By Joseph Younes
From her humble beginnings in Myanmar to her current role as a leader among the Good Shepherd Sisters in Australia, Sr Jacinta Unger RGS, has followed a path of unwavering faith, commitment, and compassion.
With a deep love for music and a heart for service, Sr Jacinta has spent decades dedicated to the mission of the Church and the wellbeing of others.
Born into a family of six children—one boy and five girls—Sr Jacinta was the fourth child.
Her early life in Myanmar was marked by a close connection to her parish, where she discovered her love for music and service.
“It was a call from God that started when I was very young,” Sr Jacinta reflects.
“I was active in the parish, and I always liked to sing. A religious sister at the Good Shepherd school I attended encouraged me to lead children in singing, and that was a turning point for me.”
After completing high school, Sr Jacinta pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and later worked as a dental assistant in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar.
Despite her professional path, the call to religious life remained strong.
She maintained close contact with the Good Shepherd Sisters at Yangon’s “big convent,” and in 1982, she professed her vows.
“My early ministry included visiting the sick and providing companionship to those in hospitals and homes,” she says. “It was a deeply fulfilling time.”
Sr Jacinta’s journey as a Good Shepherd Sister has spanned over four decades. In 2022, she celebrated her 40th year of religious life—a milestone she cherishes.
Over the years, her ministry took her to various postings within Burma, while her family gradually migrated to Perth, Australia. When she found herself the last sibling in Burma, she requested a transfer to Perth, where she has lived for the past 25 years.
Since arriving in Australia, Sr Jacinta has continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Counselling and Psychology from Notre Dame University. She has also worked as a counsellor at Centrecare, offering support and guidance to those in need.
Today, Sr Jacinta serves as a leader within the Good Shepherd Sisters in Australia, overseeing the needs of her fellow sisters across the country.
Her responsibilities include administrative duties, but she remains deeply connected to her parish, of Mirrabooka, where she plays an active role in the music program.
“Music helps people to connect with God and their beliefs,” Sr Jacinta shares. “It encourages people to focus and brings them closer to their faith.”
Despite the joy she finds in her ministry, Sr Jacinta acknowledges that there have been challenges along the way.
“One of my challenges has been language,” she admits. “English is my second language, and I don’t always feel that I can communicate fully. But I trust God and trust the journey.”
One of the initiatives Sr Jacinta is particularly proud of is her involvement in the Catholic Mission appeal across various parishes.
“It helps raise necessary funds for those in need and lets people in Australia know what is happening in the world,” she explains. “Even small donations make a big difference in people’s lives overseas. We are all connected, and we really are just one big family.”
In addition to her work with Catholic Mission, Sr Jacinta has also made a positive impact at St Clare’s School in Lathlain. Her contributions, both large and small, are a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering a vocation in religious life, Sr Jacinta emphasises the importance of listening to the heart.
“The call comes from within, not from the outside,” she says. “For me, it was a slow and soft call, not something dramatic. God gently calls you. Also, look to what Pope Francis is calling young people to do in our world.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sr Jacinta draws inspiration from the words of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, the foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters: “Do well ALL that you do.”
This simple yet profound wisdom continues to guide her every day.
“Trust God and trust the journey,” she adds.
For Sr Jacinta, the journey has been one of faith, service, and unwavering dedication to the mission of the Good Shepherd Sisters.