By Christopher Kushi
PENANG – The Asian Forum of Infant Jesus (IJ) Sisters and Lay Partners held their third gathering in Penang from Oct 17-22, 2024. The forum centred on the reflection theme: If only you knew the gift of God, let us share this gift with our world, thirsting for life-giving water (John 4:10). Participants engaged in deep reflection, focusing on sharing the gift of faith with a world yearning for spiritual nourishment.
The Asian Forum commenced with a warm welcome song performed by the choir of Convent Datuk Keramat, Penang. A total of 42 participants from the Provinces of Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the District of Myanmar gathered for the event, aimed at fostering unity, deepening the IJ spirituality, and responding to the call of the IJ Mission. The forum provided a space for IJ Sisters and lay companions to discern and revitalise their shared charism, ensuring that it remains relevant and vibrant in today’s realities, inspiring their work in various ministries with renewed energy and purpose.
Sr Mary Theresa Chua, Provincial of the Infant Jesus Sisters of Malaysia, via a video message, said that it is fortuitous that they meet in Penang to trace the footsteps of dear Mother Mathilde who spearheaded the IJ Mission, not only in Malaysia and Singapore but in Japan, a realisation of her dream. This is the time to get to know each other, working towards a common vision of making Jesus Christ known and loved. The charism given to both IJ Sisters and Lay companions is a gift to be shared in this journey together in faith, hope and trust. She apologised for not being able to be present due to a medical condition but is with all in spirit.
Grateful thanks were also given to Sr Brigitte, our Mother General, together with Sr Marina and Sr Felicia of the General Council, who gave their blessings for this grace-filled gathering! Thanks also to Sr Elizabeth Wong, member of the Malaysian Provincial Team and Angela Tan, the secretary of the Asian Forum.
Sr Jane Sinprayoon, General Councillor, in her keynote address, exhorted that with the rich tapestry of IJ Sisters’ diverse experiences, cultures and perspectives, the united common purpose is always to live out and advance the IJ Mission, in following the inspiring footsteps of Mother Mathilde Raclot. Mother Mathilde’s legacy is one of courage, faith and unwavering commitment to education and service. This pioneering spirit led her to the far corners of Asia, establishing schools, orphanages and communities that have transformed countless lives. This nurturing of the minds and hearts of the young and elderly, supporting the communities and reaching out to the needy, embodies the love and compassion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sr Jane ended her speech with the call to journey together, holding in our hearts the words of Mother Mathilde, “Let us be promoters of peace at all levels, from home to the workplace to the world”. Let us open our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, trusting that our time together will bear much fruit for the glory of God and the good of those we serve.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, addressed the IJ Sisters as dear daughters of Nicholas Barre of Asia. Cardinal Sebastian has a long history of association with the IJ Sisters. The IJ Sisters have transitioned through the years from the 50’s and 60’s highly visible presence to the 70’s post Vatican 2 reforms and change of orientation with the option for the poor. Today, with Synod 2024, there is a new dynamic called Conversations in the Spirit, where we remain faithful to the process of discernment as a way forward. The Asian/Universal Church is Creative, Inclusive and Bridgebuilding and the IJ Sisters’ Vision, Mission and Charisms fit into this by being home with the last, least, little, lost and lowly!
Cardinal Sebastian proposed a new paradigm for the Vision and Mission of the Church, from Clergy, Religious and Laity to a Synodal Church of Apostles, Disciples and People of God. We are all called to be Missionary Disciples of the Joy of the Gospel, Mercy of the Father and Hope in the Holy Spirit.
Sr Maria Lau, Provincial Councillor, gave the participants an overview of the seminar structures and objectives. Highlighted were the fruits of the past forums. The sense of belonging to the IJ family resonated with all. There was also a call for Asian inter-provincial collaboration to share resources and experiences.
The Laos Mission Team was born from the first Asian Forum in 2019 and now have four schools to contribute to the growth and development of children and youth in Laos.
Fr Mark Raper SJ and Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ were the facilitators who shared their experiences, and guided the discussions in the synodal way of listening, praying, and discerning together as a body of Christ in communion, participation and mission.
All guests were gifted the book Lessons from my School – The Journey of the French Nuns and their Convent Schools authored by Chen Yen Ling who aptly prefaced ‘For the Sisters who risked, laboured and sacrificed their own lives to change those of others through education. – Herald Malaysia
