By Lissy Chacko, Province Leader of the Province of South West India
The Asia Pacific Circle (APC) of Leaders gathered in person once again on January 25 and 26 in Pattaya, Thailand. Held at the Mahaitai Conference Centre, the gathering was enriched by the presence of Congregational Leader Sr Joan Marie Lopez and Congregational Councilor Sr Josita Corera, along with Sr Anya Borbon who provided gentle and effective facilitation.
The APC has been meeting regularly since 2009 through either in-person or online meetings. This year’s in-person reunion was particularly joyful, reinforcing the sense of connection and shared purpose among the leaders.
A central focus of the meeting was the updates from Unit Leaders, providing valuable insights into the movements, challenges, and progress within each Unit. These updates fostered a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape within the Asia Pacific region.
On the second day, discussions were structured around the emerging regional groupings, allowing Unit Leaders to refine their understanding of the Step Plan formulated by the APC Implementation Team. This plan outlines the transition towards a more cohesive regional structure:
- Central East India-Nepal and South West India are collaborating on a timeline to establish a new Region by the end of 2026, including clear role definitions for local leaders and contact persons.
- East Asia & Philippines/Japan have engaged in multiple meetings—both virtual and in-person—facilitating stronger relationships between sisters and leadership teams.
- Indonesia, Singapore/Malaysia, North East Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and the Sector of Pakistan continue progressing towards forming a unified Region.
- Sri Lanka remains a distinct Region for the foreseeable future. Notably, Sri Lanka has taken significant steps to restructure, reducing the number of communities and establishing mission centers—a proactive approach that each Unit is encouraged to follow based on its unique circumstances.
The sharing of experiences provided encouragement and solidarity among leaders as they work towards the future vision set by the Congregational Chapter.
Mission, Education, and Formation Updates
Several important updates were presented during the meeting:
- Onalie De Silva shared the latest developments and future plans for the Asia Pacific Mission Development Office.
- Sashi Natrajan, Convenor of the AP Educational Committee, provided an update on the Joy of Educational Leadership Program, which had concluded just prior to the meeting at the same venue.
- Discussions also covered key topics such as the future of the Asia Pacific Website, justice and peace networking, and ongoing regional formation.
- A notable highlight was the plan to establish a regional formation house in Tagaytay, Philippines, a project spearheaded by Sr Susan Montano and her team. The new facility, designed to accommodate 12 individuals, represents a significant step forward in regional formation efforts.
Strengthening Bonds and Looking Ahead
Over the course of the two days, both formal and informal discussions provided ample opportunities to address common challenges and explore shared solutions. The sense of unity and mutual support was evident, reinforcing the collective commitment to building a stronger, more integrated future for the APC.
As the APC continues to evolve, these gatherings remain a vital space for collaboration, learning, and strengthening our mission of service across the region.
