Penang: The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025, hosted in Penang from November 27 to 30, has become a transformative spiritual milestone for nine Indian religious sisters who were part of the 76-member CCBI delegation. The gathering, rich in prayer, reflection, dialogue, and cultural encounter, left each of them strengthened in faith, renewed in mission, and deeply touched by the vibrant expressions of the Asian Church.
The sisters describe the experience as a moment of profound grace one that opened their hearts to deeper listening, awakened new spiritual energy, and rekindled their commitment to walk with God’s people in humility and hope. Their reflections together paint a compelling picture of how the Pilgrimage has reshaped their vision and renewed their vocation.
Serving as Secretary to the North Regional Bishops’ Council Women’s Commission, Sr. Mary said the pilgrimage offered her a genuine spiritual rebirth. Through spiritual conversation and honest sharing, she rediscovered the power of attentive listening an insight she believes will strengthen her leadership and service in the Church in India.
“The experience refreshed my vocation,” she shared, “and opened new spaces in my heart.”
A missionary from Ranchi, Sr. Ranjna described her days in Penang as “a profound blessing.” The Pilgrimage made her aware of the wounds, hopes, and dreams present across Asia.
She said she now feels a renewed call to be a pilgrim of hope who carries the story of Jesus into every place she serves. “God’s story always ends in hope,” she affirmed.
As Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women, Sr. Lidwin found the pilgrimage deeply enriching. It rekindled her spiritual journey and brought her closer to the rich and diverse faith of Asian communities.
“The experience reminded me of the humble origins of my congregation,” she said, inspiring her to retell the story of Jesus with renewed freshness for today’s world.
A doctor at Holy Family Hospital, Sr. Beena said the pilgrimage opened her eyes to God’s gentle presence in daily life. Powerful testimonies and quiet reflections brought her the peace she had long been seeking.
She returns committed to sharing this renewed hope with the people she serves through her medical mission.
A Supreme Court advocate and an active member of the CCBI’s migrant ministry, Sr. Rani described the pilgrimage as “deeply enriching and enlightening.”
Inspired by the words of Cardinal Tagle and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, she said she now carries a broadened vision of consecrated life and strengthened dedication to mission. She expressed gratitude to the CCBI for entrusting her with this responsibility.
A Scripture professor at Kristu Jyoti College in Bangalore, Sr. Virginia said the pilgrimage offered her a real taste of synodality walking together in faith.
She was particularly moved by the strong commitment of the laity, which challenged her to assume a more active role in evangelization. “It was a moment of awakening,” she said.
Sr. Prashanthi from Hyderabad expressed heartfelt gratitude for being nominated by the CCBI. Meeting people from diverse cultures and languages expanded her worldview and deepened her relationship with Jesus.
Returning home, she hopes to spread the Gospel through humility, small acts of love, and attentive listening.
The Superior General from Shillong said she felt a deep touch of God’s presence throughout the pilgrimage.
“It was a moment of grace and clarity,” she shared, adding that the journey strengthened her resolve to share Jesus’ story with greater conviction as the Church looks toward Jubilee 2033.
Associate Director of Communio, Sr. Margarita described the pilgrimage as a “grace-filled encounter” that deepened her faith and connected her to the vibrant life of the Asian Church. She said she returns with a renewed spirit, ready to witness Christ with joy and confidence.
With 76 Indian delegates present, the FABC Congress became a powerful moment of unity for the Church in Asia. The reflections of these nine religious sisters confirm one truth: the Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 was far more than a scheduled event it was a spiritual turning point.
They return to India strengthened in their vocation, refreshed in faith, and ready to serve God’s people with renewed enthusiasm as the Church journeys toward Jubilee 2033.