Over 400 Catholic nuns join UISG workshop on interculturality in Asia

More than 400 Catholic nuns from 60 congregations across Asia came together virtually from April 17 to 21 for a landmark workshop titled “Interculturality and Religious Life in Asia: A Path of Enrichment and Shared Challenges.” 

Organized by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), the event offered a dynamic space for learning, reflection, and dialogue on the richness and complexity of intercultural living within consecrated life.

The five-day workshop, supported by simultaneous translation in English, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indonesian, was described as a synodal journey that combined theology, spirituality, practical experience, and deep listening. 

The sessions included keynote presentations, interactive plenaries, and small group discussions that emphasized the three Cs of interculturality: Curiosity, Communication, and Conversion.

Participants explored diverse topics—from theological foundations to community dynamics and leadership challenges—through the insights of renowned speakers:

Sr. Mary John Kudiyiruppil, SSpS, deputy executive secretary of UISG, opened the workshop by framing interculturality as a spiritual experience grounded in the recognition of all people.

Jareen Aquino, MM, offered clarity on key concepts such as culture, multiculturalism, and interculturalism, helping participants to name and contextualize their lived realities.

Sr. Miriam Dlugosz, SSpS, reflected on intercultural community life and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for forgiveness amid inevitable misunderstandings in diverse communities.

Sr. Paula Jordão, FMVD, formation coordinator of UISG, presented a Christ-centered reflection on intercultural dialogue, drawing from Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman.

Professor Shafa Elmirzana delved into the interreligious dimension of interculturality through the mystical traditions of Ibn al-`Arabi and Meister Eckhart, highlighting mysticism as a path to unity beyond difference.

Sr. Pat Murray, IBVM, executive secretary of UISG, concluded the workshop with a talk on leadership, vows, and interculturality, underscoring how cultural lenses shape the understanding and living of religious vows.

Despite the virtual format, the workshop’s structure encouraged active engagement through Q&A sessions, breakout discussions, and meaningful exchanges. Many congregations are left with concrete action plans to integrate learning into their communities and contexts.

“The urgency, relevance, and richness of interculturality in religious life, the Church, and the world were once again affirmed,” said one of the facilitators. “It was inspiring to witness the sisters creatively discerning how to share and deepen this journey within their localities.”

The workshop’s tone resonated with the ongoing synodal spirit in the global Church, emphasizing listening, dialogue, and mutual enrichment across cultures. 

Reflecting on the experience, a participant quoted futurist Alvin Toffler, as shared by Sr. Pat Murray: “Without clearly recognizing it, we are engaged in building a new civilization from the ground up.”

The initiative demonstrated the Church’s commitment to intercultural living—not as a challenge to be solved, but as a sacred path of transformation and mission.