The 113th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBCMSB), held at the Minor Basilica of St Anne’s in Bukit Mertajam, Penang from 8-12 January 2024, focused on the theme of synodality.
The assembly brought together bishops, archbishops, and cardinals, coinciding with Cardinal Sebastian Francis’ Thanksgiving Mass, celebrating his elevation to the College of Cardinals.
Distinguished guests at the assembly included the Apostolic Nuncio of Malaysia, Archbishop Wojciech Załuski, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, and Fr William La Rousse, the General Secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference (FABC).
Cardinal Marengo expressed gratitude to the Bishops’ Conference for its financial support during the historic visit of Pope Francis to Mongolia in September 2023. He presented a symbolic wooden plaque shaped like Mongolia, conveying words of appreciation.
Archbishop Załuski commended the Bishops’ Conference for its solidarity with the Vatican and emphasized Pope Francis’ tireless efforts in addressing global challenges.
Fr. La Rousse provided insights into the Asian Church’s journey toward synodality. He presented publications including the FABC General Conference Bangkok Document and the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops First Session Synthesis Report.
The priest urged the Bishops’ Conference to actively engage in the preparation for the second session of the Synod of Bishops in October 2024.
A dinner with the Conference of Religious Major Superiors (CRMS) facilitated dialogue between religious superiors and bishops on pressing matters.
The assembly included reports from the nine dioceses in Malaysia on their respective Archdiocesan/Diocesan Pastoral Assemblies (APA/DPA) in 2023.
The year 2024 was declared the Year of Prayer. The Malaysia Catholic Young People Assembly will be the highlight of The Jubilee Year 2025.
The Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026, scheduled in Johor, is anticipated as the ultimate convergence of clergy, religious, and laity from across Malaysia.
