On this blessed and significant day, we give thanks to God as our two Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, Sr. Mary Christina Angela San Nwe and Sr. Mary Geraldine Aye Aye Aung,  have dedicated their entire lives to our Shepherd Lord.

We express our gratitude to God for this special day that marks their perpetual profession, and our heartfelt thanks to Bishop Francis Than Htun, who celebrated the Eucharistic Celebration, and the attending priests. We also thank Sr. Rebecca Kay Thi Oo, the provincial, and all the religious sisters, brothers, and family members and who participated. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our benefactors, friends, and also all those who have prayed for us from afar.

Together with the two perpetual professed Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, we extend our sincere thanks to you all for all your support and presence.

May you always be blessed with the abundant love of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, and may our prayers of love be conveyed.

Sisters of St. Francis Xavier!
Myanmar
Reported by Sr. Jennifer Kyaw

In the midst of Myanmar’s ongoing political and natural challenges, a beacon of hope emerged at the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Convent in Yangon through the “Come and See Program,” held from April 1st to 24th, 2025. Organized by the sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, the program welcomed 29 young women interested in exploring the religious life and mission of the congregation.

This special initiative, focused on vocation promotion, provided participants with a sacred space to reflect, learn, and grow spiritually. Under the theme “Put Out into the Deep Water,” the program encouraged the girls to dive deeper into their inner lives and discernment through a series of meaningful activities.

Throughout the month-long journey, the girls engaged in sessions that explored the lives of saints, the mission and vision of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier congregation, as well as the value of meditation and self-awareness. These moments offered more than just knowledge—they inspired transformation. Many participants expressed their desire to integrate what they learned into their everyday lives.

Despite the backdrop of national crises, including political unrest and the recent earthquake, the convent became a haven of peace and purpose. The joy and enthusiasm of the girls were evident in every activity, from deep reflections to festive outings, including the traditional water festival.

Their heartfelt sharing and personal stories touched the hearts of the sisters, showing how seeds of faith and vocation can still grow even in challenging times. The program concluded with a renewed sense of hope—for the participants, for the congregation, and for the future of the Church in Myanmar.

As the sisters continue their mission, they carry with them the joy and spirit of these young women, who are ready to “Put out into the deep water” and explore the calling of religious life with courage and love.

Reported by Sr. Goretti Yin Nyein Aye

Sr. Regina, the member of restructuring team, outlined the assembly goals: “fostering constructive, authentic dialogue and communion on the journey of restructuring” and objectives:

• To create environments and practices that encourage meaningful communication, genuine connection and mutual understanding among individuals and the Myanmar Sector.
• To promote open-ended discussion where participants feel safe to express their views respectfully
• To encourage individuals to share personal experiences and values without fear of judgement
• To cultivate self-awareness to align(integrate) words and actions with true intentions
• To emphasize shared humanity over differences

The facilitators lead the group in a creative way to enhance the goal and objectives. The first day was given a space for formation where everyone reflected on the responses made by the whole sector before the gathering began. The assembly then listened to the heartfelt sharing of formators and the vocation promotion team. The second day was on community life and leadership. The whole group had an opportunity to have an honest look on the reality of our community life and figure out the desired community life. In the second part of the day, the group worked on leadership. In the evening, the washing of the feet ritual was done with meaningful qualities of service, purification, and humility, and the day concluded with the Lord’s prayer. The session aimed to foster a sense of unity and shared experiences, fostering a sense of unity and support among the sisters. On the third day, finance matters were discussed where the group was facilitated to reflect on the reality of our sector and the need for our future journey.
In the last part of the assembly, the group was updated with the information of invitation of new mission, jubilee celebration and the movement of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Safeguarding, communication teams. The facilitators then concluded the assembly with Gratitude ceremony.

Each member participated wholeheartedly and engaged in with compassion and honesty. A strong sense of union and renewed hope was manifested throughout the assembly. Courage to be kind and to listen with heart brought the whole group a sacred space where everyone is safe and empowered.
 
Reported by Elizabeth Joseph
 

Our Province Leadership Team envisions a transformative future for the province within a new governance structure, with thorough preparation of our human resources. To realize this vision, we organized a comprehensive five-day workshop led by our facilitator, Paula. This gathering brought together 24 leaders from three sectors, including the Province Leadership Team (PLT) and Sector Leadership Teams (SLTs), to engage collaboratively in a synodal journey. Through shared learning and dialogue, we aim to cultivate the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of this transition and strengthen our collective leadership

On the first day, Sr. Rebecca, our Provincial, extended a heartfelt welcome to Paula and all participants from the three sectors. Her warm introduction set a positive tone for the workshop, allowing Paula to seamlessly step into her role as facilitator for the remainder of our time together

The workshop Goals were to be transformational leaders that create a Universal Culture of Justice in our contexts – spiritual leadership; Synodality and Universal Culture of Justice. With the clear goals, we spent time learning together through various activities in order for us to grow understanding of transformational leadership as a synodal practice, identify leadership patterns and behaviours in personal practice, explore how to create a Universal Culture of Justice in own leadership context, practice skills of participatory facilitation, dialogue and hosting of groups, and deepen skills of listening and awareness through the practice of Conversation in the Spirit.

We were invited to reflect on the three leadership styles (laissez-faire leadership, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership). It was very touching messages for everyone to reflect and aware of who we are in this journey. The deep sharing revealed that, as Asians, we are profoundly affected by the hierarchical culture, which presents significant challenges in achieving transformational leadership—leadership that inspires change and fosters innovation. However, the eagerness and vibrant energy of each individual, along with our collective spirit, demonstrate our readiness to embrace the call to explore unknown horizons.

Moreover, the Synodal Leadership messages from Dr. Jessie Rogers, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, and School of Synodality deeply touched all participants. We dedicated significant time to reflect on and practice facilitation, which allowed us to engage meaningfully with the material. Each group facilitator highlighted essential aspects for our transformation as we embark on the journey of forming a new local community. Key themes included strengthening collaboration, fostering trust, and embracing inclusivity.

The diverse facilitation sessions from each group showcased our collective creativity and commitment, and participants fully engaged in the various activities which enriched our learning experience. We left the session feeling inspired and hopeful, eager to apply these insights and practices to our own contexts. Our aim is to create a vibrant community that embodies the principles we explored, ensuring that our efforts resonate beyond this learning experience.

Reported by Sr. Margarita Do (2-9-2024)

As Sisters of St. Francis Xavier from Myanmar, we are responding Calls to Action which was mentioned in the 31^st Congregational Chapter Direction Statement. St Mary Euphrasia, our mother left her spiritual heritage for all the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier and mission partners with the beautiful words of “Though old stars burn out and die, look to the new and even beyond”. With these words we are adopting the new governance structure in order to promote the mission more effectively; addressing the need for leadership among vowed members and promoting full engagement of partners-in-mission.

As we are in the process of restructuring, Myanmar Sisters of St. Francis Xavier gathered together in Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Convent, Latha Yangon from 20^th August to 22^nd August 2024. Gathering was facilitated by Sr Rebecca (Province Leader) and Myanmar SLT. Among 49 sisters, 37 sisters joined in the gathering and they brought new opinions and inspirations. Drawn by the spirit of St John Eudes and St Mary Euphrasia, we discerned together what are necessities and unnecessities ministries for Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Myanmar. Trusting by the grace of transformation we are ready to plague to embrace the new that is emerging. Beside the discernment, we all were enjoying of being together, listened to one another, sharing laughter and tear, encouraging and embracing one’s brokenness with our hearts.

When we evaluate the gathering, we all felt oneness and one spirit as the daughters of St Mary Euphrasia. Despite the challenges and amidst the severe vulnerability, strong resilient and hope can be seen in each one of us. This is only because of God’s grace! As St.Paul testifys in his letter of 2^nd Corinthians 12:9, “ My grace is sufficient for you”. We praised and thanks the Lord for all the graces and new inspirations in our hearts that we brought in the process of restructuring for Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Myanmar.

Reported by

Sr.Geradine Aye Aye Aung RGS

24.8.2024

Today on the feast of St John Eudes, 19 of August 2024 we, Sisters of St. Francis Xavier joyfully celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Sr.M Rebecca Kay Thi Oo (present provincial of East Asia), Sr.M Amy Martina Naw Thin Thin Aye and Sr.M Flarence Soe Thandar Htwe. Eucharistic Celebration is presided by Bishop Fransis Than Htun together with Fr.Nicholas Thein Aung, Fr. Mutu Nyan Myint, Fr. Paul Peter SDV and Fr. Amalraj SJ in the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Convent, Latha , Yangon. Families of Jubilarians, relatives and friends share our joy and praise the Lord together in this Eucharistic Celebration.

As Jubilee is a season for rejoicing and a special celebration, we rejoice in the Lord and thanks to the Lord for the gifts of Jubilarians. A silver jubilee is a celebration of a 25-year milestone. It is a commemoration of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have brought our Jubilarians to where they are today. Today, they mark Religious Profession first made 25 years ago, the initial fervor and passion of the young. The “YES, LORD!”, given to the God of one’s youth. They are the true servants of the Lord, giving their best and serving in the Lord’s vineyard as the fruitful religious. Like the Heart of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier whose love is limitless, they are also never exhausted from helping the needy and reaching out to the peripheries wherever they are. Our mother Foundress, St Mary Euphrasia said, “Love, yes, love your calling, for this holy and generous love will impart strength to you so as to enable you to surmount all obstacles”. As the daughters of St Mary Euphrasia the Jubilarians enabled to surmount all obstacles on the ways of their life by the love of their calling.

We are filled with gratitude for the gift of your entire lives, and we pray that God will bless you with peace and joy as you look back on all that the years have held for you and as you look forward in hope to God’s continuing surprises and graces.

Personal encounter with God by the Jubilarians

Celebrating 25 years as a Religious of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier for me is a time to “give thanks” to our Shepherd God who has been faithfully and compassionately journeying with me every day of my life as a religious. It is also time for me to gratefully remember everyone-my parents, family, relatives, friends and sisters who have always been my support. My heart sings with deep gratitude for everything both joys and challenges that I have encountered which made me who I am today. All is GIFT. How can I repay God for His goodness to me? (Ps 116:12)

Sr.Rebecca

“The virtue of my prayer will show how much I am close to God “

How can I believe that it has been 25 years as a religious? When I reflect on my journey, it is so colorful, times of happiness, and joy as well as being downhearted, doubtful, and full of challenges. In the midst of such experiences, the protection and the helping hand of God has constantly accompanied me in each step of my life. I confidently claim that this 25 year of religious life is a milestone of the journey to my homeland, that is, the experience of the love of God as St. Augustine said: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you”. With this realization, I have become more aware of what I need to let go of the things that are hindrances in my relationship with the Shepherd God and become a grateful and loving person wherever I am and whatever I do.

Sr.Amy Martina

Reflecting on the 25 years of journey in religious life, a phrase of St. Paul came to my mind. That is, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9). Although I felt that this 25 year is like a dream, when I look at it closely, I see how God has accompanied me with God’s gentle hand, particularly I experience God’s faithfulness. I feel that all the experiences that I went through and have been through make me more human. The more I come to know myself, the more I come to experience the love of God which makes me not fear of embracing my vulnerability. I thank God for the gifts of those who become part of my life journey in one way or another. I confidently claim that without them, I would not become the person I am now.

With gratitude,

Sr.Florence

It has been over 4 years that the country has been in its emergency state that no one dare to ask oneself “when it would be ending”. We are losing part of ourselves day by day, months after months and year after another. When it came to 4 years, we are almost gone. We lost our eyes, ears, mouths, hands, legs and etc, the deaths and loss of our loved ones are our daily food.

Amidst all these crises, we can only sense the heart still beating gently and softy whispering that “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Is 43:1)

Suddenly, we all were shaken to spread this message and the heart is begging to reach out.

We are the sisters of Sisters of St. Francis Xavier in Myanmar who are living with multi-dimensional crisis of the country over 4 years. We are now glad to share with you that we have organized a program of 24 days for the young girls from 5 different dioceses. Although there were many constraints to organize a program for the youth, we have successfully ended the program on 24 April 2024, on the feast of our beloved mother foundress, St.Mary Euphrasia. The program aims to enhance the resiliency of the young leaders who were impacted by the crisis situation. We are now excited to see its long-term impacts.

It lasts 24 days and started on 1^st April 2024. There were 24 young girls participated from the different parts of the country. The participants were provided with food, accommodation, knowledge, skills, recreational activities, and exposure to IDP camp. During the session, the program created a space where the participants can build a strong network, team spirit, and interrelatedness. The participants were well-equipped with meditation, a day of recollection, a day of exposure, a day of outing, knowledge inputs by different resource persons in the mornings, computer and musical instruments learning in the afternoons. Moreover, they all enjoy the outdoor games in the garden in the evenings.

After spending 24 days of being together, “good-byes” were hard for them to depart from each other and to return to the reality of the world. We wish them all the best when they face the real tragic world with fresh set of eyes and hearts. Always remember the words of St.Mary Euphrasia “ If we love one another and if we uphold one another, we will be capable of working wonders!”.

Reported by Sr.Jernifer Kay Thi Kyaw RGS.

Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Sister,

Yangon. Myanmar.

Constrained the multi-dimensional crisis of the country, the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier in Magyikwin organized a summer program for the children who have limited access to education and protection. There were about 120 children who participated in the program and the program was facilitated by Sr.Rosaline Lay Khine and the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier in Magyikwin who were assisted by the teachers from “Pyinya Sanyae”.

The objective of the program is “to ensure the children’s access to education which is accessible, efficient, enjoyable and adaptable”. Moreover, it aims the children to develop their skills in arts by discovering their talents and creativity. The program is inclusive to all the children who are interested regardless of their ethnic and social background. The children come from different religious practices such as Christians, Catholics and Buddhists.

Morning Activities

Meditation: The purpose of doing meditation is to boost the children concentration before taking the classes for the day. It helps the teachers to calm down the students and begin the day with peaceful minds.

Action song and dance: Action song benefits children’s mental and physical wellbeing which enhance them to be active, feel relax, increase motor fitness, etc. We also believe that children can improve their energy by dancing and have fun with their friends.

Game: It encourages team work spirit, children attention, fine motor and gross motor skills and being fresh. By playing game, children learn to take turns, work together with team members, listen to their peers and build respect and relationship with their friends.

Moral stories: We aim to teach the children indirectly by telling stories. We create a time for the students to reflect their actions and behavior based on the message of the stories. It allows the children to reflect, decide and practice what is good and bad, what is right and wrong.

Phonic learning (level-1)

The level- 1 students learned single letters, double letters and some puzzle words during summer camp. After learning many sessions, they acquired the ability to pronounce the sound of the letters as well as the sound of words and their endings. It also makes them easier to sound out the unfamiliar words. Without teacher’s assist, their reading becomes better as they know the sound of the letters and could pronounce them correctly. We could see their improvement and have fun learning moments during summer camp.

Language lessons (level- 2 and 3)

We emphasize the language lessons with the story based learning. Each story carries six lesson plans such as vocabulary, reading, speaking, grammar, writing and one lesson for review.

The overall outcomes of one-month summer program are:

Through our observations, we’ve noticed a positive transformation in our students as they gain confidence and recognize their potential to learn and grow through consistent engagement with basic English language skills. Notably, their joy, happiness and enthusiasm for learning have become evidence.

We used different methods and strategies to handle the student’s behaviors like teaching them indirectly by telling stories, using attention grabber, applying nonverbal sign, having behavior chart, encouraging them to treat their friends politely, helping them to line up, etc. We noticed that students are teachable with patience and guidance. We can foster positive attitude and behaviors gradually.

We are also aware the students’ improvement working among their friends not only in class but also outside of the class activities, for example, lining up, doing group discussion, playing game, playing outdoor activities, etc. Through these collaborative experiences, they build trust and establish relationship, enhance communication skills, exchange the ideas, listen to one another and so on. They also got to know how to cheer, support and encourage their friends while participating and working in groups.

At the end of the summer camp, the students could come up with role play performance. Based on the story that they have learned, the teachers guided them to practice the scripts, actions rehearsals, performance and the flow of the overall role play. As the day of the performance arrived, they eagerly took to the stage, presenting their roles with enthusiasm in front of an audience, parents, teachers, Sisters, and friends. It was a moment of pride and accomplishment for everyone involved, seeing their hard work and dedication throughout the summer camp experience.

Outdoor activities

Every Saturday, children have a chance to engage in outdoor activities. The goal is to ensure they have fun while enhancing their motor skills and fostering friendships so they got to learn the art of negotiation and cooperation with their friends. Additionally, outdoor activities provide an opportunity for relaxation, allowing children to recharge their energy. Moreover, physical exercise not only strengthens their bodies but also boosts their immune systems, promoting overall health and well-being. It is time for children to bond with their friends and have enjoyable environment.

Capacity Building for Community Teachers (CBCT)

 In this CBCT, there were two types of sharing the contents which are learning theories and doing observation in real classes. For the theories, we provided the topics like multiple intelligence, motivation, learning styles, Hierarchy of Needs, teaching strategies, teacher -centred approach, child- centred approach, lesson planning, classroom management, assessments. Apart from that, we also shared the games, action songs, activities to the local teachers. Moreover, they have to do practical observation in different classes. We provided some guidelines and they were required to observe based on the given outlines. Then, we gathered to the classroom and share what they have observed from the teaching. It was a wonderful sharing as they could connect the theory while doing observation. Besides, they actively tried to participate and engage the discussion throughout the course.

Most of them shared that their expectations are met since they gained new knowledge about Multiple intelligence, types of motivation, learning styles, teacher’s role, classroom management, and many ideas for games and activities.

There are also some challenges. The electricity was on and off so sometimes we could not use Power point presentation as we planned. Our plan B was sharing ppt to their group chat, but internet connection was poor. They have to focus on the small screen for a long time and it reduces the interests on the topics. There were inconveniences, but we managed to complete the course successfully. Overall, it was a meaningful sharing experiences and we learnt from one another.

Our Lady of Charity of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier and

The teachers from Pyinya Sanyae

Magyikwin Community

From the 11^th to 19^th of October 2023 organized by Sr.Rebecca Kay Thi Oo, East Asia province leader and the team.  12 sisters from East Asia province participated in the second part of the workshop on The Art of Skilled Dialogue. This was facilitated by Paula and Jamie Sgherza at the Salesian Retreat House HuaHin Thailand. The first part of this workshop was held in March 2019, Myanmar.

The aim of the workshop is to learn and explore practices of participatory facilitation through dialogue that engages curiosity, compassion and courage for Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Mission effectiveness and also to embody the role of host as a personal practice when leading groups.

The contents from this workshop included Four Levels of Listening, Theory U, Appreciative Inquiry, Jigsaw, World Café, Circle Way, Mind Mapping, Conflict Transformation, Round Robin, Open Space, Pro Action Café etc. and applied O.R.I.D (Objective, Reflective, Interpretive and Decisional) for evaluation of the workshop.

Many images captured the tone of the workshop including a flower blooming more each day; holding a mirror up to oneself; pottery becoming a beautiful pot and dive deep in the dialogue ocean. The high points during workshop were full participation, creativity and preparation, skills sustainability, discovery of something new. The insights from participants were self- awareness of one’s capacity and limitation, awareness of others learning types, shifting way of handing conflicts, going to deeper levels of dialogue, good preparation and how to design a facilitation project creatively.  At the end of the session the participants expressed their willingness to sustain the Art of Skilled Dialogue Facilitation by practicing powerful questions and will digest and apply what they have learnt. They have committed to meeting online in November to dialogue more about sustainability of the learning.

Some feedback comments from participants are:

“I gained deeper knowledge of myself and the importance of being a skillful facilitator.”

“This session made me grow in designing a facilitation project in a creative way.”

“All the methodologies are very helpful and enhanced my personal growth as well as in relating with others. It really encouraged me to live and apply them in daily living.”

“Grateful to Paula and Jamie the facilitators for their expertise, gentle, sincere and thoughtful teaching and instructing.”

Thanks to our congregational leadership team and East Asia province leadership team for providing this opportunity to deepen our commitment.

The East Asia Formation team and the Province Leadership team met in Hanoi, Vietnam from 18 ^th to 23 ^rd July, 2023. Total number of participants include 12 formators (initial and ongoing) and 3 PLT members. The meeting began with the sharing of the formation activities in each formation house. Based on the three pillars of the synodal journey: Communion, Participation and Mission: the formators reviewed together the current formation program. Importance was given to the psycho-spiritual integration and contemplative dimension of formation. Reflecting on the story of Samaritan woman, Sr. Josita Corera (Congregational Leadership Team) led a fruitful online discussion on the person of the formator. Sr. Jane Nway Nway Ei, the coordinator of the Congregational Safeguarding team facilitated the online sharing on the safeguarding in the formation setting.

One day outing was organized as a time of relaxation and team building among the formators and the Leadership team. Everybody enjoyed the company of each other at the famous Ha Long Bay. The caves of this place have been recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO. The meeting concluded with the sharing of the participants on the blessings they received during these 6 days. The East Asia Leadership Team and the formators expressed their deep gratitude to all the resource persons and the CLT for the support provided.