SVD, Provincial Superior of the Vietnam Province. This day featured a keynote address by Fr. Pushpa Anbu, SVD, General Secretary for Formation and Education, who discussed the hopes and challenges facing formation in ASPAC. He emphasized the importance of grounding formation in concrete missionary realities so that candidates are prepared to serve the Word and respond faithfully and creatively to a wounded world.

In a subsequent session, Fr. John Szukalski, SVD, Assistant Secretary for Education, presented on SVD Intellectual Formation. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, he reflected on healing, resilience, and empowerment for mission. In a later homily, he encouraged formators to acknowledge their own brokenness and experience of God’s mercy, noting that vulnerability allows them to accompany formandi more authentically.

The assembly also offered an opportunity to evaluate formation across the region. Delegates from the East Asia, Pacific, India, Indo-Leste, and Philippine Subzones presented reports highlighting their respective achievements, challenges, and priorities.

A significant portion of the gathering focused on reviewing progress made since the 2023 ASPAC Formation Assembly. Led by Fr. Thanuzraj Lazar, SVD, participants reviewed the previous Joint Statement, assessed the implementation of its recommendations across the subzones, and formulated new proposals and action plans for the next three years. Additionally, Fr. Michal Tomaszewski, SVD, ASPAC Formation Coordinator, reflected on the importance of maintaining balance in ministry through sustained effort and reliance on God’s grace.

Beyond the formal meetings, participants visited SVD formation houses, local parishes, and a traditional medicine clinic in Nha Trang. Moments of prayer, fraternity, and recreation – including an outing to Hòn Tằm Island and a visit to Christ the King Cathedral – complemented the working sessions.

The assembly concluded with the finalization of the ASPAC Formation Assembly 2026 Joint Statement, establishing shared directions and commitments to strengthen SVD formation throughout the Asia-Pacific Zone.