Anyone ever wonder why ... (Ascians)

[Kittra]

No, if you speak to the NPC in the waking sand the first time you go there they says that they have the echo too, ( a male miqo te and two others ).

If you're talking about A'aba Tia, Arenvald, and Aulie then I know what you mean, but Arenvald is the only one who even mentions something of an "ability" he doesn't really describe the echo either, just becoming something "more." (Not going to spoiler tag this because it really doesn't have anything to do with the story. It is completely optional to talk to these NPCs, although I highly recommend it because... *spoilers.*)

However, Minfilia mentions a few seconds later... >>>

"Our order is home to a number of individuals who, like you, possess a rare and special talent."

"This talent takes various forms, but one holds particular interest for us."

It is later revealed that only two individuals currently within the Scions of the Seventh Dawn possess the Echo, You and Minfilia.

1.0 Spoilers: In the 1.0 story line, Minfilia does not have the echo, but she makes the claim that what her organization knows so far about it is that you can view the past and interact with it, however changing events of the past is impossible.

You later prove her wrong though, as many of the side quests and even the main story line have your character actively changing events, slightly, with a very powerful manifestation of the echo which usually ends with your character completely blacking out.