Asia’s Catholics Gather in Penang for The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025
PENANG, 27 November — In a historic celebration of faith, culture, and communion, over a thousand faithful from churches across 30 countries in Asia gathered in Penang for The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025.
This marks the first major continental assembly of the Church in 20 years, held from 27–30 November under the theme “Journeying together as peoples of Asia, and they went a different way” (Mt 2:12). The event is organised by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Evangelization (FABCOE).
Hosted by the Diocese of Penang, supported by Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Asia, and in collaboration with the Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, this historic gathering is part of a broader Vatican initiative. It represents a new chapter in the life of the Church in Asia.
The pilgrimage is envisioned as a moment of communion, discernment, and renewal, echoing Pope Francis’ call for the Church to be “pilgrims of hope” in a world longing for peace and solidarity.
Delegates from across Asia were selected through a structured process and include bishops, priests, religious and deacons, lay faithful, ecclesial movements, youth representatives, women leaders, and Catholic professionals.
Workshops, keynote addresses, impact sessions, rallies, and cultural exchanges highlight the diverse richness of Asia’s Catholic communities, while fostering dialogue on evangelization in today’s rapidly changing societies.
Keynote speakers include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Archbishop Simon Poh, Mar Raphael Thattil, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Colin Calmiano, and other notable voices, each offering insights into renewal, reconciliation, and discipleship in a post-pandemic, post-globalisation era.
A highlight of the pilgrimage will be the solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Anne Minor Basilica, Bukit Mertajam, on 29 November. Declared Malaysia’s first minor basilica in 2023, the shrine is a beloved site of devotion and now becomes the spiritual heart of this continental gathering.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. The liturgy will be followed by a concert featuring international Catholic artists, including Fr. Rob Galea and Rexband, offering music that lifts hearts in praise and thanksgiving.
In his welcome address, Cardinal Sebastian reflected: “Just as the three wise men, pilgrims from the East, came to meet the newborn infant Jesus in Bethlehem and returned to their lands by a different path, so too are we invited by this theme to discern and walk together in synodality, embracing new pathways of being Church in Asia, rooted in fraternity and a shared mission.”
He added that this gathering comes as the Universal Catholic Church prepares to bring the Jubilee Year of Hope to its fulfilment in December 2025, while looking ahead with anticipation to World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea in 2027, and the culmination of the Synod on Synodality in Rome in 2028.
“The communion among us and the continuation of the mission is truly a gift we will celebrate and carry forward,” he said. “Yes, we are Asian Catholics. The Asian Mission Congress in Chiang Mai 2006 reminded us that we Asians are storytellers at heart. We have a story to share with Asia and beyond, as Global Asians, pilgrims and storytellers.
The greatest story ever told is of Jesus Christ. It is a simple and pure story which continues to this very day and beyond. The Holy Spirit, given freely to all who seek and love God with an open heart, will continue to tell this story in Asia and beyond.”
George Pallipparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao and Chairman of FABC OE, in his keynote address, said: “We have come as part of the Jubilee Pilgrimage to thank God and show our love and appreciation for our faith and cultures, as well as to commit ourselves to the Lord’s call to make the world a better place by being salt, leaven, and light” (cf. Mt 5:13–14; Mt 13:33; Lk 13:21). “By being agents of change, we can create a new world where there will be peace and justice.”
The Gospel of Matthew recounts: “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route” (Mt 2:12). The Magi, having encountered the Christ Child, could not simply retrace their steps. Their meeting with the Lord transformed them, compelling them to walk a new way, a path shaped by faith and renewal.
In much the same spirit, the Great Pilgrimage beckons us to follow suit. Like the Magi, we too have encountered Christ, through the sacraments, within our communities, and amid the trials of daily life. This encounter calls us to journey differently: with hearts rekindled in hope, with compassion deepened, and with a renewed commitment to serve.
For Malaysia, hosting the Great Pilgrimage of Hope is both a privilege and a responsibility. It places the nation at the centre of Asia’s Catholic journey, highlighting its role in fostering dialogue, unity, and evangelization.
As pilgrims walk together in faith, The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 stands as a living witness to the Church’s mission in Asia: to journey together, to celebrate diversity, and to radiate hope for the future.
