Great Pilgrimage of Hope

My Experience at the "Great Pilgrimage of Hope," Malaysia.

The Great Pilgrim of Hope was attended by around ,900 attendees from more than 30 Asian countries, including lay involvement for a vibrant, inclusive assembly:

The event was graced by 10 Cardinals, 105 Bishops, 155 priests, 74 Religious Nuns, 8 Deacons and 425 Lay, Volunteers and Organizers.

I was grateful to be part of this Conference. My personal encounter during the Great Pilgrim of Hope (GPH) was one in awe, I have witnessed Corporate Conferences, this was the 1st time I was part of the Spiritual and Ecclesial conference. I give my learnings in comparison form after being in the Corporate sector for 3 decades.

The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025." Focussed on the mission of the Catholic Church in Asia, deepening faith and journeying together the synodal way.

The corporate learning focussed on market growth, sales, launches, training, and networking for business growth.

The delegates at the GPH were. Cardinals, Bishops, priests, religious sisters, deacons, Lay Church Leaders including youth.

Delegates at Corporate conference are varied Business Professionals. Executives, sales teams, investors, employees nominated to attend.

Content at GPH was a deep theological reflection, Praise and worship, dialogue, sharing, Prayer, celebration of Holy Mass, "Conversations in the Spirit," sessions on synodality and missionary awareness. Spiritual strategies to grow in faith, networking with Asian brethren over lunch and dinner.

Content at the Corporate conferences are presentations on product features, product demos, skill-building workshops. case studies, business strategies to increase profits, and networking over cocktails and dinner.

Expected Results are Spiritual Renewal, carry the word of God in Stories to shape the Church's future direction in Asia, commit to social/missionary / ecological action.

Expected Results are Increased Revenue Generation, Strike Deals through networking, launch products, generate sales leads, and build professional networks.

Goal of GPH : Soul search, emphasis on listening, shared journey, and serving all the margins at borders of the tent. Spread the word of God.

The Goal at Corporate is energetic professionals looking forward to strike deals. Rewards for efficiency, target achievements, and competition encouragement for business advancement.

Conclusion and Takeaway.

A corporate conference, is a business gathering of officials. Most often success is measured by revenue growth, market trends, and delegates satisfaction on receiving awards publicly.

The FABC Congress was religious gathering to facilitate spiritual and collaborative growth for the Catholic Church in Asia. The GPH conference was a success as measured by the depth of faith as could be seen and heard the faith sharing testimonies, and commitment from delegates to go out to carry forward the mission ‘Go the other way’. Rewards are hundred-fold spiritually and blessings in disguise.

Bernadine Fernandes