By Sr. Jennifer Kyaw, Myanmar (Province of East Asia)
Eighty sisters from across Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar recently gathered for the East Asia Province Assembly to create a sacred space to listen, share realities, and envision the future together. The spirit of prayer, reflection, and discernment was enriched by a further 10 sisters who participated in the sessions online via Zoom.
Held from March 16 to 19, 2026, the assembly was rooted in the theme “To celebrate letting go and moving forward,” and marked a journey of renewal, unity, and hope.
Facilitated by Sr. Anya Borbon and Sr. Marilou Castro from the Philippines/Japan Province, participants were invited at the beginning of day one to embrace the present reality not as an end but as a new beginning within a larger regional context. The assembly focused on understanding the key realities of the Good Shepherd mission in Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, including demographics, mission effectiveness, financial sustainability, and partners-in-mission.
Participants also evaluated and reviewed how the Chapter Directives of the 10th East Asia Province Chapter have been implemented in light of the Call to Action for a New Governance Structure from the 31st Congregational Chapter which asks us to ‘adopt the new governance structure as reviewed by this Chapter body in order to promote the mission more effectively; to address the need for leadership among the vowed members; and to promote the full engagement of partners-in-mission’.
A major concern was the declining number of sisters and the aging trend, highlighting the importance of “authentic life witness” to attract younger generations of sisters and partners. 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 the 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.
Over the three days, there was a strong sense of togetherness and shared responsibility as participants – either in-person or online – embraced a more collaborative style 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 for all sisters and partners-in-mission in the province and the new region as they journey towards a more united, sustainable, and hope-filled future, the next stage of which will be the online Regional Assembly in August 2026.
