Theme:“To Celebrate Letting Go and Moving Forward”
The East-Asia Unit Assembly gathered sisters from Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and discernment, creating a sacred space to listen, share realities, and envision the future together. The Assembly was gracefully factilitated by Sr. Anya Borbon and Sr. Marilou Castro, from Philippines/Japan Province, with a hybrid participation of 80 in person and 10 via Zoom. Rooted in the theme “To celebrate letting go and moving forward,” the assembly marked a journey of renewal, unity, and hope.
From the opening, participants were invited to embrace the present reality not as an end, but as a new beginning within a larger regional context. The assembly focused on understanding key realities of the East Asia Unit, including demographics, mission effectiveness, financial sustainability, and partners-in-mission, while reviewing the implementation of 10th Province Directives and 31st Congregational Calls to Action.
A major concern was the declining number of sisters and the aging trend, highlighting the importance of “authentic life witness” to attract younger generations and collaborators. Reports from the three countries revealed both strengths and challenges, calling for openness to the “new movements of the Spirit”.
“Financial sustainability” emerged as a significant issue, with varying capacities and reduced central support. This led to a strong call for greater responsibility, better financial planning, and sharing of resources within the region. The role of partners-in-mission was also emphasized as essential for the continuity and expansion of the mission.
Day two deepened reflection through evaluation and dialogue, bringing forward key themes such as safeguarding as a blessing, trauma-informed leadership, mindful use of technology, and the need to strengthen community life and life witness.
On the third day, the priorities of each country were shared and reflected upon. The three communities share a unified vision centered on formation, community life, and financial sustainability. These shared priorities provide a strong foundation for future planning and collective growth in the region.
The overall atmosphere of the assembly was joyful, open, and participative, with active engagement from both in-person and online participants. A strong sense of togetherness and shared responsibility was evident, as participants embraced a more collaborative way of leadership.
The most significant fruit of the assembly was identified as “unity”. There was deep gratitude for belonging and a renewed commitment to support one another, share resources, and move forward together in faith. The assembly concluded with a thanksgiving ritual, sending participants forth with a call to translate their shared discernment into concrete action for the future.
This assembly marks an important step toward a more united, sustainable, and hope-filled future.
Reported by Sr. Jennifer Kyaw RGS
Good Shepherd Sisters Myanmar