By Ardie Barry Sailis
KUALA LUMPUR — The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) hosted the Youth Ministers Meeting 2024 from November 4 to November 7 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre.
The delegates were from South Korea, Japan, the Chinese Province, the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, Australia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. The meeting officially opened with Mass, presided over by Fr Jerome Leon, SJ, from Singapore followed by dinner.
Delegates were given free time on the first night, providing them with an opportunity to network and set a collaborative and welcoming tone for the discussions and activities in the days ahead.
DAY 2
Each country representative was provided updates on the activities carried out since the last Asia Pacific Youth Ministers’ meeting. Many shared successful initiatives that promoted skill development, leadership, and social engagement, which have had a positive impact on young people in their respective countries. It is also worth noting that a significant number of countries have MAGIS-trained youth who have helped integrate MAGIS elements into youth activities, even in places where a formal MAGIS team has not been established.
The country representatives also highlighted their challenges in running MAGIS programmes, primarily due to limited resources, lack of local support, and scheduling conflicts. Many regions struggle to engage young people consistently, as school and work commitments make regular participation difficult. A shortage of trained leaders and volunteers further complicates efforts, particularly in places like Thailand, Cambodia, and Macau, where organised youth programmes are still developing. Political issues in some regions also hinder young people’s involvement, as they face safety risks and fewer opportunities for faithbased activities. Cultural factors, such as the rise of social media and secular lifestyles, contribute to feelings of isolation. Despite these challenges, each country remains committed to creating welcoming spaces for young people to grow in faith, develop resilience, and engage in social justice, supporting one another’s work along the way. One key takeaway is that all participants are eager to collaborate on activities with other countries, learning from one another’s experiences.
DAY 3
The third day centred on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN), a Pontifical Society established in 1844 to mobilise Catholics worldwide in prayer and action, particularly on issues of social and Church importance. Fr Alberto Irenus, SJ from Malaysia, provided a historical overview, explaining that PWPN encompasses both traditional prayer practices and digital platforms, such as “Click To Pray” and “The Pope Video”, which connect Catholics globally with the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. These platforms foster a sense of community and encourage shared prayer, making it more accessible and impactful in the modern age.
Fr Primitivo ‘Jun’ E. Viray, SJ, President of JCAP, also provided input on the third day where he discussed the broader mission of JCAP, which oversees the Jesuits’ work across 16 nations in the Asia Pacific region. JCAP coordinates social ministries, education, and pastoral activities with a strong emphasis on local-global collaboration. He highlighted JCAP’s 2021-2025 Apostolic Plan which focuses on integrating Ignatian spirituality, ecological conversion, and intercultural understanding. Key themes include fostering youth collaboration, promoting social justice, and building partnerships across faiths and cultures. Participants shared insights on the importance of dreaming together for the apostolic mission, particularly in the face of modern-day challenges such as globalisation and the impact of social media on youth perceptions, especially regarding Gen-Z, and the depth of their faith.
Be Pilgrims of Hope
DAY 4
The final day of the meeting was an exciting one. Taiwan, the host for the 2025 MAGIS Asia Pacific proposed the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” for the upcoming event. Drawing from their own MAGIS journey, which includes early development, tailored adaptations for local youth, and ongoing improvements, they proposed that the programme include pilgrimages that connect participants with local culture and ecology, concluding with a cultural night and Mass celebration. Participants expressed hope that MAGIS Asia Pacific will provide youth with faith-sharing opportunities across various countries, but they also acknowledged challenges, such as insufficient manpower. The date for the event was confirmed during the meeting.
Korea also provided updates on the planning for the upcoming MAGIS World Youth Day 2027, which will be held in Seoul. Korea addressed the challenges involved in organising this global event, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the logistical demands of hosting a large-scale event in a megacity. The possibility of JCAP collaborating in the organisation of the next World Youth Day was also explored. The closing sessions reviewed JCAP’s vision and discussed how it can continue to inspire young people amid rapid globalisation and the challenges of maintaining spiritual depth.
All the delegates then adjourned to the Church of St Francis Xavier (SFX) in Petaling Jaya, where they were given a tour of the church. The closing Mass, animated by the youth of the parish, was held at the church, followed by a fellowship gathering. Youth from various youth ministries at SFX participated in the fellowship, taking the opportunity to mingle and connect with the delegates. It was truly a beautiful celebration to close the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific Youth Ministers’ Meeting 2024.
 hosted the Youth Ministers Meeting 2024 from November 4 to November 7 at the Archdiocesan...){kind=link}