Nagahuta, INDONESIA – From April 9 to 13, 2026, the JPIC coordinators of the Capuchin Conference of Asia-Pacific (PACC) gathered in Nagahuta, Indonesia, to renew their commitment to promoting Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. This gathering marks the first in-person meeting held since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region where the Capuchin friars carry out their mission, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and New Zealand.
The meeting began with a Mass celebrated by Br. Pionius Hendi, JPIC coordinator of the PACC, and General Councilor Br. William Chang. The latter reminded the friars that JPIC must not be limited to theoretical projects but must be put into practice through concrete actions rooted in daily life. Although he was unable to attend, Br. Gilbert James, President of the PACC, sent a message reminding everyone that JPIC is at the heart of Capuchin identity, and he invited the friars to prayer, collaboration, and closeness to the poor of our wounded earth. A significant occurrence at the meeting was the election of the team that will coordinate JPIC ministry in the Asia-Pacific Conference alongside Br. Pionius Hendi: Br. Maxim Dsouza (Japan) as Vice-Coordinator, Br. Jusfer John Albert (Philippines) as Secretary, and Br. Sumitro Sihombing (Medan, Indonesia) as Treasurer.
During the meeting, the discussions were enriched by contributions from Br. William Chang and Br. Scaria Kallor, head of the JPIC Office at the General Curia. Their remarks helped to highlight that JPIC is not merely a ministry or an “office,” but a way of life. Attention to the needy, the care of creation, and the promotion of justice and peace are expressions of the Capuchin-Franciscan charism lived through prayer, fraternity, and concrete engagement with the realities around us. Participants were invited to become advocates for these values within the Conference and their respective Circumscriptions, promoting awareness and collaboration among all the friars.
In addition to the training sessions, participants gained firsthand insight into the work of JPIC through visits to the indigenous communities of Dolok Parmonangan and Sihaporas, as well as to the friars’ retirement home. These opportunities to be present and listen allowed the brothers to witness firsthand the struggles, resilience, and faith of the people, thereby strengthening their commitment to walk alongside the marginalized and excluded.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of hope and a renewed sense of purpose. In his closing remarks, Br. William Chang emphasized that the path ahead requires deeper collaboration and more consistent communication within the Conference. The next in-person meeting of the Conference will be held in the Philippines in 2028. But before that date, which will mark the 500th anniversary of the Capuchin Reform, quarterly meetings and online formation sessions will continue and be encouraged.