On July 4, 2025, Sr. Jintana Phimsan (Thailand) and Sr. Veronica Endah Lestari (Indonesia) graduated from the six-month Programme for the Preparation of Formators* at UISG in Rome. Here, they share their experiences in conversation with the Congregational Communications Office in Rome.

Question: Can you describe your initial feelings and expectations when you began the six-month formation programme?

Sr. Veronica Endah: “At the beginning of my six-month journey, I felt a sense of excitement at the opportunity to prepare myself for my mission in formation, and to grow personally and spiritually. I was also curious about the challenges I might face, how I would grow, and how the experience would shape me.”

Sr. Jintana: “I felt really grateful and appreciated this wonderful opportunity I received from God. Initially, I realized it wasn’t going to be easy but also not too difficult, largely because I had many companions who supported me.”

Q: What key lessons about formation and leadership have you learned through this experience?

Sr. Veronica Endah: “This programme has significantly deepened and broadened my understanding of both formation and leadership. I see it as a deeply relational and spiritual journey. Formation is about accompanying someone as they grow into the unique person God calls them to be. In terms of leadership, I’ve learned that leadership is less about control and more about fostering growth, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and helping others to discover their inner resources. It has shifted my perspective from ‘doing formation’ to ‘being a formator, someone who continues to be formed while accompanying others in their journey.”

Sr. Jintana: “I learned deeply about the spirit of self-acceptance and growing from love rather than shame. Accepting my imperfections as part of my humanity and recognizing my worth helped me grow. Becoming a formator taught me the importance of being authentically myself and trusting in God’s guidance.”

Q: How do you see your role as a formator now after completing this course, and what does it mean for your future mission?

Sr. Veronica Endah: “Completing this programme marks a moment of gratitude and growth. It is the beginning of a deeper calling. Formation is a lifelong journey for me and those I accompany – a journey that has drawn me closer and has helped me listen more attentively to God’s voice.

Being a formator is not a role I take on; it is a vocation rooted in my relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. It reminds me that the heart of formation is God’s love flowing through us to nurture others on their path of faith and discernment. As I step into the role of formator, I am grateful to God and the Congregation for the opportunity to prepare myself before accompanying others on their vocational and spiritual journeys.

I see this as a dynamic and mutual process—where the journey of one becomes the journey of many, shaped by community, prayer, and the ongoing work of the Spirit.”

Sr. Jintana: “I am so excited to be a formator and accompany the two pre-novices. It means stepping out of my comfort zone and moving to the common pre-novitiate in the Philippines. For the growth of our Congregation, I will persevere in this holy work, trusting fully in God’s hands. I would like to thank God and all of you who were my best friends during the last 6 months, may we continue to walk together with hope and zeal for the salvation of each person.”

*The programme offers various ways to help the participant integrate the content of the programme including personal reflection, group work and interaction, and mentoring. Each participant assumes the responsibility for her own human and spiritual growth and commits herself to active and engaged participation. Applications are open for 2026; for more information and registration check: uisg.org/en/news/Formators-Program-2026/