The 2025 edition of Jesuits in Asia Pacific, the digital annual report of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific, is now live as a dedicated microsite. This year’s stories echo Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year theme of hope, showcasing JCAP’s commitment to walking with the church, formation, education, social justice, and reconciliation with creation in alignment with its Apostolic Plan 2021–2025.
In his message, JCAP President Fr Jun Viray reflects on “epochal changes” and their call for renewed discernment in our shared mission. Issues such as forced migration, rapid globalisation, and weakening democracies, he says, are not just challenges but invitations for the Jesuit network to deepen its efforts in carrying out our mission of evangelisation across Asia Pacific.
An inspiration throughout the conference is our Creators of Hope—young people who are responding to the ecological crisis with creativity and hope. Their innovative projects span sustainable livelihoods, inclusive mobility, advocacy through filmmaking, capacity building, and marine conservation, reflecting a shared commitment to caring for our common home.
This same spirit of hope and dedication can be found in the Society’s work in Cambodia. “Thirty Years of Jesuit Mission in Cambodia,” outlines the remarkable journey of the Jesuit presence in the country. While the mission was established officially in 1994, Jesuit involvement began much earlier in the refugee camps on the Thai border. Today, the Cambodian Mission has expanded into education, parish and pastoral work, youth, formation for factory workers, interfaith dialogue, and research and publication.
The pioneering group of Br Noel Oliver SJ, Sr Denise Coghlan RSM, Sr Marie Jeanne Ath CDP, and Fr Jub Phoktavi SJ (then a lay volunteer) began operations in Cambodia
From Cambodia to Singapore, Kingsmead Hall—home to the Jesuits for over a generation—is undergoing a transformation. In her article, Nicolette Rappa traces the history and future of this cherished space as it evolves into a Jesuit Service Centre. The aim is to unite various Jesuit ministries under one roof, making it a spiritual and apostolic hub that responds more effectively to the needs of the St Ignatius parish, the Archdiocese, and the wider Catholic community.
Kingsmead Hall in Singapore
Wah Yan College Kowloon is celebrating a century of faith and formation in Hong Kong. School Supervisor Dr Ying-lun So reflects on 100 years of history— from the Japanese occupation and historic political shifts in China to the 1997 handover and Hong Kong’s transformation into a global metropolis. Through it all, the college has remained faithful to its educational mission while adapting to the changing contexts and needs of students.
Wah Yan College, Kowloon orchestra
Meanwhile, the Loyola School of Theology (LST) marks 25 years as an ecclesiastical faculty. LST President Fr Eric Eusebio SJ and Scholastic Bien Cruz SJ recount the institution’s rich history and contributions as a centre for theological reflection and pastoral formation. LST remains rooted in Catholic tradition while remaining responsive to contemporary challenges in the Philippine and Asian contexts.
Archbishop Cesare Pagazzi DD receives a token of appreciation from LST President Fr Eric Eusebio SJ at the Special Academic Convocation held on 29 January 2025
A significant recent event was the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April. “In the Company of Brothers: Pope Francis’ Jesuit Encounters in Asia Pacific” revisits his conversations with fellow Jesuits during his apostolic journey to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Singapore in late 2024. One of his most memorable pieces of advice focused on prayer: “We must pray, pray a lot. I am always reminded of Fr Arrupe’s legacy, when he asked Jesuits not to abandon prayer… He said that only in prayer do we find the strength and inspiration to deal with social injustice.”
Pope Francis with the Jesuits serving in Timor-Leste on 10 September 2024
This year’s magazine also debuts a book recommendations section, featuring fresh contributions to Ignatian thought and practice:
Learning by Refraction by Fr Johnny Go SJ and Rita Atienza offers a contemporary approach to Ignatian Pedagogy, making it more accessible and impactful in contemporary classrooms. Developed under the auspices of IGNITE (Ignatian Institute for Teacher Excellence), the book has inspired training for over 2,000 educators in Jesuit schools worldwide through both online and onsite programmes.
Toward a Theology of Dialogue with Islam is a collection of essays shaped by the immersion experience of participants in the Asia Pacific Theological Encounter Program, rooted in research and encounters with Muslims in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta, Salatiga, and Yogyakarta.
Not Passing God Over: Introduction to Christian Vipassana Meditation by Fr Toshihiro Yanagida SJ bridges Christian spirituality with Vipassana meditation. Drawing from both Ignatian spirituality and Buddhist traditions, Fr Yanagida introduces a meditation practice that integrates the mind, body, and spirit, helping individuals cultivate awareness of God’s presence in the “here and now”.
The 2025 issue of Jesuits in Asia Pacific provides a glimpse into the breadth and depth of JCAP’s work throughout Asia Pacific. We invite readers to engage with the conference’s mission and journey with us as companions in a mission of justice and reconciliation.
To access the full report, please visit the Jesuits in Asia Pacific 2025 microsite.
