The International Commission for Systemic Change is holding a regional coordination meeting for Asia in the Daughters of Charity Provincial House in Lam Lukka, Bangkok, Thailand this weekend, November 11-12. Participating were 15 representatives coming from India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos together with the three members of the Commission, Mr. James Claffey, Sr. Maria Teresa Mueda, DC and Sr. Teresa Kotturan.
The day started with a prayer and welcome remarks of the Visitatrix of Thailand, Sr. Consolacion Eata, DC. Unlike the usual breezing through of names and the VF branch where each belonged for introductions, the participants shared a little bit more about their “Vincentian life stories.” Sr. Mueda facilitated the first session, “Systemic Change Work: Challenges and Positive Outcomes” wherein the representatives were grouped according to their respective countries to discuss about the positive experiences of Systemic Change (SC), challenges they faced, best practices and questions for the Commission.
In the afternoon, Mr. Claffey presented the “Context of SC” while Sr. Mueda did the “Mission of the SC Coordinators.” A very lively Q & A followed as the participants freely expressed feelings, ideas, concerns and reflections. After the break, Sr. Kotturan presented the SC Manual and Toolkit. The day ended on a light hopeful note as a concelebrated Mass was offered with Fr. Atilano Fajardo, CM of Adamson University as the main presider and homilist.
From Jim Claffey on the Gathering: “Systemic Change–it’s growing, it’s spreading out, it’s real within the Vincentian Family!”
MORE POWER! To All Participants at the Gathering: Regional Systemic Change Coordination Meeting in Asia… From Fr. Jim Claffey- Its growing, its spreading, its real within the Vincentian Family… With high hopes & prayers for its continuity!