KUALA LUMPUR — The Sisters of the Infant Jesus (IJS) in Malaysia joyfully welcomed their Superior General, Sr Brigitte Flourez, and her Asian Councillor, Sr Jane Sinprayoon, on June 30.
During their three-week visit to the IJ Malaysia Province, the two Sisters of the General Council met the 74 Sisters during the four regional assemblies in Sitiawan, Bukit Mertajam, Cheras (Kuala Lumpur) and Melaka.
At these regional assemblies, the Provincial Team of Malaysia (Srs M. Theresa Chua, Stephanie Samy, Amy Sam and Elizabeth Wong) shared with their guests the realities of the province and the challenges they face in today’s Malaysian context. Among the main topics discussed were:
- Care of the Elderly
- Lay participation in mission
- Formation (Sisters & Lay)
- Financial Management
- Management of IJ Schools
In addition to these Malaysian realities, Srs Brigitte and Jane shared the realities of the Institute as a whole, in the 16 countries, providing inspiration based on the Spirit of their founder, Blessed Nicolas Barre.
The IJ Sisters have a rich and long history in Malaysia that dates back to 1852 when the first Sisters arrived in Penang. From the getgo, their immediate responses were toward the human and faith development of the girls and the orphans dropped at the convent gates. Over 171 years, the Sisters’ diligently served the communities, including establishing numerous schools from the North to the South of Peninsular Malaysia.
Wherever the Sisters went, they served the communities regardless of religion/creed, race, and culture, bringing forth their main aim of “Making Jesus Christ known and loved”, sharing the faith, Gospel values, and IJ ethos to the young girls in their schools. Although no Sisters are teaching in the schools anymore, they continue to play their roles, in ensuring a conducive environment is available for those studying in these schools. The IJ Sisters accept these time challenging realities but always trust in God’s providence in the spirit of abandonment, detachment, humility with courage and zeal for the Kingdom of God in this part of the world.
Several years ago, the IJ Sisters found alternatives to continue their mission in education by running Learning Centres in both West and East Malaysia and or non-formal education programmes.
In 2019, the International Assembly (General Chapter) of the Institute called the IJ Sisters to respond to God’s will by following the new paths directed by the Holy Spirit. They have to be creative in their approach to restore human dignity of the women and the young in Malaysia. Their missionary journey involves deep listening, participating and walking together with their lay companions on mission.
Srs Brigitte and Jane met bishops, priests and their lay collaborators during their time here. They shared the Spirit of Hope as Blessed Nicolas Barre said:
Whatever happens…
Be always at peace and trust in God.
What you will experience will be
in proportion to your Faith, Your
Hope and Your Love:
And even more abundantly than that…
The IJ Sisters thank God for this grace-filled time and challenge to move forward with greater zeal and courage, despite their aging conditions.
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