The Asia Pacific Justice and Peace (APJP) Contact Persons'
Workshop gathered 27 participants from 16 countries and eight provinces. The workshop runs from June 12-15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Good Shepherd Sisters are from the Provinces of Singapore/Malaysia, India/Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka/Pakistan, East Asia, Northeast Asia, Australia/Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Philippines. Good Shepherd Sisters from Saipan, which is part of the Province of Mid North America, are also represented.
Participants from the Philippine Province include Srs. Maureen Catabian, Minela Alvarez and Leah Ann Espina.
The theme of this
activity, " Creating New Pathways for Justice in the Asia Pacific Region" will set direction for the
APJP Network in the next few years focusing on the issues of Migration,
Trafficking, Care for the Earth and Economic Justice.
Day 1. June 12, 2010 began with liturgy where the JP contacts wore their national costumes and offered their flags and GS
products from their regions. Sr. Joan Lopez, province leader of
Singapore-Malaysia warmly welcomed the participants. Then, Sr. Maria Rose
Chinnappan from India, the link person for
the Asia Pacific Circle gave the opening message
posing challenges to the delegates as she cited the existing realities on WJPIC
issues.
The whole day was spent for country reports which delved on the context of the
realities of each country and their responses through their programs and
ministries and involvement in promoting the WJPIC thrust of our congregation.
The Philippine delegates volunteered to lead the anticipated Mass during the
evening in commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day. After dinner, the
sisters went to a cultural show featuring the different Malaysian dances.
The second day posed challenges to the sisters through the disturbing and
enriching inputs of two speakers. Ms. Rosario Bella-Guzman of IBON Foundation gave the Asia Pacific Regional
Situation focusing on the four priority issues. She ended with some workshop
questions leading to the setting up of plans of the delegates on the Asia Pacific Level. Ms. Judith Koh, an advocate for
women's rights in Malaysia, shared insights on Gender Equality for the Asia Pacific Region. The second
day culminated with fun and creative presentations during our solidarity night.
- Sr. Leah Ann Espina RGS