By Liza Magnus
SABAH — “This is an extraordinary gathering! This is the first gathering that brings together the three arch/dioceses since Sabah was divided into three arch/dioceses,” said Bishop Cornelius Piong, during the opening Mass of the Sabah Regional Pastoral Assembly (PPWS) on May 11-13, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
PPWS was attended by 700 delegates from three Sabah arch/dioceses who gathered together for three days to celebrate unity, while listening to the diocesan reports in four areas of pastoral concern: Church, Family, Society, and Ecology.
Bishop Cornelius, during the opening Mass, reflected on the early journey of the Church in Sabah, which initially had only one diocese, but eventually saw the establishment of the Diocese of Keningau in 1993 and the Diocese of Sandakan in 2007.
“This is an exceptional development. Since the 1950s, the Church has evolved significantly and, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has developed in a better direction. For example, in the past, the liturgy for Mass was very different, with the celebrant facing away from the congregation.
“However, the Holy Spirit inspired the pope at that time and the whole world, especially after the Second Vatican Council when many liturgical changes were made that led to the spirit of the Synodal Church.”
On the second day, in the morning, the delegates listened to the history of the arrival of the Good News in the three arch/dioceses, the process of revitalising the three arch/dioceses, the preparation process for PPWS, outreach programmes introducing the Malaysian Pastoral Assembly (MPC 2026), and how each diocese introduces and examines the four pastoral concerns of MPC 2026, namely Family, Church, Social, and Ecology.
In the afternoon, Fr Dr Clarence Devadass from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur delivered a session on Synodal Spirituality. He explained that “Synodality” is not a concept or programme but “a way of life as a Church”.
Not a debate platform
The Sabah Regional Pastoral Assembly (PPWS) concluded with Mass on May 13, led by Archbishop John Wong.
Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom pic in his speech said, “ The PPWS is a place for us to plant the seeds of walking together as a Church, not a place for us to debate like politicians.”
He was glad that the PPWS produced the nine Mission Statements, the fruits of Spiritual Conversations. “Looking at these nine Mission Statements, they have already been somewhat implemented in our Diocese and can be improved in each respective diocese, bringing us together as we prepare for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 by relying on the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ prayer for His disciples on the night of the Last Supper was emphasised by Bishop Cornelius in his speech at the PPWS’ closing Mass.
The three essential messages in Jesus’ prayer are:
1. Jesus prays for His followers, that is, us, to live in unity. This spirit of unity is known as the synodal spirit.
2. Jesus prays for us to be protected from the evil one.
3. Jesus prays for His disciples and us to live in holiness, always guided by the Word of God.
The prelate also hoped that the nine Mission Statements would not just be slogans but practised. “What we have set as our focus and direction during the Conversation in the Spirit, I have no doubt, but the implementation needs to be worked on together.
Archbishop John Wong expressed appreciation and gratitude for the success of the PPWS.
“I am sure that the PPWS brings sweet memories not only in the historical record but also as a large Catholic family in Sabah.
“This sweet memory will encourage us to become missionary disciples. You have spent three days here, especially yesterday (May 12), which was a public holiday. I believe God will bless you abundantly. The PPWS is not the end but the new chapter of continuing Christ’s mission in each diocese.”
The launch of Perjalanan Salib
The Perjalanan Salib for the Sabah Region was launched during the PPWS closing Mass, led by Archbishop John Wong on May 13, 2025.
In his prayer, the prelate prayed that the Perjalanan Salib would promote good deeds, the redemption of souls, consolation, protection, and serve as an armour against the forces of evil.
“May anyone who sees the Salib feel that they are not alone in their faith journey in this country…” said Archbishop John.
The representatives of each diocese then carried the Perjalanan Salib, followed by priests and the bishop, as a symbolic act of bringing the Perjalanan Salib to their respective dioceses.
The Nine Mission Statements are the fruits of three Spiritual Conversations during the Sabah Regional Pastoral Assembly (PPWS) held from May 11-13.
The Main Organising Committee (MOT) outlined the Nine Mission Statements themed Remembering History, Continuing the Legacy, Building Together the Kingdom of God in a Synodal Spirit, which were the outcomes in the PPWS from May 11-13.
Archbishop John Wong emphasised that the Nine Mission Statements are not resolutions for the three arch/dioceses but rather serve as pastoral counsels or guidelines.
The prelate stressed that, “Each diocese has different needs and priorities. These Nine Mission Statements serve as guidelines and require more discernment at the arch/diocese level.”
The assembly presents the Nine Mission Statements
We, the people of God in Sabah, who inherit faith through the living testimony of the early missionaries, are called to build a living and united Church, rooted in history, acts in faith, and open to the work of the Holy Spirit. Through the spirit of synodality, we realise that:
1. Faith Is a Legacy and a Responsibility
We value and revive faith’s legacy through gratitude, historical documentation, and the present evangelisation. We continue our legacy of faith not solely by remembering, but also by engaging with tangible acts of evangelism.
2. Family and Youth Are at the Heart of the Mission
The family is the primary school for the formation of faith and life’s calling, whereas youth are the Church’s future leaders. We are committed to empowering the institution of the Christian family and accompanying the youth so that they may personally experience Christ and become His witnesses in today’s world.
3. The Church is Built from the Grassroots:
We build a community of faith that begins with the family, Basic Christian Communities (BCC), youth, schools, and all levels of the faithful, with everyone actively participating in a spirit of unity and brotherhood.
4. Synodality Is the Church’s Lifestyle
We practise synodality — listening, dialogue, and walking together — at all levels of Church activity, taking into account every voice, especially those who are marginalised.
5. Service rooted in the Holy Spirit and Prayer
We serve humbly, invoking the power of prayer, the Word, and the sacraments. All of our planning and pastoral work are based on discernment and surrender to God’s will.
6. Recognising and Responding to the Call of Life
Shepherding and guiding the next generation to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice, so that they will bravely respond to the Church’s holy ministry, whether as laypeople, religious, or priests, and do so willingly and faithfully.
7. Celebrating the Sacraments as a Source of Life
Appreciating and celebrating the Church’s sacraments as a tangible sign of Christ’s presence that accompanies, sanctifying and renewing our lives.
8. An Inclusive, Missionary, and Living Church that acts and proclaims the Gospel
We become a Church that is open and courageous in witnessing the truth on social, humanitarian, and environmental issues. Cultural diversity in each diocese is not an obstacle, but rather, a source of richness to complement each other and move towards a common mission.
9. Continuous repentance is the key to our synodal lifestyle
We understand that our journey together begins with repentance and self-renewal.We allow the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts so that we can walk together in unity, love, and faithfulness.
With burning love and hope, we walk together in the spirit of synodality to continue carrying on the living history of faith and shoulder the responsibilities of this era, facing the Church’s future with complete trust in the Holy Spirit.
