By Rock Ronald Rozario
One of Asia’s largest international Catholic gatherings in nearly two decades opened in Malaysia’s Penang state on Nov 27, drawing about 800 delegates from 32 countries for four days of prayer, discussion and cultural celebration.
“The Great Pilgrimage of Hope,” organized by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences’ Office of Evangelization (FABC-OE), is being held at a city hotel from Nov 27–30.
The event began with a lively opening procession led by the St Xavier Institution School band, which escorted dignitaries and participants to the hotel’s Grand Ballroom amid loud applause.
Among those attending were Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Section for New Evangelization and New Particular Churches; FABC President Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrao; former FABC president Cardinal Charles Maung Bo; Malaysia’s Minister of Unity Aaron Ago Dagang; and FABC-OE president Bishop George Pallipparambil.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis of Penang, whose diocese is hosting the meeting, welcomed participants and invited them to experience Malaysia’s “rich culture and hospitality.”
“The Catholic Church of Asia is a church on pilgrimage… We are here not as strangers, but humble pilgrims, always endeavoring to be instruments of hope in Asia,” he said, calling the gathering a historic moment for the Malaysian Church.
Francis recalled the first Asian Mission Congress held in 2006 in Thailand, which emphasized the role of Asians as “storytellers at heart” who share “the greatest story ever told” — the story of Jesus.
Minister Dagang thanked FABC for choosing Penang as the venue, saying the presence of hundreds of delegates reflected the universality of the Catholic faith.
“This resonates profoundly with Malaysia’s own path in managing diversity and fostering harmony within a multi-religious society,” he said.
Bishop Pallipparambil described the congress as both a pilgrimage and a celebration of Asia’s cultural and religious wealth.
“Asia is the biggest continent… the birthplace of most organized religions,” he said, noting that its people are largely peace-loving and tolerant. He urged Asian Catholics to be “salt, leaven and light,” working for justice and peace.
Following the opening ceremony, Cardinal Francis celebrated Mass, and Cardinal Tagle delivered the first keynote address, “Going a Different Way as Renewed Pilgrims of Hope.”
The day concluded with a concert by The Rexband, a Catholic gospel group from India active since the 1980s.
Participants described the gathering as an inspiring opportunity to witness the diversity of the Asian Church.
“It’s amazing to see Catholics from many countries gathered. We are united in faith, and this feeling is wonderful,” said Sasikorn Suangburanakul, a Thai Catholic women’s activist and educator.
Justin Wu, a young delegate from Taiwan, called the event a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to appreciate the Church’s heritage across Asia. He said Cardinal Tagle’s keynote was the highlight of the day.
“His speech offers a refreshing look at how we, as Asians, can become authentic pilgrims like the Magi and become storytellers in Asia and beyond,” Wu said. – UCA News
