Church in Asia

Church officials in Timor-Leste are eagerly preparing to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis for a historic three-day visit from September 9 to 11.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, presented by Bishop Joseph Ponniah on August 19, according to Vatican sources.

The Diocese of Hong Kong has created a preparatory committee for the upcoming celebration of its 80th anniversary in 2026. 

“What a beautiful expression of thanksgiving to our Lord and our love for Mama Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” Archbishop Palma said.

The Diocese of Cubao Lay Formation Ministry in Quezon City, Philippines, is organizing a PAREFORM General Assembly for Pastoral Approach to Rehabilitation and Formation.

The Vatican has given the green light for the inquiry into the life of Laureana 'Ka Luring' Franco, a Filipino lay catechist who left her job at the Philippine Air Force to become a full-time, unpaid catechist.

The World Apostolate of Fatima of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, and Landmark Trinoma Mall, will hold the National Fatima Convention on December 10, 2024, to mark the Centenary of the Five First Saturdays Devotion.

On September 11, 2024, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) will release a new pastoral plan titled "Journeying towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033."

Bishop Luisito Occiano of Virac has called for continued prayers as he embarks on his new mission as the shepherd.

"It's not just about missionary work; it's about deepening our faith and connecting with like-minded individuals," Challa said.

Pope Francis has established the Diocese of Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, Flores, Indonesia, following extensive preparation by Bishop Siprianus Hormat, local priests, and the faithful.

An Indonesian bishop said that every Catholic must promote environmental stewardship since “encountering ecology is also encountering the Creator.”

Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye, Archbishop of Singapore, says that no one should ever give up searching for God.

On May 7, Pope Francis named Jesuit Cardinal Stephen Chow, the bishop of Hong Kong, to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

"The Church is always present to convey God's love, especially to victims of natural and man-made disasters such as fires, floods, and earthquakes," said Father Pascual.

"Go, Proclaim the Good News'

Pope John Paul II visited Thailand from May 10 to 11, 1984.

Archbishop Thumma Bala's leadership was characterized by compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of pastoral care.

“Children are God’s favorite… Your prayers are significant and powerful,” said Bishop Mayugba.

As many as 8 diocesan seminarians were ordained deacons in Bangladesh at Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka on May 24.