By Sr. Jennifer Kyaw, Myanmar (Province of East Asia)
As Good Shepherd Asia Pacific prepares for new governance structures within the region, sisters in Myanmar came together to gather as a sector in Yangon from August 22 to 24, 2025. This three-day event represented a pivotal moment in our ongoing transformation—one that honors our rich heritage while boldly stepping into the future.
A total of 45 sisters from across the country participated, creating an atmosphere of joy, sisterhood, and deep communion. The gathering provided a sacred space where each sister actively shared in discussions, contributing her voice and wisdom to our collective discernment.
Our days were filled with moments of prayer, reflection, and dialogue, allowing us to listen attentively to one another and to the Spirit moving among us. Each community presented its journey of mission implementation, highlighting both the challenges faced and the creative responses given, along with their hopes and future plans. This sharing became a source of inspiration, reminding everyone of the strength that comes from walking together in faith and mission.
Continuing Our Legacy of Service
With the upcoming 160th anniversary of our foundation in Myanmar on February 8, 2026, this gathering took on special significance. The timing reflects our ongoing zeal to keep the mission alive through both celebration and challenge.
Throughout these almost 160 years, our sisters and partners-in-mission in Myanmar have remained committed to education, vocational training, healthcare, and support for vulnerable women and children. Our ministries span from Yangon to Mandalay, from Kachin State to the Thai-Myanmar border, serving those at risk of trafficking, providing shelter for single mothers, operating daycare centers for HIV-affected children, and running prison ministries—all continuing despite the current social challenges facing our nation. These programs exemplify our commitment to creating pathways out of poverty and vulnerability, even in times of uncertainty and unrest.
Embracing New Governance for Enhanced Mission
A key outcome of the gathering was identifying priorities for the coming years as we embrace this new governance structure. These priorities reflect our collective discernment and our desire to respond faithfully to the needs of the people we serve, especially the most vulnerable.
Beyond the discussions and plans, the gathering was above all an enriching human and spiritual experience. It was a time of embracing one another as sisters, rekindling bonds of unity, and celebrating the gift of belonging to a shared mission. Many described the days together as a source of renewed energy and encouragement. The joy of being together gave hope for the future, strengthening the sisters’ resolve to continue their mission with love, courage, and faith.
As we prepare for our 160th anniversary celebration, we carry forward the zeal of our founding sisters, the courage of those who refounded our presence in 1973, and the hope of new vocations on the horizon following our “Come and See” program held in April 2025, which welcomed 29 young women exploring religious life with us.
The Myanmar sector gathering was not only a meeting but also a celebration of life, mission, and sisterhood—a testimony that, together, our journey ahead is filled with hope and promise.
