By Saimon Wong, National Council 2022-2025 Secretary
KOTA KINABALU — The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) of Malaysia held their 2025 triennial National Congress at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre, Kota Kinabalu, from 1_ 4 May 2025. Five Carmelite friars and 55 OCDS from the four communities of Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Miri, and the host city, Kota Kinabalu, attended the grand event.
The congress was launched by His Grace Archbishop John Wong, KK Archdiocese by gong beatings for nine times shared equally by the General Delegate to the OCDS, Fr Ramiro Casale OCD from Rome, and Fr Christianus Surinono OCD, Definitor General from Rome. Also present were two Spiritual Assistants from Seremban Friary, Fr Nicholas Hoh OCD (for OCDS KL) and Fr Chin Sin Wee, OCD (for OCDS Miri), and Fr Mattheus Luta the spiritual advisor for OCDS KK.
Fr Anselm Phang OCD, the General Delegate of the Singapore-Thailand-Malaysia Delegation from Singapore joined in on the second day of the Congress.
Reflecting on the previous Congress theme, “Forging Ahead In This Challenging Time,” the Malaysia National Council as the ecclesial expression of the communion in Christ of the Secular Order Communities in Malaysia, looks back on the post COVID-19 pandemic that devastated the lives of many. It invited the four communities to present reports of their resilience in facing the challenges picking up the endemic pieces, reinvigorating membership growth, rekindling human relations among members after periods of isolation, and preparing, germinating, and fortifying formation resources that succumbed to pandemic losses.
Inspired by our late Pope Francis’s Jubilee year 2025 theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” “Jesus, Our Hope” was chosen as 2025 OCDS National Congress theme. Based on the theme, insightful talks were given by the friars to empower and propel the Secular Carmelites in moving towards the vision and goals of the new theme: “Jesus, Our Hope”.
To address the evolving technology of the world and discern the signs of the times, national statutes governing the members in living out their baptismal and Carmelite vocation were reviewed. Proposals on amendments were deliberated as review for the existing Constitutions and Statutes occurs every five years.
Alongside engaging in robust discussions, including reviewing progress and charting the course for future planning, an election of office bearers for a new Malaysia National Council to organise the next Congress 2028 was held.
Overall, it was a fruitful 4-day congress that dealt with the business aspects of the Order, providing opportunities to collectively assess achievements and lessons learned, along with showcasing cultural performances from the four respective communities in the evening of the last day.
The energy and commitment displayed by the members were truly inspiring, reaffirming the strength and unity of the national fraternity.
 of Malaysia held their 2025 triennial National Congress at the Catholic Archdiocesan...){kind=link}