Malaysian nun elected to global leadership of Infant Jesus Sisters
The 48 delegates from 14 countries at the General Chapter held in Rome. The Malaysian contingent comprised of five capitulants.
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian religious sister has been elected to the General Council of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus – Nicolas Barre, marking a historic moment of recognition and responsibility for the Malaysian delegation. Sr Celina Wong, (pix inset) a seasoned and well-respected member of the Institute, was elected as one of three General Councillors at the conclusion of the congregation's 31st General Chapter, held from June 14 to July 7 at the La Salle Generalate in Rome. Themed If you only knew the Gift of God!, drawn from John 4, the General Chapter brought together 48 delegates from 14 countries, who engaged in a deeply spiritual and collaborative process of discernment. Sr Celina's election to the General Council signifies both the growing role of Asian religious leadership in global ecclesial communities and a tribute to the contributions of the Malaysian province. Sr Celina will serve alongside newly elected Superior General, Sr Marina Motta (Italy), and fellow councillors Sr Kitty Ellard (Ireland) and Sr Beatrice Abega (Cameroon). Together, they will guide the Institute over the next six years, leading it through strategic action plans in four key areas: Care for Our Common Home; Governance and Structure; Finance; and Journey with Lay Collaborators. Preparations for the Chapter began last year in Spain, with representatives from across the globe engaging in dialogue and prayer. Delegates gathered insights from local communities through a synod-inspired questionnaire, ensuring grassroots voices — especially those from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe — shaped the final discussions and decisions. The Malaysian contingent comprised five capitulants, who will now return home to spearhead local implementation. From Aug 7–9, they will convene with other members of the Provincial Chapter at the Echo Chapter in Malaysia, facilitated by Fr Dr Clarence Devadass. This national gathering will serve to contextualise and localise the chapter outcomes before broader implementation across the country by the end of 2025. In her address, Sr Marina Motta urged the sisters to be living witnesses of hope and joy, drawing on the spiritual wellspring offered in the Gospel encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Quoting their founder, Nicolas Barre, she reminded the assembly: 'Let your hearts be opened with a holy joy as you contemplate your happiness and the excellence of your vocation.'
Notably, Sr Daniel Ee, also from Malaysia, previously served as Superior General — highlighting Malaysia's strong tradition of leadership within the congregation. Within the Asian continent, there has been an informal spirit of rotating leadership, with various provinces offering service in turn. Sr Celina's appointment continues this legacy of shared commitment and service from Asia to the wider Institute.
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A Malaysian religious sister has been elected to the General Council of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus – Nicolas Barre, marking a historic moment of recognition and responsibility for the Malaysian delegation. Aug 01, 2025 The 48 delegates from 14 countries at the General Chapter held in Rome. The Malaysian contingent comprised of five capitulants. KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian religious sister has been elected to the General Council of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus – Nicolas Barre, marking a historic moment of recognition and responsibility for the Malaysian delegation. Sr Celina Wong, (pix inset) a seasoned and well-respected member of the Institute, was elected as one of three General Councillors at the conclusion of the congregation's 31st General Chapter, held from June 14 to July 7 at the La Salle Generalate in Rome. Themed If you only knew the Gift of God!, drawn from John 4, the General Chapter brought together 48 delegates from 14 countries, who engaged in a deeply spiritual and collaborative process of discernment. Sr Celina's election to the General Council signifies both the growing role of Asian religious leadership in global ecclesial communities and a tribute to the contributions of the Malaysian province. Sr Celina will serve alongside newly elected Superior General, Sr Marina Motta (Italy), and fellow councillors Sr Kitty Ellard (Ireland) and Sr Beatrice Abega (Cameroon). Together, they will guide the Institute over the next six years, leading it through strategic action plans in four key areas: Care for Our Common Home; Governance and Structure; Finance; and Journey with Lay Collaborators. Preparations for the Chapter began last year in Spain, with representatives from across the globe engaging in dialogue and prayer. Delegates gathered insights from local communities through a synod-inspired questionnaire, ensuring grassroots voices — especially those from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe — shaped the final discussions and decisions. The Malaysian contingent comprised five capitulants, who will now return home to spearhead local implementation. From Aug 7–9, they will convene with other members of the Provincial Chapter at the Echo Chapter in Malaysia, facilitated by Fr Dr Clarence Devadass. This national gathering will serve to contextualise and localise the chapter outcomes before broader implementation across the country by the end of 2025. In her address, Sr Marina Motta urged the sisters to be living witnesses of hope and joy, drawing on the spiritual wellspring offered in the Gospel encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Quoting their founder, Nicolas Barre, she reminded the assembly: 'Let your hearts be opened with a holy joy as you contemplate your happiness and the excellence of your vocation.' Notably, Sr Daniel Ee, also from Malaysia, previously served as Superior General — highlighting Malaysia's strong tradition of leadership within the congregation. Within the Asian continent, there has been an informal spirit of rotating leadership, with various provinces offering service in turn. Sr Celina's appointment continues this legacy of shared commitment and service from Asia to the wider Institute.
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