As we step into 2025, we look back on the last 12 months with gratitude and hope. The past year gave us many reasons to continue our mission with courage and inspiration. We welcomed a new president in our Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) and were graced by the presence of Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ in January and Pope Francis in September. The Women’s Commission initiated listening sessions to explore meaningful ways for women to participate more actively in the apostolic works of the Society of Jesus. Throughout our networks, we remained steadfast in discernment, gratitude, collaboration, and prayer in our way of proceeding.
5 to 11 January, Manila
The East Asian Pastoral Institute hosts a Discerning Leadership Program (DLP) workshop for church leaders across Asia Pacific. DLP is a response to Pope Francis’ call for a synodal Church by fostering communities that walk together in God’s mission. Read more
21 January to 4 February, Australia and Timor-Leste
Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ makes his fourth apostolic trip to JCAP, engaging with Jesuit communities, social apostolates, collaborators, benefactors, and friends in Australia and Timor-Leste. Read more
31 January, Manila
Filipino Jesuit Fr Jun Viray SJ takes over as JCAP President from Fr Tony Moreno SJ in a simple but heartfelt celebration at the Arrupe International Residence in Manila. Read more
24 February, Lahore
Fr Robbie D’Lima SJ professes his First Vows in Pakistan, marking the first such celebration in the country for the Society of Jesus. Read more
27 February, Chiang Rai
Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officiates the opening ceremony of Saengtham College Xavier Chiang Rai Campus. This collaboration between Xavier Learning Community (XLC) and Saengtham College marks a significant milestone, bringing XLC one step closer to realising its dream of establishing a university. Read more
11 to 14 March, Rome
JCAP Safety in Ministry Coordinator Simon Davies joins the other safeguarding delegates across all Jesuit conferences in Rome to discuss in detail the Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Protection, a training and formation programme launched by the Society of Jesus as part of its commitment to help eliminate abuse inside and outside the Church. Read more
20 June, Vatican
Pope Francis engages university students from Asia Pacific in a virtual dialogue, offering insights and encouragement on issues, such as mental health, racial and gender-based discrimination and violence, social exclusion, and the importance of a sense of belonging, especially within the church. Read more
14 September, Manila
The Jesuit community of Arrupe International Residence partakes in a listening session on women’s participation in the apostolic works of the Society of Jesus. The conversation focuses on recognising tensions and acknowledging the opportunity to further deepen the conversation on improving ways of working and collaborating with women. Read more
2 to 13 September, Jakarta, Dili, and Singapore
Pope Francis visits Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. He meets with young people, the elderly and the sick, children with disabilities, migrants and refugees, government officials, bishops, priests, religious and missionaries, and participates in interreligious dialogues. As with all his apostolic journeys, he holds private meetings with the local Jesuits in these places. Read more
19 to 22 September, Sepang
The Reconciliation with Creation network with the church of St Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya organises a youth eco retreat in Sg Pelek, Sepang to inspire ecological conversion among young people through Ignatian Spirituality. Read more
10 October, Bangkok
Jesuit Refugee Service Asia Pacific with various Jesuit academic and outreach units, and indigenous communities launched the Caring for Communities and Creation-Pillar 3 (C3P3) project, building on the achievements of the 40-4-40 project to strengthen communities through ecological efforts. Read more
4 to 7 November, Kuala Lumpur
Magis youth ministers from across Asia Pacific convene at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Kuala Lumpur to share their experiences in running Magis programmes in their countries, as well as to plan for the upcoming Magis Asia Pacific gathering in Taiwan and the Magis World Youth Day event in Seoul. Read more
14 November, Vatican
The diocesan inquiry into the life, virtues, and holiness of Servant of God Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ concludes with a ceremony at the Lateran Palace in the Vatican, bringing him closer to sainthood as the Vatican begins its review. Read more
20 November, Hong Kong
Wah Yan College, Kowloon celebrates its 100th anniversary with a series of events, including a Guinness World Records attempt, gala dinner, school open day, Jesuit education forum, centenary concert, and a thanksgiving Mass. Read more
22 November, Singapore
Kingsmead Hall, the heart of the Jesuit presence in Singapore, celebrates its 70th anniversary since it opened in 1954. To commemorate the occasion, the Jesuits hold a two-day exhibition and guided tours of Kingsmead Hall. Watch
23 to 30 December, Cebu
Scholastics gather at the Cebu Center for Ignatian Spirituality for their annual Scholastics and Brothers Circle meeting, focusing on migration dynamics in Asia-Pacific and the Philippine context. [Story to follow]
