9 Indian Religious Sisters Return with Renewed Spirit from FABC Congress in Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia 30 Nov 2025: The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025, held in Penang from 27–30 November, became a moment of grace for nine women religious from India. They came back with fresh joy, deeper faith, and a renewed call to walk closely with God’s people. Their voices capture the vibrant spirit of the Asian Church and the new energy the pilgrimage has stirred in them. They were part of the 76-member delegation sent by the CCBI.

Mary Colaco, DHM: Secretary to the North Regional Bishops’ Council Women’s Commission, she said the pilgrimage offered her true spiritual renewal. The simple yet powerful methods, spiritual conversation and sincere sharing, opened her heart in new ways. She discovered again the strength that comes from deep listening. The experience has strengthened her vocation and her commitment to serve as a leader in the Church in India.

Ranjna Tirkey, DSA: A missionary from Ranchi, she described the pilgrimage as “a profound blessing.” She felt God calling her to be a pilgrim of hope who carries Jesus’ story to every place. Through spiritual conversation, she discovered the deep wounds and great hopes of Asia. The experience renewed her courage and strengthened her belief that God’s story always leads to a good ending.

Lidwin Fernandes, UFS: The Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women calls the pilgrimage “a true blessing.” GPH strengthened her spiritual journey and opened her heart to the rich faith of the Asian Church. She returns with a renewed desire to serve God’s people with joy. The pilgrimage also reminded her of the humble beginnings of her congregation and stirred her to retell Jesus’ story in today’s world with fresh meaning.

Beena, UMI: The doctor from Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai said the pilgrimage opened her eyes to God’s quiet work in everyday life. The reflections and the stories she heard moved her deeply and brought a sense of peace she had been longing for. She returns home feeling renewed, grateful, and strengthened in her faith.She hopes to carry this renewed hope into her work and share it with the people she serves each day.

Rani Punnasseril, HCM: A Supreme Court advocate and active member of the CCBI’s migrant ministry, she described the pilgrimage as “deeply enriching and enlightening.” The experience widened her vision of consecrated life and strengthened her commitment to mission. Inspired by the hopeful messages of Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and Cardinal Tagle, she returns with gratitude and renewed zeal. She also expressed her thanks to the CCBI for trusting her with this responsibility.

Virginia Rajakumari, SAB: A Scripture professor at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore, she said Great Pilgrimage of Hope helped her experience “true synodality.” She felt grateful but also challenged by the strong commitment of the laity. The pilgrimage gave her a push to take a more active role in evangelisation. “It was a time of renewal and awakening,” she noted.

Prashanthi Koppula, MSL: A religious sister from Hyderabad, she expressed deep gratitude for being nominated by the CCBI. She said Great Pilgrimage of Hope offered her a space to meet and mingle with people from many cultures and languages. The experience helped her reshape her thinking and deepen her daily encounter with Jesus. She returns determined to share the Gospel through small acts of love, compassion, and attentive listening.

Mabel Dhar, VSDB: The Superior General from Shillong says she felt a deep touch of God’s presence at GPH 2025. “It was a moment of grace and clarity,” she shared. Filled with God’s love for her people, she now returns with a stronger resolve to share Jesus’ story through her life. With trust in God’s guidance, she moves forward with hope toward Jubilee 2033.

Margarita Dias, SCB: Associate Director of Communio, described her participation in the Great Pilgrimage of Hope through the CCBI as a grace-filled experience. Days of prayer, sharing, and reflection, she said, deepened her spiritual journey and opened her heart to the vibrant faith of the Church in Asia. The encounter strengthened her resolve to walk with greater conviction in her call to serve God’s people. She returns with a renewed spirit, ready to witness Christ with joy and hope.

There were 76 delegates from India attended the FABC Congress in Penang, Malaysia. The testimonies of nine religious sisters echo a common truth: the Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 was not just an event, but a turning point. These nine women return to India strengthened in faith and ready to serve with fresh energy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter