On 15 August, the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) kicks off its 60th anniversary celebrations.
A fruit of the Second Vatican Council, EAPI began offering formation programmes 60 years ago to promote the renewal of the Church in light of Vatican II. Currently, it is an institution formed under the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific. More than 60 clergy, religious, and laypersons from more than 20 countries around Asia, Oceania, Africa, and elsewhere come each semester for their sabbatical renewal, pastoral updating, and ongoing formation.
Over the past six decades, EAPI has been a major institution for pastoral ministry and leadership formation in the Church. Its programmes consist of a holistic range of spiritual, pastoral, theological, and human development topics, and its pedagogy emphasises not only the learning of theories but also the integration of context, experience, and practical application.
The 60th anniversary celebration is launched with an opening Eucharist and a strategic futures seminar. This gathering is designed to be an opportunity to reflect on EAPI’s journey in light of the call to become a more synodal Church and to follow where God’s Spirit is leading. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and Member of the Vatican Synod Council, will be celebrating the opening Eucharist at 5 pm on 15 August at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University. The Eucharist will be a colourful and inculturated celebration with local dances, songs, processions, and incense offerings, reflecting the multicultural diversity of EAPI. A brief cultural performance will follow the Mass.
Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ and Charles Bertille will be keynote speakers at the Strategic Futures Seminar on 16 to 17 August at EAPI. Their presentations will focus on the emerging opportunities and challenges in the Church’s mission and pastoral leadership and the call of synodality. The keynote address will be livestreamed on Facebook. Participants will have a chance to dialogue with the speakers on strategic issues facing the Church and the implications for institutions such as EAPI, which play a crucial role in the formation landscape. Participants will also engage in discernment through reflection circles on the potential future directions for EAPI. About 170 alumni, church leaders, faculty, benefactors, and collaborators of EAPI are expected to attend the opening Eucharist, and around 50 will undergo the seminar.
