By Josephine Tan / Malaysia Catholic Youth Ministers’ Committee
The first-ever Malaysia Catholic Youth Day (MCYD) was held from Mar 31 to Apr 6 2025 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Organised by the Malaysian Catholic Youth Ministers’ Committee (MCYMC), the event brought together 1,092 delegates from across Malaysia, along with international participants from Brunei, Timor-Leste, and Thailand.
MCYD was divided into two major parts:
The MCYD journey began with the Youth Assembly, from Mar 31 to Apr 2 where delegates were assigned to five parish centres (PC) based on their age groups. During the Youth Assembly, Conversations in the Spirit (CIS) took place, where young people voiced their thoughts, concerns and ideas moving forward on various issues specified and highlighted through the MCYMC initiatives. These conversations focused on four key areas of concern: Family, Church, Society, and Ecology. The fruits of the Conversations were shared in their particular assemblies, with space for sharing and interventions. Each day concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration in their respective Parish Centres.
The MCYD experience included a very significant component, where each delegate was hosted by a foster family from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. Delegates were warmly welcomed by foster families (keluarga angkat) from the five hosting parish centres. These families graciously opened their homes and hearts to the young people throughout the entire duration of MCYD. The experience created meaningful bonds and offered a glimpse into the unity and hospitality of the local Catholic community in Sabah. Many delegates shared how this encounter became a highlight of their journey, offering not just shelter, but love, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
The MCYD journey continued with the Youth Festival from Apr 3 to 5. Modelled after the World Youth Day experience, this part featured a wide range of activities including faith-sharing sessions, liturgical celebrations, cultural exchanges, sports, musical performances, and vocation encounter discernment booths. To accommodate more young people, a Festival Pass was introduced, allowing additional participants to join the Youth Festival experience with the delegates.
On Apr 3, all nine bishops and archbishops of Malaysia, together with Fr Robert Leong from Brunei, spent the entire day with the young people. The young people were able to register for ‘Spiritual Walk’ with their shepherds. Many were taken along the Stations of the Cross on the Cathedral grounds. Concurrently, some bishops even joined in the games like captain ball with the young people.
In the afternoon, they came together to launch the Perjalanan Salib, a symbolic journey of the Cross. Delegates had the opportunity to venerate the Salib together before it was sent out to various dioceses. The Perjalanan Salib will reunite again at MPC 2026.
That evening, a fellowship night was held with all nine archbishops, bishops, and Fr Robert, who presented a special song for the young people: “Here I Am, Lord.” The young people sang along with the bishops, creating a beautiful moment of unity in faith and spirit.
One of the key highlights was the presence of Fr Michel Remery, author of Navigating with God (formerly Tweeting with God), who conducted workshops titled Sharing Your Faith Creatively and Understanding Your Faith by Asking Questions.
During the plenary session: Bringing Faith to Life in a Digital World and Start Navigating with God, Fr Michel presented the Bahasa Malaysia translation, Berjalan Dengan Tuhan, to Archbishop Simon Poh. This version will be made available soon.
The Taizé brothers, Br Jean-Patrick and Br Jean-Daniel, were also present, leading workshops on Encountering God in Silence and Singing Our Faith. On Apr 4, a sharing session was held by the Taizé brothers to help participants understand the Taizé community and its spirituality.
On the evening of Apr 4, delegates from all nine dioceses had the opportunity to present during Cultural Night, with young people dressed in traditional outfits. Each presentation was faith-inspired, reflecting the theme of how Christ inspires us to recognise, and choose Him in our lives. Through traditional music, dance, and drama, they celebrated their unique cultural identities while promoting unity, hope, and love through uplifting messages.
On the last day of MCYD, a symposium with the Youth Ministers (MCYMC) – Roney Alfred (Sabah), Joan Lau Hui Sing (Sarawak), and Jacinta Claire Fernandez (Semenanjung), on the Call of Youth Ministry. Anna Teresa Amandus, Malaysia’s representative to the Synod, shared meaningful insights on A Journey of Synodality. Francisco Overee, youth minister from Malacca-Johore Diocese, spearheading the synthesis process presented on the current status of the Synthesis report. The team will be working hard to complete the report from the Youth Assembly in the next few weeks.
The MCYD ended with the Missioning Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh. He opened his homily by reflecting on how Jesus stood out uniquely among all people, “No one ever spoke like this man.” Jesus is the center of our worship, the heart of our faith, and the One who gives eternal life (John 3:16). He emphasized faith in Jesus and invited the representative delegates to share their testimonies – highlighting how Christ continues to move hearts today.
