today, it represents the commitment, love, and service shared by sisters and partners-in-mission who continue to bring hope and care to others.

Opening Doors to Hope

The history of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd is a story of opening doors: doors to hope, healing, opportunity and belonging.

Since our congregation’s founding by St. Mary Euphrasia in 1835, Good Shepherd Sisters have been guided by a profound belief in the infinite worth of every person and a commitment to making God’s compassionate love visible in the world.

From the Motherhouse in Angers, France, the mission expanded far beyond its original home. Sisters traveled across countries and continents, establishing ministries wherever there was a need for care, protection, education and advocacy.

The Story Continues

Good Shepherd sisters and partners-in-mission have consistently adapted to emerging needs while remaining grounded in our founding values of mercy, reconciliation, justice and compassion.

Our legacy is shaped not only by institutions and milestones, but also by countless relationships and acts of compassion that have transformed lives and communities. Today, these stories continue to inspire us to be a healing presence in the world.