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the great pilgrimage of hope 2025

The Great Pilgrimage of Hope

Penang, Malaysia • November 27–30, 2025

The Church of Asia comes together for a historic moment of faith, mission, and renewal. Hosted at The Light Hotel, Penang, this Asian Pilgrimage & Conference will gather more than 1,000 delegates, Cardinals, Bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and lay leaders, from over 30 countries under the theme:

“Journeying together as peoples of Asia… and they went a different way” (Mt 2:12)

Organized by FABC-OE, in collaboration with PMS Asia and the Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and hosted by the Diocese of Penang, the event seeks to form and inspire “pilgrims of hope” for today’s world.

Participants will experience keynote talks, workshops, worship encounters, cultural celebrations, concerts, and opportunities for collaboration, building pathways of mission and evangelization for a world longing for renewal.

Key guests include Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Filipe Neri Ferrao, Pablo Virgilio David, Sebastian Francis, and more, with special performances by Rexband and Fr. Rob Galea.

A journey of faith begins in Penang.

Journeying Together for GPH 2025

 
 

Keynotes

Day 1 | November 27 : “Going a Different Way as Renewed Pilgrims of Hope”

Day 2 | November 28 : “Journeying Together as Peoples of Asia.”

Day 3 | November 29 : “Living and Sharing the Story of Jesus in Asia - Journeying towards 2033 as people of Asia.”

Day 4 | November 30 : “Go Forth.” (Mathew 28;18-20)

 

The Story of AMC 2006

 

About

What is “Asian Mission Congress” (AMC)?
It is a Missionary Congress at Continental level with the general purpose of generating missionary awareness among Christians by helping to deepen one’s faith, acknowledge one’s right and duty towards mission work, and create awareness of mission needs, providing opportunity to give public witness of Christian faith, to experience the common bond of faith and the Catholicity of the Church, and to proclaim Christ to the world.

AMC 2006
“The Story of Jesus in Asia: a Celebration of Faith and Life” was the theme of the First Asian Mission Congress (AMC) held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 18 to 22 October 2006. Organized by the Office of Evangelization of the Federation of the Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC-OE), despite numerous difficulties involved in bringing together the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Asia to organize an event of such magnitude, the Congress was a great success due to the collective efforts and teamwork.

What did we achieve by this First Asian Mission Congress?
The gathering in Chiang Mai was truly a celebration of the Catholicity of the Church that is of a “united variety” representing a great variety of countries, cultures, languages and races. Though the Christian communities in almost all Asian countries are a ‘little flock’, far from withdrawing into a ghetto, in spite of persecutions and opposition, the Congress challenged us to be leaven and salt in society and to proclaim Jesus by word and deed to all the peoples of Asia, praying that they too “contemplating Jesus in his human nature may find their deepest questions answered, their hopes fulfilled, their dignity uplifted and their despair conquered” (EA 14).

Source: 
A Report on the First Asian Mission Congress
By Fr. Mario Saturnino Dias

 

Themes

“The Story of Jesus in Asia: a Celebration of Faith and Life”

Day 1 | October 18, 2006

The Congress began with the inauguration of the Exhibition featuring the history and mission work of the Church in various Asian countries. The event showcased the diverse ways Catholic faith has taken root across the continent, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the days ahead.

Day 2 | October 19, 2006: “Story of Jesus in the Peoples of Asia”

Opening ceremonies formally welcomed delegates from across Asia, followed by orientation, introductions, and a keynote address that drew participants into the Congress theme. Afternoon sessions explored how Christianity first came to Asia, with faith sharings on the elderly and families, and workshops on personal encounters with Christ. The day ended with a reflection on the Catholic faith in Thailand.

Day 3 | October 20, 2006 : “Story of Jesus in the Religions of Asia”

This day centered on Jesus’ presence within Asia’s many faith traditions. A panel discussion featured representatives from Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous religions, promoting understanding and dialogue. Delegates participated in workshops reflecting on appreciation for followers of other religions. The day concluded with theological reflections and an evening of prayer and adoration.

Day 4 | October 21, 2006 : “Story of Jesus in the Cultures of Asia”

Focusing on Asia’s rich cultural diversity, delegates shared faith experiences on themes such as media, migration, youth, and interfaith relationships. Afternoon workshops invited reflection on cultural practices that express the Gospel. The day closed with a vibrant Grand Socialization Night, where music, dance, and storytelling celebrated the unity of faith through culture.

Day 5 | October 22, 2006 : “Story of Jesus in the Life of the Church in Asia”

Coinciding with World Mission Sunday, the final day gathered local Thai Catholics and international delegates for the closing Eucharistic celebration presided by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the Pope’s envoy. The Congress concluded with a synthesis of reflections, mission pledges, and the handing over of the Mission Cross and Chalice to the next host country—symbols of the Church’s continuing mission in Asia.

Source: FABC