Penang Diocese embraces synodal journey with initiatives leading to 2028

Mar 28, 2025

PENANG: On March 15, 2025, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, received a letter from the Vatican outlining the Accompaniment Process of the Synod “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.”

The letter marks the beginning of a journey that will culminate in the Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican in October 2028. In response, Cardinal Sebastian has written to all the faithful of the Diocese of Penang, particularly those in leadership roles, to encourage participation in the Synodal process.

The Diocese of Penang is called to join the Universal Church in this significant journey, with a focus on communion, participation, and mission. The process will unfold over several years, integrating key initiatives planned by both the Universal and Malaysian Churches. Cardinal Sebastian emphasised that the challenges presented by this journey should not cause anxiety, as the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church forward under the leadership of Pope Francis.

Key events planned in the coming years include:

1. Clergy Conversion Experience Retreat:
From March 23-28, the entire clergy of Penang, including priests, permanent deacons, and retired priests, attended a Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) led by Cardinal William SC Goh from Singapore.

2. Malaysian Catholic Youth Day (MCYD):
More than 1,000 young people will gather in Kota Kinabalu from March 31 to April 6, 2025, with 125 participants from the Diocese of Penang.

3. Launch of Perjalanan Salib:
On April 3, 2025, the Perjalanan Salib will begin at the MCYD, with nine crosses representing the nine dioceses of Malaysia. These crosses will journey through each diocese until September 2026, culminating in a united cross at the Malaysian Pastoral Convention 2026.

4. Clergy Study on Synod Document:
On April 8-9, 2025, the clergy will engage in a study of the final document of the Synod, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,” with Fr Dr Clarence Devadass.

5. Christian Ecumenical Service:
On May 12, 2025, the Diocese of Penang will host a Christian Ecumenical Service to commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, celebrating the unity of Christian denominations.

6. 360th Anniversary of College General Seminary:
The College General Regional Major Seminary in Penang will celebrate its 360th anniversary from September 28 to October 2, 2025, inviting alumni and formators to join in the celebrations.

7. Second Asian Mission Congress:
The Diocese will host the Second Asian Mission Congress from November 27-30, 2025, with around 1,000 Catholic leaders from Asia participating.

8. Jubilee Year of Hope:
Throughout 2025, the Diocese will celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope, beginning on December 29, 2024, and concluding on December 28, 2025.

9. First Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC2026):
From September 9-13, 2026, the nine Malaysian dioceses will gather in Plentong, Johor, for the First Malaysia Pastoral Convention.

10. World Youth Day 2027:
The Diocese will send a contingent to the World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027.

11. Ecclesial Assembly in Vatican 2028:
The Synodal journey will culminate in the Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican in October 2028.

Cardinal Sebastian calls on all the faithful to join in prayer, fasting, and intercession, preparing themselves personally and as a Church to respond to the Holy Spirit’s call. He encourages the community to stay healthy and committed to the mission ahead, emphasising that “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5).