By Sandriana Anne
BRUNEI — The Episcopal Regional Commission for Social Communication (ERCSC) convened its Annual General Meeting and Formation 2025 from June 24 to 27 at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. The four-day gathering brought together 25 delegates representing nine dioceses across Malaysia, the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei, and the Daughters of St Paul, with participants from Singapore and SIGNIS joining virtually.
Blending spiritual formation, collaborative discussion, and leadership transition, the gathering served as a meaningful platform for renewal and reflection. It was guided by the late Pope Francis’ 2025 World Communications Day message, Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts (1 Peter 3:15–16), which urged Catholic communicators to proclaim the Gospel with humility, compassion, and conviction in an increasingly digital and divided world.
The meeting was opened by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, President of ERCSC. In his keynote address, he encouraged participants to remain rooted in the Holy Spirit in every aspect of their mission and highlighted the forthcoming canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will be declared a saint on September 7 in Rome and known as the ‘Cyber Apostle’. Cardinal Sebastian reminded delegates that although Blessed Carlo died at the age of 15, his legacy endures through the miracles attributed to him and his pioneering witness in the digital world.
Emphasising the spirit of synodality, Cardinal Sebastian reaffirmed that the Churches of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei are equal partners, with no diocese being dominant. “All bishops are equal, and we all work as equals,” he said. He also invited participants to embrace the missionary call to “Share Christ with Global Asians,” echoing the vision of Radio Veritas Asia. The cardinal also highlighted the vital role of young people in the ministry, acknowledging them as a driving force in today’s digital mission. He commended their ease with technology and openness to innovation, including artificial intelligence, while reminding all present that at the heart of their work lies the Gospel. He added, “In this digital world of mission, there are no boundaries. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate influencer, not our personalities and the Holy Spirit never disappoints.”
Cardinal Sebastian also announced that he had stepped down as Chairman of the FABC Office of Social Communication, officially passing the role to Bishop Marcelino Antonio “Junie” Maralit, Jr. from the Philippines. He expressed full confidence in Bishop Maralit’s leadership and his ability to guide the regional Church through the ever-evolving media landscape.
Each day concluded with the celebration of a solemn Mass, allowing delegates space for spiritual reflection and thanksgiving. On the first day of the eucharistic celebration homily, Cardinal Sebastian presented a visual insight on Mission in the Digital World, highlighting the challenges Catholic communicators face today, particularly amidst misinformation, polarisation, and media fatigue.
Election of ERCSC Committee for 2025- 2027
The election of new ERCSC office bearers for the upcoming two-year term was carried out during the meeting. Positions open for nomination included Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary. The current leadership was unanimously re-elected to continue serving in their respective roles: Daniel Roy Santiyagu from the Diocese of Penang as Chairman; Fr Sixtus Pitah Amit OFM from the Diocese of Malacca Johore as Vice- Chairman; Sandriana Anne from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu as Secretary; and Rogena Roger Sining from the Diocese of Sandakan as Assistant Secretary. Cardinal Sebastian expressed his hope that the reappointed team would continue to lead with commitment, unity, and a faith-filled spirit as the region navigates new opportunities and challenges in the social communication ministry.
Formation Highlights
The formation segment began with a compelling session by Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, Executive Secretary of the FABC Commission for Synodality, who explored the synodal nature of communication and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the Church’s mission of evangelisation. He invited delegates to reflect on their own call to be digital missionaries, the importance of forming others for this mission, and the need to support and accompany those already serving in digital spaces. These reflections sparked meaningful dialogue and encouraged delegates to explore new ways of responding to the Church’s call in a digital and interconnected world.
Later that afternoon, Albert Hwong of Brunei’s Social Communication team led an interactive “communication bingo” activity, designed to encourage creativity, joyful engagement, and team bonding. This was followed by a session titled “Hopes Resilient, Heart Restored”, which allowed delegates to share personally and spiritually. Under the sub-theme “Seeking Within”, participants examined the challenges faced by Catholic communicators, using scriptural examples such as the parable of the sower and Peter walking on water to draw parallels with their own mission journeys. Delegates also reflected on the theme “Seven Saints of Why Me?”, connecting their experiences with those of biblical figures who resonated with their work in the Church’s communication ministry.
The following day, Fr John Mi Shen, newly appointed Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication, spoke on the indispensable role of listening and observation in nurturing genuine and effective communication. As a gesture of encouragement, each delegate received a commemorative gift inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope, symbolising unity and purpose in their shared mission.
Throughout the formation, delegates engaged in small group discussions and committee reviews, focusing on strengthening formation programmes, expanding digital presence, and cultivating deeper collaboration across dioceses.
Progress, plans and challenges
Delegates provided updates on their respective diocesan communication ministries, reflecting on notable achievements, plans for the year ahead, and ongoing challenges. A significant regional highlight was the Archdiocese of Singapore’s central role in coordinating media coverage during the historic visit of the late Pope Francis, demonstrating its capacity to manage large-scale ecclesial events with professionalism and care.
The Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur reported the successful implementation of its public webinar series and marked the opening of its purpose-built media facility, Cahaya Suara.
In the Diocese of Penang, investment in enhanced broadcasting technology enabled wider coverage of the annual feast of St Anne.
In East Malaysia, the Archdiocese of Kuching celebrated the soft opening of St Peter’s Church, while the Diocese of Sibu inaugurated the long-awaited shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Diocese of Miri was also recognised for its resourcefulness in launching a community radio station on a modest budget, an encouraging example of commitment and creativity in the face of limited resources.
Dioceses throughout Malaysia are actively engaged in Perjalanan Salib, a nationwide Stations of the Cross pilgrimage that began during the Malaysian Catholic Youth Day in April 2025. Continuing until September 2026, it will culminate at the Malaysian Pastoral Convention, one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country. The initiative stands as a profound expression of unity, faith, and collaboration, with all diocesan communication teams contributing to its success.
Despite encouraging progress, several challenges were acknowledged. Some diocesan teams remain small, comprised primarily of students or volunteers, while others rely on just one individual to manage all communication efforts. Delegates from Brunei noted the legal and pastoral constraints they face, limiting broader evangelisation activities.
Delegates also reviewed their use of the World Communications Day kit, with many attesting to its usefulness in homilies, catechesis, and community engagement. These reflections fostered mutual learning and affirmed the collective resolve to grow as a regional Church united in digital mission.
The third day concluded with a final report presentation from the Daughters of St Paul in the morning and a city tour in the afternoon, offering cultural enrichment and reinforcing fellowship among delegates. On the final day, participants joined the Global Rosary Relay and celebrated the closing Mass, bringing the event to a prayerful and hopeful conclusion.
The ERCSC Annual General Meeting and Formation 2025 ended with renewed unity, a deepened commitment to collaboration, and a shared resolve to communicate the Gospel with clarity, compassion, and hope. It was announced that the next ERCSC gathering will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Singapore, from June 15 to 19, 2026.
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