Penang: The Chosen Asia Catholic Summit commenced in Penang with an emphatic call for fresh, imaginative, and collaborative approaches to evangelization in a rapidly changing digital world. The three-day conference, hosted at The Light Hotel from 30 November to 2 December, has drawn Church leaders and media delegates from seven Asian nations, including Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops.
The summit was formally inaugurated by Sebastian Cardinal Francis, who urged the Church to embrace new modes of missionary outreach. In his opening address, the Cardinal observed that the landscape of evangelization is shifting dramatically and that today’s mission “rests in creative and capable hands.”
He highlighted the transformative impact of visual media initiatives especially The Chosen—noting that such platforms are presenting the Gospel to new audiences with exceptional clarity and emotional resonance. He expressed optimism that digital storytelling will continue to energize the Church’s evangelizing mission across Asia.
The event is being led by Ajin Joseph, CCBI’s Catholic Engagement Manager for The Chosen, and Randel Serrao, Catholic Engagement Manager for the Philippines. Serving as moderators, they guided the sessions with smooth coordination and facilitated meaningful interaction among participants.
Day One delivered a compelling set of presentations:
Dr. Ashish Thomas, APAC Regional Director, offered an in-depth look at how The Chosen has evolved into a powerful instrument for faith formation in the digital age.
A global panel featuring Mark McCain, Global Chief Officer of the Come and See Foundation, and Stan McCain from the United States explored the shared responsibility of supporting and promoting visual media as a contemporary missionary tool. Their session emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource-sharing, and sustained commitment.
An engaging Q&A session followed, with delegates raising diverse questions on missionary strategy, content distribution, ownership models, and long-term support. The discussions fostered transparency, mutual understanding, and a collective vision for effective digital evangelization.
The first day concluded with a special prayer and blessing imparted by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of both the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the CCBI. Delegates then shared a fellowship meal, strengthening relationships and reinforcing the sense of shared mission.
The opening day ended on a note of unity, enthusiasm, and renewed determination to harness digital storytelling as an essential tool for the Church’s evangelizing mission throughout Asia. As discussions continue, participants remain focused on building a future where creativity and technology serve the Gospel with renewed purpose and reach.