Catholic Mission hosted Pontifical Mission Society national directors from across Asia and Oceania, who gathered in Sydney for a five-day intercontinental meeting.
This summit, held on February 19-23, witnessed to the spirit of the recent Synod on Synodality, emphasising participation, communion, and mission.
The national directors, representing more than 20 countries, engaged in discussions about the work, challenges, and hopes for this global mission of the Church.
As “Missionaries of Hope among all peoples,” the theme for World Mission Sunday 2025, they sought ways to enhance their collective mission across the region.
“Catholic Mission is privileged to be able to host the intercontinental meeting of the Asia and Oceania National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies,” Catholic Mission national director Fr Brian Lucas said.
“Australia has very strong relationships with our immediate neighbours, including supporting a regional office in Phnom Penh, and this opportunity for personal interaction sets a secure foundation for ongoing cooperation.”
The group explored the challenges they face in their respective countries and identified best practices to support their mission.
These meetings, now an essential and regular occurrence, complement the general assembly meeting, which all national directors participate in annually in May.
The five-day program also featured meetings with key representatives of the Australian Church, including Apostolic Nuncio to Australia Archbishop Charles Balvo and Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM.
Additionally, participants met with members of the Synod Assembly, including Broken Bay chancellor Kelly Paget.
One session focused on this year’s Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” offering fresh perspectives and illuminating the impact of their mission at the local and global level.
“We are coming together as two regions, Asia and Oceania. Sure, we have different problems and challenges and hope, and that’s what we’re discussing. Hopefully, we can be one voice to make positive changes, and support each other,” PMS New Zealand national director F Michael Cheng Chai said.
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Missionaries of Hope Asia and Oceania PMS Directors Unite in Sydney (Catholic Mission)
