05/09/2015, 00.00
SRI LANKA
Send to a friend

Young sisters meet in Sri Lanka in the service of mission in Asia

by Melani Manel Perera
An international meeting organised by the Sisters of the Holy Family is currently underway in Wennappuwa. Its goal is to give a broader formation to younger women religious.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – An international meeting organised by the Sisters of the Holy Family began yesterday in Wennappuwa, diocese of Chilaw (Sri Lanka), with the participation of 49 young women religious from congregations across Asia.

The theme of the meeting, which ends on 17 May, is ‘Asian Young Holy Family Seekers - Dare to move’.

AsiaNews caught up with Sister Jesmine Fernando, who is charge of basic formation at the Sisters of the Holy Family, province of Colombo, and interviewed her on the gathering.

Sister, what is so special about an international meeting like this?

The beauty of organising such an event is that we learn about different cultures, are exposed to them, and have an enriching experience. It is also an opportunity to understand better the reality of Asia.

Why Sri Lanka?

First, because Sri Lanka is the country with largest number of Sisters of the Holy Family. This allows a greater number of women religious to participate. Second, if we had organised the event in India or Pakistan, we would have had visa problems (It is hard for Indians and Pakistanis to travel to the other country.)

How many nuns have come and from what countries?

There are a total of 49 young women religious. With regard to nationality, we have two Filipinos, two Pakistanis, eight Indians, two contemplative sisters, and 34 Sri Lankans: 17 from Colombo and 17 from Jaffna.

What kind of events are you planning? Are there special speakers?

The meeting began with an introductory session that focused on the Asian context in general and the different situations.

Fr Rienzi, an Anglican priest, will conduct a seminar on Jesus, his teachings and prospects in Asia.

Some older Sisters, along with some missionaries, currently active, will talk about the contribution of the congregation to various countries.

There will be interviews, some live and others via the Internet, and cultural events in the evening. We will give particular emphasis to the meaning of religious vows in the current context and today’s mission.

Is this the first time that young sisters from various Asian nations come together?

No, but it has been 18 years since we organised the last gathering of this kind.

As a formator, what do you expect from this meeting?

My hope is that these young women religious will renew their commitment and their desire to lead a consecrated life, and respond to the signs of the times with joy.

As for Sri Lankan sisters, I hope that this experience broadens their horizons and their vision of the world and life.

Many groups, at different level, have made efforts to inject more Asian content in nuns’ education. There is still some way to go in terms of mind-set and attitude.

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
For Fr Tom, abducted in Yemen, Holy Thursday prayer and adoration for the martyrs
21/03/2016 14:57
Pope talks about the Middle East, the Holy Land and the food crisis with Bush
13/06/2008
Mannar, the Institute of the Holy Family closes the jubilee
23/09/2020 15:59
Battuluoya, a parish reborn thanks to the nuns love
04/06/2013
Sri Lanka, at Easter a "second chance" for Catholic prisoners
02/04/2013


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”