08-08-2025
CBCMSB focuses on Synod and Rome visit
The 116th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (CBCMSB) opened with a virtual address by Msgr Marcel Šmejkal, the new Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in Malaysia and Timor-Leste. Aug 08, 2025
Richard Chia: The 116th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (CBCMSB) opened with a virtual address by Msgr Marcel Šmejkal, the new Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in Malaysia and Timor-Leste. Speaking from Dili, he conveyed greetings on behalf of Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski and was warmly welcomed by the bishops.
Cardinals William Goh and Sebastian Francis reflected on their participation in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal William called the election 'a miracle,' while Cardinal Sebastian highlighted the unity shown by the 133 cardinals in reaching a decision within 48 hours.
Archbishop Julian Leow, President of CBCMSB, then read a letter from the Apostolic Nunciature announcing the Ad Limina visit to Rome, scheduled for May 18–23, 2026. The visit will mark the first such pilgrimage since 2018, when the bishops met with Pope Francis.
A major focus of the plenary was the implementation phase of the Synod of Bishops' Final Document, released in November 2024. The General Secretary of the Secretariat of the Synod, Cardinal Mario Grech, launched the Accompaniment Process in March 2025, outlining a three-year plan beginning with a Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies from Oct 24–26, 2025.
CBCMSB will be represented at this Jubilee in Rome by Msgr Jude Miranda (Diocese of Penang), Sr Margarete Sta Maria, and Gregory Pravin (both from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur). Their participation includes plenary sessions, pilgrimage activities, a passage through the Holy Door, an audience with Pope Leo XIV, and a concluding Mass at St Peter's Basilica.
To support the ongoing Synodal journey, the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) has established a Commission for Synodality led by Cardinal Pablo David, FABC Vice-President. Archbishop Julian will represent CBCMSB in this commission, supported by individual diocesan representatives from the region. The FABC will also host a Bishops' Seminar on Synodality from Sept 22–26, 2025 in Bangkok.
Looking ahead, the bishops noted the upcoming FABC XII Plenary Assembly, scheduled for June 22–28, 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. This major gathering, last held in 2017 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, will see participation from cardinals, episcopal conference presidents, and bishop delegates across Asia. Originally intended as a quadrennial event, the assembly was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the session, the CBCMSB agreed to renew the terms of its current office bearers and episcopal commission presidents for another two years. Each bishop also provided updates on their respective commissions, past initiatives, and upcoming plans.
The plenary concluded with a pastoral visit to St Pio's Spirituality Centre in Ulu Tiram, where Fr Joe Matthews OFM Cap and Fr John Anandan OFM Cap welcomed the bishops with afternoon tea and a guided tour of the facilities
