Reflection by Mary Margaret “Nimmie” Nirmala, SCN
I had the privilege of representing the Vincentian Family of India at the First Assembly of the Vincentian Family Asia Pacific (VFAP) in Prigen, Indonesia, held Oct. 28-31, 2026. As I look back on the immensely enriching experience of the gathering, which had 62 delegates from 18 countries, my heart overflows with gratitude. They were three days filled with stories, shared experiences, warm smiles, laughter, friendship and, above all, the wonderful discovery of what it truly means to belong to one family! I returned with a deep sense of joy and amazement at the breadth of our Vincentian presence across the region and, even more, at the countless lives touched and transformed by the mission we share.
What stays with me most is the realization that we are part of something much bigger than our individual communities, provinces and countries. We are connected by a common call, strengthened by one another’s experiences and enriched by the many ways in which each of us brings the Vincentian mission to life. The perspectives we exchanged, the fresh ideas we sparked, the creativity we unleashed and, especially, the repeated challenge to embrace greater inclusivity have opened new possibilities for how we can serve more meaningfully and effectively in our own contexts.
I left Prigen with wider circles of friendship, a greater appreciation of our interdependence and renewed excitement for one another’s missions. We have celebrated our diversity, discovered the strength of our togetherness and taken an important step forward in organizing ourselves as a continental Vincentian Family. What a joy it is to know that, despite our different backgrounds, cultures and expressions of service, we are united by one spirit, the spirit of our beloved patron, St. Vincent de Paul!
My sincere gratitude goes to the Indonesian provinces of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) and the Daughters of Charity (DC) for their generous hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. A special word of appreciation goes to Father Memo Campuzano, CM, and Sister Ellen Marie Hager, DC, whose gentle yet inspiring presence helped create the space for such a rich and meaningful encounter. And I express my deepest gratitude to Sister Jackulin Jesu for her encouragement, constant support and generous guidance throughout every stage of my preparation.
I returned home with a grateful heart, renewed enthusiasm and a wonderful conviction: Our family is alive, our mission is flourishing, and there is so much more we can accomplish when we walk, dream and serve together. Prigen has given me more than memories; it has given me friendships to cherish, ideas to nurture and a shared mission to carry forward with even greater joy!