Rooted in silence and prayer, our Contemplative Sisters sustain the entire Good Shepherd mission through intercession — a hidden, vital presence supporting the active apostolic works carried out across the Province.
The history of the Contemplative Foundation of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Sri Lanka is a story of faith, perseverance and trust in God’s providence. From its humble beginnings, the foundation has grown through the dedication and sacrifice of many Sisters who generously embraced the contemplative vocation.
The foundation began through the initiative of Sr. Good Counsel, who was then the Provincial Superior. In 1958, she sent Sr. Hilda, an Auxiliary Sister, to Bangalore, India, for formation as a Contemplative Sister. Sr. Hilda made her First Profession on 22 July 1960. Two young women from St. Euphrasia’s Home, Nayakakanda, later followed her to India, but due to visa restrictions, they had to return to Sri Lanka.
On 5 June 1963, the first Contemplative community in Sri Lanka was established at Good Shepherd Convent, Bolawalana, Negombo. As vocations increased, the community was moved to Halgashena on 12 October 1975, where a more suitable environment was available for contemplative life. At that time, seven finally professed Sisters, five Juniors and three Novices formed the community.
In 1979, Sr. Calista was appointed Directress of Novices, and on 9 June 1984, she became the Superior. The community gradually developed its own leadership and took greater responsibility for its formation and governance.
In 1989, circumstances led to another significant move. Following the sale of the farm at Halgashena and the difficult security situation in the area, the Contemplative Sisters returned to Nayakakanda on 30 August 1989. This became known as their “second exodus.”
After establishing themselves at Nayakakanda, the Sisters desired to extend their contemplative presence to another part of the country and to bring the gift of Eucharistic prayer to a new place. On 25 November 1992, a second community was established at Niripola, Hanwella.
Through the years, the Contemplative Foundation has remained a precious spiritual presence within the Good Shepherd mission in Sri Lanka. The faith and sacrifices of the pioneer Sisters continue to inspire the present generation.
Today, the Contemplative community has 13 finally professed Sisters. Their lives of prayer, silence, Eucharistic adoration and intercession remain a significant gift to the Church, the Congregation and the people of Sri Lanka.
From Bolawalana to Halgashena, from Halgashena to Nayakakanda, and later to Niripola and Kalamulla, the journey of the Contemplative Foundation continues to bear witness to God’s providence and the enduring call to a life of prayer and contemplation.