Cardinal Philip Neri: ‘Next Eight Years Must Be Marked by Rigorous Follow-Up, Looking Ahead to 2033’

As the Great Pilgrimage of Hope drew thousands of faithful to Penang, Cardinal Philip Neri, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), shared reflections on the experience, its significance for Asia, and the future of the Church’s engagement  across the continent.

The press conference, coordinated by Daniel Roy, head of the Social Communications Office of the Diocese of Penang, brought together journalists from across Asia to engage with Church leaders on the ongoing journey toward the 2033 Jubilee Year marking 2,000 years since Christ’s death and resurrection.

One Word to Describe the Pilgrimage: “Journeying Together”

Asked to describe the Great Pilgrimage of Hope in one word, Cardinal Philip Neri replied thoughtfully: “Journeying together as humble witnesses of Jesus.”

He explained that his perspective was shaped by his experience as President of FABC and his participation in other continental gatherings. “I had the opportunity to visit Latin America for the Continental Conference, and similarly, I participated in the plenary assembly of SECAM in Africa,” he said. “These experiences made me realize the specificity of our Asian continent.”

Asia, he noted, is unique in its diversity, religions, cultures, languages, and traditions vary widely across the continent. The Church’s challenge is to journey together with the peoples and cultures of Asia, including what are often called “neighbor religions,” in a respectful and humble manner.

“This is what synodality implies,” he said. “We journey as fellow pilgrims with all the other pilgrims in Asia.”

The Cardinal emphasized that such a journey requires more than meetings or declarations; it demands a spiritual posture of humility, dialogue, and listening, rooted in the Gospel and in the life of Jesus. “We are called not only to proclaim, but to walk with people, to witness the love of Christ by our shared journey,” he said.

The First Asian Mission Congress: Why It Took So Long

Cardinal Philip Neri was also asked about the 2006 Asian Mission Congress and why it took two decades for a similar gathering to happen again, as well as when the next congress might take place.

“I would say we cannot fully explain why it was not held for so long,” he admitted. “This is my first year as President, and my Vice President shares the same timeline.”

He highlighted that the 2006 Congress in Chiang Mai had been made possible through the initiative and enthusiasm of FABC’s Office for Evangelization. “FABC functions through its various offices, and it was the Office for Evangelization at that time that took the initiative,” he explained.

Following that congress, the real work was in the follow-up. Cardinal Philip Neri noted that dioceses and mission conferences at national and regional levels worked to sustain the momentum. “In India, for example, we had diocesan and regional mission conferences, and national mission congresses to continue the efforts,” he said.

He also credited Bishop George Palliparambil, Chairperson of the current FABC Office-OE, and his team for bringing the current Pilgrimage of Hope to fruition. “We must be grateful to Pope Francis, of revered memory, who gave the clarion call for the synodal journey. That journey brought us together at diocesan, national, and continental levels. This year, being the Jubilee Year of Hope, and with 2033 in mind, the event came at the right time,” he said.

Looking Ahead: Follow-up Is Key

While acknowledging the magnitude of organizing such an event, Cardinal Philip Neri cautioned that similar continental gatherings cannot be held too frequently. “Events of this scale require extensive preparation,” he said. “What is more important is the follow-up at national and regional levels, dioceses, episcopal conferences, and large countries like the Philippines and India.”

The Cardinal emphasized that the effectiveness and fruitfulness of the Pilgrimage of Hope will depend not merely on the event itself, but on sustained engagement and implementation of its lessons. “The next eight years should focus on concrete follow-up,” he said. “That is where the real impact of the congress will be felt.”

Humble Witness

Throughout his reflections, Cardinal Philip Neri returned repeatedly to one central theme: the engagement of the Church in Asia must be characterized by humility, accompaniment, and respect for diversity.

“Our call is to journey together,” he said. “To be humble witnesses of Jesus is to walk with others, to learn from them, and to share the Good News in ways that transform hearts, not impose beliefs. That is the essence of our work.”

As the Pilgrimage of Hope continues in Penang, the Cardinal’s words reminded participants that the future of Chruch in Asia depends not on grandiose events alone, but on a patient, humble, and sustained journey of faith.