By Kristen Priya Krishnan
KUALA LUMPUR — The Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur launched the Perjalanan Salib during the 6.00pm Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist on April 27. It was presided over by Archbishop Julian Leow, with Fr Paulino Miranda and Fr Gerard Theraviam concelebrating.
In his homily, Archbishop Julian encouraged the faithful to remain hopeful amid doubt and uncertainty, saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” He reflected on how doubt deepens faith and called for trust in Christ’s resurrection despite brokenness in the world.
The archbishop also highlighted Pope Francis’ concern for migrants and the marginalised, urging Catholics to be messengers of hope and compassion. The Perjalanan Salib, he said, promotes unity, repentance, and renewed commitment to Christ’s sacrifice, while also raising awareness about environmental care and family empowerment.
The salib will travel to the Catholic Mission in Terengganu and eventually visit parishes and chapels across the archdiocese. It forms part of a nationwide initiative culminating in a major convention in 2026, where nine crosses will be reassembled from Malaysia’s nine dioceses.
Archbishop Julian closed the Mass with a prayer that the faithful may journey together in faith, echoing Christ’s words, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Archbishop Julian Leow blessing the congregation at the end of the Mass.
The Perjalanan SALIB is a national devotional pilgrimage launched by the Catholic Church in Malaysia as spiritual preparation for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026). It was inaugurated during Malaysia Catholic Youth Day on April 3, 2025, when the nine bishops of Malaysia blessed a specially crafted cross.
Symbolising unity in diversity, the SALIB consists of nine interconnected nine-foot-tall wooden crosses, each representing one of the country’s dioceses, adorned with the Bunga Raya, Malaysia’s national flower. The flower signifies national unity, freedom, and the triumph of Christ’s love.
Over a 17-month period, each cross will travel through parishes within its respective diocese for prayer and reflection. Appointed coordinators from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia will oversee the pilgrimage at the diocesan level, reinforcing the Church’s synodal character — diverse yet united in the Holy Spirit.
In September 2026, the nine crosses will be reassembled into a single Crucifix at MPC2026, a powerful symbol of the collective prayer, hope, and faith of the Malaysian Church.
