Joint Meeting Between the Asia-Oceania Conference Commission on Shared Mission and the Local Commission for Shared Mission of Malaysia-Singapore

On the occasion of the big celebration of the 75^th anniversary of the Novena Church in Singapore last September 4-7, 2025, the Asia-Oceania Conference Commission on Shared Mission/ Partnership in Mission was able to sneak a joint meeting with the Local Commission on Shared Mission of Malaysia-Singapore.

The Conference Commission is composed of the following:

1. Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R., of Malaysia-Singapore, the Chairperson.
2. Fr. Andrew Dantis, C.Ss.R., of Majella-India, member
3. Fr. Joseph Du Tur, C.Ss.R., of Vietnam, member
4. Mr. Magin Ardeña, LMMHR, of Cebu-Philippines, member
5. Ms. Portia Awayan, LMMHR, of cebu-Philippines, member

The Malaysia-Singapore Local Commission on Shared Mission is composed of the following:

1. Fr Terence Wee C.Ss.R
2. Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R.
3. Bro. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R.
4. Mr. Jerome Pang
5. Mr. Jeremy Liew
6. Mr. Leroy Goh

The members took this time to get to know one another, share their personal backgrounds and experiences in the Redemptorist mission partnership, and brainstorm together areas to promote further partnership between Redemptorists and the Lay, as well as the possibility of collaboration between the conference and local commission.

The Conference Commission shared its lined-up activities to promote, animate, and coordinate partnership in mission in the Asia-Oceania Conference, such as:

1. On-line study on the Directory for Partnership in Mission, for four weekly sessions from Oct. 14 to Nov. 25, 2025.
2. Second On-Line gathering of lay partners on December 14, 2025, with a special topic on Alphonsian Spirituality and Mission.
3. On-going online studies in 2026:
   1. Virtual Pilgrimage on C.Ss.R. Saints and sites – organized by the General Commission on Shared Mission.
   1. On-line study on Missiology
   1. On-line study on Mariology
4. On-Site (face-to-face) gathering of lay partners on the whole Conference on Oct. 26-30, 2026, to be held in Cebu, Philippines.
5. Next issues of the Newsletter to be published twice a year, to share updates from the units and article contributions from partners in mission.

The Local Commission on Shared Mission of Malaysia-Singapore also shared their activities, such as the formulation of their Local Directory on Partnership in Mission (although temporarily suspended due to the restructuring process), and the establishment of lay associates and their formation program.

Both bodies looked forward to the following possibilities to further promote and strengthen partnership in mission in the future:

1. Inter-Unit Exposure
2. Mission trips
3. Featuring people who inspire partnership in mission
4. Outreach Platforms

The joint meeting was a joyful moment of friendship and support.  The Conference Commission hoped to experience the same opportunity with other units in the conference. 

Portia Sylvia D. Awayan