Euphrasia – The Musical tells the true-life story of Mother Mary Euphrasia – from a mischievous girl growing up in the aftermath of the French Revolution to her founding of Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
The musical is about one woman’s triumph over insurmountable obstacles through pure grit and tenacity.
Many may have heard about the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd), a Catholic religious order, and the nuns’ work with marginalized communities around the world.
Not all knew about the life of the founder, Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, who aspired to restore the dignity of women and children in 1835 in Angers, France!
Above all, Euphrasia was fully committed to helping better the lives of the marginalized women of her time.
Mother Euphrasia was a forward-thinking woman with audacious ideas in patriarchal societies who bravely thought out of the box to connect the nuns to help the poor.
A young Euphrasia’s encounter with ‘slavery’ gave her real insight into the issues people face, igniting her passion to make a difference and help others. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
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Who do you look up to for inspiration?
I watched Euphrasia – The Musical and thought to myself, the youth performers were probably Mother Euphrasia’s age when she took it upon herself to change the world she lived in.
More than 150 years ago.
Young men and women today want to be empowered and need support. They are studious, articulate, driven, and ambitious and fight hard for a place in society once they finish school to enter the real world.
Many young people today look for mentors and gurus to grow their online world and businesses. They work hard to build their Instagram accounts. They learn to make money online, to do business, with dreams of being financially prosperous.
So they can live the life they want.
Two Good Shepherd Sisters are depicted rescuing Megan Chng in her role as Josephine, portraying the compassion and dedication of those who work tirelessly to help others. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
What is the life you want?
Maybe it is time to stop focusing on Superheroes in comic books and movies and instead look at how a young French girl became someone who inspires other girls to be the best they can be.
Mary Euphrasia did what she loved and strived to impact as many people as possible positively.
During her time, there were no gurus or mentors. There were no webinars, tutorials, or YouTube videos to download.
There was no roadmap.
So what is Mary Euphrasia’s Legacy?
I’m sure it did not cross Mary Euphrasia’s mind to think of creating an enterprise or being a founder of a billion-dollar company so she could channel the funds to help others when she MAKES it.
Euphrasia started by believing she could help the community around her.
She went to where the needy lived and found ways to help. She volunteered and made friends with the nuns, who were weary and short-handed and needed help.
There wasn’t any motivational speaker to inspire her. Her inspiration came from her love for God.
In Mary Euphrasia’s post-French Revolution world, there were countlessly displaced and homeless widows with small children.
It moved her to help women and children, especially those who were trafficked, forced to migrate, and oppressed by abject poverty.
Her passion and vision to empower young women and girls became a full-time job she loved as she continued to look for a way to impact other nuns to help.
Mary Euphrasia fought hard for what she believed in, despite facing tremendous adversities from her bishop.
Megan Chng shines as Josephine in Euphrasia – The Musical while also serving as a choreographer, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the production. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
The Story of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier
Mary Euphrasia Pelletier’s story is relatively unknown.
Born in 1796 as Rose Virginie Pelletier, Mary Euphrasia founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd when she was 39.
She was a French Catholic who fought the patriarchy of her time and helped countless women and children in her hometown in Angers during the post-French Revolution days.
At her boarding school at Tours, Rose found out about the Convent of the Refuge, which belonged to a religious congregation founded in 1641 by St. John Eudes.
The convent was a refuge for the rescue of “fallen” women and protecting those in danger.
Alia Kearney shines as Ashura in Euphrasia – The Musical, depicting her journey of empowerment as she helps the nun and courageously reports to port authorities to rescue exploited women. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
Order of Our Lady of Charity
When she was 18, Rose joined the Order of Our Lady of Charity, which provided shelter and food and cared for girls and women in dire circumstances.
Some girls were orphaned or abandoned, and some had turned to prostitution to survive.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity provided vocational training and an opportunity for these girls to turn their lives around.
The nuns shared the rescued women’s harsh conditions, surviving on bland food, hard work, confinement, and long periods of silence.
Euphrasia was elected as superior of the Convent of the Refuge at 29 but was compelled to leave Angers and return to her community at Tours.
In later years, Mother St. Euphrasia became convinced that a centralized organization was necessary.
Each house, as it stood alone, would hamper their work to reach out to the needy.
What was needed was a common noviceship and a superior general who could transfer the nuns from one house to another as the need arose.
In all her numerous trials and difficulties, St. Mary Euphrasia displayed heroic fortitude, cheerfulness, and trust in God.
Declared a saint in 1940, her legacy lives on 151 years after her passing in 1868 in 73 countries where the Good Shepherd Sisters welfare organization is present.
Mother Mary Euphrasia and Monica, depicted in Euphrasia – The Musical, share a bond of lifelong friendship and mutual trust, symbolizing the importance of companionship and support. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796 – 1868)
Born: July 31, 1796, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, France
1814 (18 years old) joined the Order of Our Lady of Charity
1835 (39 years old) founded Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
Died (71 years old): April 24, 1868, Angers, France
Venerated in: Catholic Church
Beatified: April 30, 1933, Vatican by Pope Pius XII
Canonized: May 2, 1940, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican by Pope Pius XII
Major shrine: Abbaye Saint-Nicolas d’Angers (Convent and Mother-House of the Good Shepherd Congregation)
Feast Day: April 24
Influenced by: John Eudes
Influenced: Mary of the Divine Heart
Books: Conferences and Instructions
Organization founded: Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
Patronage: Good Shepherd Sisters
Actors showcase their talents in dancing and singing in Euphrasia – The Musical, bringing the story to life with vibrant energy and captivating stage presence. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
How would a modern woman relate to Mary Euphrasia’s story?
Euphrasia – The Musical’s producers, Datuk Faridah Merican and Sister Joan Lopez of the Good Shepherd Sisters, believe that the story of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier is one of great inspiration.
Mary Euphrasia’s life is a testament to her strong belief in doing good. In the 1800s, she did everything she could to help marginalized women and children.
The story of a French Catholic nun who devoted her life to providing shelter to women and girls in difficulty is an inspiration that will be a catalyst for women today.
If there is a word to describe this incredible life’s journey of dedication, Mary Euphrasia was a woman ahead of her time.
Today, she would probably be called Female Trailblazer, who made history by taking over prominent new roles for the first time and pushing boundaries.
What she did in the 1800s was unheard of and has redefined society’s oppression of women.
Over the next thirty-three years, she labored tirelessly responding to requests to open houses in France, Europe, the United States, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
“Most of the time, stories are about male heroes.
If you tell a story about a woman, she’s always suffering and being tortured.
This is not the case. This is an excellent story to tell women,” said Faridah in an interview with Malay Mail.
Sister Joan Lopez, the Province Leader of the Good Shepherd Sisters (Singapore and Malaysia), said that it is important for young people to find a good role model in her interview with the Star.
As the lights dim, actors from Euphrasia – The Musical start walking down the aisles next to spectators, creating an immersive and unforgettable theatrical experience.
Sabahan singer Nikki Palikat played Euphrasia
Talented Singer Nikki Palikat once said that she felt an emptiness just going on stage and singing during her recording artiste days.
Watching her perform the lead role in Euphrasia, the Musical is riveting.
Nikki’s passion and storytelling shone in the musical despite the initial weight of responsibility she felt playing a character who lived in the 1800s.
Nikki told Malay Mail that she discovered more about herself in the process of researching the French nun.
Few knew about the struggles of Mary Euphrasia, who left behind a legacy that continue to inspire millions of others more than a century later.
Nikki Palikat shines in the role of Mother Mary Euphrasia in Euphrasia – The Musical, bringing depth and emotion to the character’s inspiring story. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
What was the most challenging aspect of Mary Euphrasia’s leadership?
Coming from a grassroots background, Mary Euphrasia learned to reach out to help the poor and needy at a young age.
Even as a young girl, her encounter with “slavery” gave her a real insight into the issues people face and fueled her desire to help.
Mary Euphrasia didn’t lose interest and momentum to continuously fundraise and communicate an inspiring vision that’s worth fighting for to her closest allies and supporters.
She did things quickly and took action to champion one project after another.
What advice could future women leaders learn from Mary Euphrasia?
Leadership is about empowering others to pursue their dreams and coming alongside women and girls through all their trials and fearless walks.
When people see you believe in what you are championing, you are more likely to support how to impact people’s lives.
Why Mary Euphrasia is the perfect woman leader?
Mary Euphrasia instructed her daughters to do all in the institute’s spirit and be full of love and charity for all souls.
Her exemplary qualities are, above all, inspirational.
Mary Euphrasia is a brilliant visionary who is empathetic, passionate and a champion for women.
It’s hard to find a good role model in today’s society, where most people seem lost in a dreamlike online world.
For young people, finding a passion for work is essential.
I work with young people, and sometimes they tell me they find it hard to be excited to show up to work every day, day after day.
Some do not understand what to do after university or getting a job. Most want to be their bosses and build million-dollar companies or get rich quickly.
It is more important for young people to have someone they can aspire to be.
Mary Euphrasia’s pioneering works in establishing the Good Shepherd congregation continue to fight the good fight against human trafficking, prostitution, and poverty.
Euphrasia’s legacy lives on providing shelter and training for women and children.
Mother Mary Euphrasia points the way to Jesus for a rescued ‘slave’ Ashura in Euphrasia – The Musical, symbolizing hope, redemption, and the power of faith to overcome adversity. Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB.
How to tell the people about Mary Euphrasia?
The producers of “Euphrasia” believe that a musical is the best way to tell Mary Euphrasia’s story, which everyone can relate to.
Province leader Sister Joan Lopez said the Good Shepherd Sisters wanted to work on a musical since 2017 to celebrate her 150th death anniversary last year.
Euphrasia—The Musical is about a remarkable woman with a significant commitment in an era when it was very difficult for women to come out and do things.
From a social angle, issues of human rights, social justice, and human trafficking of the weak and marginalized are highlighted.
In the opening bar scene, a young girl (a modern-day slave) who was “owned” by a man was forced into providing commercial sex before she managed to run away and was encouraged to seek shelter protection from violence with the Good Shepherd (Women Shelter).
The new musical, written by talented local playwrights Cheah UiHua and Terence Toh, opened at KLPac’s Pentas 1 on April 26, 2019, and will tour Ipoh, Perak, and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Dominic Lucien Luk helms the two-hour musical, which contains 29 songs. Singer-songwriter Mia Palencia composed the music, which was arranged by Loh Ui Li.
Conductor Lee Kok Leong. The musical features an ensemble of 27 actors and 13 musicians.
The main cast of Euphrasia includes Nikki Palikat, Megan Chng, Qahar Aqilah, Doreen Tang, Ho Soon Yoon, and Alia Kearney.
The show is a collaboration between The Actors Studio and the Good Shepherd Sisters.
Here’s a stage photo of the full cast of Euphrasia – The Musical, showcasing the diverse and dynamic performers who bring this captivating production to life. Photo: Doris Lim
Joint Production
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Good Shepherd Sisters
The Actor Studio Seni Teater Rakyat
The outreach continues to reach out to the women and their children experiencing domestic violence, children, and youth with limited educational opportunities.
For more information on how you can help, do contact www.goodshepherd.my and www.globalshepherds.my
Euphrasia – The Musical is a MUST-watch show!
Tickets are still available for shows KOTA KINABALU @ Auditorium JKKN Sabah
10th & 11th May, 7.30 pm FOR TICKETS, Call: 012 232 8207
‘Gratitude is the memory of the heart.’
From the founding of the Congregation of the Good Shepherd Sisters in 1835, laywomen and men committed to the vision have emerged as mission partners playing a vital role in developing Good Shepherd’s mission in the Asia Pacific region.
Knowing the founding story and understanding the early Founders’ character and motivation is a powerful orientation tool.
All proceeds of this show aim to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence – domestic violence, human trafficking, and child marriage prevention.
What is inspiration? Find out and get inspired!
My high school classmate Theresa said to me quietly, “I hope you were inspired by the musical.”
Indeed, I am.
I was mentally stimulated. The excitement of the mind, coupled with the emotions I felt watching the performance, was quite overwhelming.
Mary Euphrasia’s life inspired the Euphrasia – The Musical.
The songs, dances, and play will continue to profoundly and meaningfully impact everyone who watched them. The musical had many touching moments that left us crying.
The story of St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier is of great inspiration and a source of healing for generations of young women and will continue to help millions of people worldwide.
Resources
Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepard
*Cover Photo is a montage of photos Source: Euphrasia – The Musical FB
