“Take a Different Way,” Cardinal Tagle Urges Asian Church

Penang, Malaysia 27 November 2025: His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, called the Church in Asia to “take a different way,” inspired by the journey of the Magi. He delivered this appeal while addressing delegates at the Great Pilgrimage of Hope, a congress organised by the FABC Office for Evangelisation.

Cardinal Tagle delivered the keynote address on the theme “Going a Different Way as Renewed Pilgrims of Hope.” The congress opened on November 27, 2025, at the Light Hotel in Penang, Malaysia.

Dato’ Seri Sebastian Cardinal Francis, Bishop of Penang, welcomed the delegates and presided over the inaugural Holy Mass. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the FABC and the CCBI, lit the inaugural candle along with other dignitaries.

Malaysia’s Minister of Unity, YAB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, offered his greetings during the opening ceremony. Bishop George Pallipparambil, S.D.B., Chairman of the FABC Office for Evangelisation and Bishop of Miao, delivered the opening message. Mr. Manjo Sunny, Executive Secretary of the FABC OE, explained the conference logistics.

The congress, which concludes on November 30, has drawn 773 delegates from 29 countries. The participants include 104 bishops, 155 priests, 74 religious sisters, 8 deacons and 422 lay leaders.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has sent 76 delegates, the largest national delegation, highlighting India’s strong presence at the gathering in Penang, the city known as the “Pearl of the Orient.”

 

By Catholic Connect Reporter