The Beginning of the Mission in Thailand

20 Years of Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters Towards Hope

On October 23, 2003, the Hijas de Jesús marked 20 years of presence in Thailand, in collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and its mission among refugees and displaced persons. For many years, our Sisters have accompanied and served refugees in the camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly in Mae Hong Son.

The 20th anniversary in 2023 was a simple and quiet celebration, marked by a Eucharistic celebration of thanksgiving. At that time, however, the situation along the border was becoming increasingly difficult. The escalating conflict and violence in Myanmar forced thousands of people to flee to Thailand, including families connected with the Civil Disobedience Movement. Airstrikes and continuing insecurity also affected communities and schools supported by JRS, making Education in Emergencies and other forms of assistance increasingly necessary.

Sharing in the JRS mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced persons, our Sisters experienced both the anxieties and challenges of this mission and the many ways God sustained us. The generosity of donors, organizations, families, friends, and benefactors enabled JRS to continue responding to the urgent needs of displaced communities.

Looking back on these years, we give thanks for the many blessings received: the privilege of walking closely with refugees and those in need; the personal and professional growth gained through our mission and formation; the experiences of joy and difficulty that have taught us about reconciliation and peace; and the spiritual support of the local Church, our Congregation, our Sisters, families, and friends.

Above all, this mission has allowed us to put into practice our Congregational commitment to serve those most in need and to express Saint Candida María de Jesús’ love for the poor. In accompanying our refugee and displaced brothers and sisters, we seek to live our determination: “Following Jesus, Poor and Humble.”

We are deeply grateful to God for calling and sending us to serve in Thailand. We thank JRS and all those who have shared in and supported this mission through their prayers, friendship, generosity, and trust.

As we continue this journey with refugees, displaced persons, JRS staff, and all our collaborators, we entrust the mission to God, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that all we do may contribute to His greater glory and to the hope and dignity of our brothers and sisters.

Community of the Hijas de Jesús
Mae Hong Son, Thailand

In the recent circular letter of Mother General, Graciela Francovig, to all the sisters, she announced that “Thailand has officially become a part of the Indico-Pacific Province (CFI 275). This transition is marked by the inclusion of Thailand, previously part of the province of Asia Oriental, into the welcoming fold of the Indo-Pacific.

While the shift marks Thailand’s formal entry into the Indo-Pacific, the statement also emphasizes the continuation of strong relationships and collaboration on the part of Asia Oriental. The leaders stressed that despite the changes, the two provinces remain interconnected as we are One Body. The move is particularly noteworthy due to the valued work and collaboration between Thailand and the Jesuit Refugee Service. The Jesuit Refugee Service plays a crucial role in providing support to refugees globally, and Thailand’s presence within the Indico-Pacific Province is expected to strengthen this mission and facilitate the sending and also foster collaboration with the Asia Oriental. Mother General emphasized the unity of the Body as stated above.

All the sisters in the Indico-Pacific Province warmly welcome this presence of Thailand