By Sr. Julia Queck, Singapore (Province of Singapore-Malaysia)

On May 7, 2026, the Regional Assembly kicked off on Zoom with more than 248 devices connected, some with multiple participants behind the screen. The gathering brought together contemplative and apostolic sisters and partners-in-mission under the theme: New beginnings… journeying together in joy, hope, compassion, and reconciliation.

Facilitated by Sr. Anya Borbon y Ms. Theresa Symons, the assembly included participants from the seven countries of the new region, namely the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Singapore. The emerging region brings together the Philippines-Japan and East Asia units, with Singapore, which was welcomed in early 2025. It marked another step toward forming one region.

The first day grounded the assembly in the socio-economic and political realities of the seven countries. Participants shared their mission contexts, joys, and challenges, giving the wider region a clearer view of the life and work being carried out in each place.

The sharing from Myanmar was particularly emotive as participants heard about historical suffering, human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. These accounts challenged many to widen their prayer and solidarity beyond their own province or country.

''We each brought unique stories and cultures. Listening to our sisters and partners – especially those in Myanmar – I was inspired by their courage and commitment,” shared Contemplative Partner-in-Mission Neri Salmatin, speaking of the participants from Myanmar.

Deepening Connection Through STAR Circles

To help participants move beyond formal sessions, the assembly introduced STAR circles. Each circle brought together a mix of four or five sisters and partners-in-mission from different countries and backgrounds. After each session, the groups met to get to know one another, discuss the presentations, and reflect on what they had heard. For Contemplative Partner-in-Mission Slome Corpuz, this inclusion was deeply felt, as she said she felt “very much appreciated by the sisters,” who included her “as a Prayer Partner in many activities of spiritual formation.''

One STAR circle member draws upon religious tradition to suggest that the seven countries symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The assembly also identified seven priorities to guide the region forward. The image of seven candles, different in shape and size yet giving light, offered a simple way of speaking about unity without uniformity.

Dialogue and listening were central to the process. Apostolic Partner-in-Mission Jayne Hee observed that the assembly “strengthened relationships and deepened our sense of belonging to walk together as one Region.''

A Spirit-Led Vision for the Future

The journey toward this new region has been unfolding since the Congregation’s Call to Action to New Governance Structures. It may have begun with uncertainty, but this year it deepened through three days of spiritual preparation leading to the assembly.

The assembly became a time to review our lives as consecrated persons and our mission in today’s context, renewing and revamping internal commitments and reshaping external structures of government for the mission to be sustained. Embracing Zeal Calls us to Respond, this renewal includes partners-in-mission who share the Good Shepherd charism and values. It also calls our mission in the region to go beyond borders, cultures, languages, and comfort zones, echoing St. Mary Euphrasia’s invitation to “not attach yourself to a small corner of the world.''

For many participants, the assembly changed how they saw one another. “What touched me most during the Regional Assembly was getting to know more sisters and partners-in-mission. They no longer feel distant, but they are truly close to me,” reflected Consejera Contemplativa Lilly Simon Sorop. She also noted a shared readiness “to move forward and embrace challenges for the sake of the mission.''

Participants described the assembly as a new journey of faith and a new adventure together, hand in hand. That sense of connection was captured in the chat during a plenary session and echoed by Apostolic Sister Agnes-Claire Koh: “From the very first day, it felt as though we already knew one another, even via Zoom. There was a powerful sense of openness, warmth, and a genuine desire to journey together. We are already one Region even before we officially become one in December 2026.''

With strengthened collaboration and a clearer shared mission, the region now looks toward the Regional Chapter from December 1 to December 9, 2026. There, the region will continue to discern a new beginning, a new direction, a new name, a regional leader, and a governance structure, while recognizing that the mission’s future rests not only on new structures, but on the faithfulness of each person and the faithful presence of God.

Please keep this journey in your prayers!

Meaning of the Logo for the Regional Assembly/Chapter

Sun
Represents God’s abundant gifts and grace, and the new beginning as one region.

Yellow
Symbolizes life, joy, energy, youthfulness, and hope.

Staff
Represents shepherding rooted in God’s compassion, mercy, and unconditional love.

Green
Symbolizes seeds of hope, growth, and new beginnings.

White Path
Represents the path leading us toward the emerging future and the journey we have taken, and will continue to take, as one region. Despite fears, doubts, uncertainties, and challenges on the path toward regionalization, unity, trust, love, joy, hope, and mutual support will make this journey possible.

Persons
Represent synodality: all mission partners, including sisters and partners-in-mission, journeying together for mission.

Blue
Symbolizes spirituality and peace.

Holding Hands
Represents upholding one another and journeying hand in hand.