Penang: At the closing ceremony of the Great Pilgrimage of Hope in Penang on the First Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), commissioned 773 delegates from 32 nations as “ambassadors to tell the story of Jesus in Asia.” The moment marked the culmination of a week of reflection, prayer, and renewal, as the Asian Church gathered to strengthen its mission across a rapidly changing continent.
Presiding over the concluding Mass, Cardinal Ferrão delivered a message anchored in spiritual clarity and pastoral urgency. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of the Magi, he urged the delegates to return to their homes and communities “by a different way,” symbolizing a renewed missionary spirit shaped by conversion, openness, and courage. He reflected that the days spent together in Penang had “opened hearts, healed wounds, and rekindled Asia’s evangelical zeal,” offering a fresh start rooted in hope.
Reflecting on the day’s readings, the Cardinal called on the Church in Asia to “walk in the light of the Lord,” foster peace in divided societies, and nurture unity at a time when social and spiritual fractures run deep. He reminded participants that the mission before them demands vigilance, perseverance, and personal transformation. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, encouraging delegates to bear witness through compassion, intercultural dialogue, and service to the most vulnerable.
Cardinal Ferrão highlighted the presence of God in unexpected places the struggles of migrants, the resilience of the poor, the friendships formed through interfaith encounters, and the dreams of young people seeking meaning. These, he said, are signs pointing the Church toward new paths of mission and accompaniment. He urged the delegates to embrace these realities with renewed vision and bold commitment as they return to their respective countries.
Closing his message, the Cardinal made a stirring appeal for a “different way” grounded in synodality a Church that listens deeply, walks together, and proclaims the Gospel with joy. “Your pilgrimage has become a mission,” he declared, sending the delegates forth to embody hope across the vast and diverse landscapes of Asia.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Ferrão also acknowledged those who played key roles in guiding the Congress. He offered special recognition to Bishop George Palliparambil, SDB, Chairman of the FABC Office for Evangelization; Mr. Manjo Sunny, Executive Secretary of the same office; and Cardinal Sebastian Francis of Penang for their leadership and service.
Although the Great Pilgrimage of Hope has formally concluded, its spirit continues to ripple across Asia. With a united heart and renewed faith, the Church now steps into the future, ready to share Christ’s story with deeper conviction and fresh courage.