The Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY) gathered young Vincentian leaders and advisers from across the region for the 3rd VMY Asia-Pacific Encounter, held April 30–May 3, 2026, in Kediri, Indonesia. Organized by the Counsellor for Asia and Oceania Marie Claire Balo, with Daniel Kuenzel of the VMY International Secretariat and the VMY Indonesia, the event became a vibrant celebration of faith, mission, unity, and intercultural friendship.
Carrying the theme “Bridging Hearts, Transforming Lives: The Vincentian-Marian Youth in Asia Pacific,” the encounter aimed to strengthen unity, deepen faith, foster missionary collaboration, and empower young leaders for evangelization and service. About 45 participants joined from Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, represented by Sr. Ceres Castillejo, DC, Fr. Christian Simbajon, CM, and delegates from Metro Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo.
The encounter opened with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, together with Vincentian priests from Indonesia and the Philippines. In his message, he urged the youth to live their mission more deeply through prayer, service, and joyful witness. Sessions by Marie Claire Balo (“VMY in Asia-Pacific: Our Shared Identity and Mission”) and Daniel Kuenzel (“Youth in Mission: Serving Today in the Vincentian Way”), along with workshops and group sharing, enriched the delegates as they reflected on how the Vincentian mission can respond to today’s needs.
One of the most moving moments was the multilingual Living Rosary, where participants prayed in different languages yet remained united in faith and devotion to Mary. This spirit of unity echoed in the official hymn and dance, carrying the joyful message “Uniting hearts, changing lives… one family, one love.” The third day centered on reflection and intercultural dialogue, highlighted by the plenary session on the role of youth and advisers in strengthening VMY in Asia-Pacific, facilitated by Sr. Anna Wiwiek, DC. The evening closed with the colorful Asia-Pacific Festival, showcasing traditional attire, cultural presentations, and the rich diversity of the participating countries.
Beyond the activities and celebrations, the encounter became a meaningful space for sharing experiences, best practices, and lasting friendships among VMY members in the region. Participants were reminded that despite cultural differences, they are one Vincentian-Marian family, called to serve Christ with compassion, humility, and missionary zeal. The atmosphere throughout was joyful, reflective, prayerful, and deeply inspiring.
The encounter closed with Sunday Mass at Gua Maria Lourdes Puhsarang in Kediri, Indonesia, a beloved Marian pilgrimage site known for its serene setting and Javanese-inspired architecture. As participants prepared to return home, they carried renewed faith, strengthened friendships, and a deeper commitment to live the Vincentian spirit of prayer and service. Truly, the 3rd VMY Asia-Pacific Encounter was a powerful reminder that when hearts are united in Christ and guided by Mary, lives are transformed and communities renewed.
