04/07/2026
67 Days to MPC2026: Diocese of Sibu Continues Its Journey of Prayer, Preparation and Communion
SIBU, 4 July 2026 – With only 67 days remaining before the opening of the Malaysian Pastoral Convention (MPC2026), the Diocese of Sibu took another important step on its synodal journey by holding its Second Preparatory Session, bringing together representatives from all 12 parishes who will become the voices of their parish communities at the national convention from 9–12 September 2026.
More than a planning meeting, the gathering reflected the spirit of "Celebrate • Listen • Walk Together." It was a day of formation, preparation and renewed commitment as delegates prepared themselves to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading the Church in Malaysia.
Fr. Alphonsus Tang, Coordinator of the Diocese of Sibu for MPC2026, guided participants through the next phase of preparations. He introduced the spiritual method of Conversation in the Spirit, explaining how delegates, facilitators and note-takers are called not merely to discuss issues, but to listen deeply—to God, to one another, and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Their role is not to promote personal opinions, but to discern together the will of God for His Church.
Participants were also briefed on the official programme of MPC2026, offering them a glimpse of what awaits when delegates from the nine dioceses and archdioceses of Malaysia gather in Sibu this September.
One of the convention's most anticipated moments will take place on its opening day with the Merging of the Nine Crosses. Since 3 April 2025, each diocesan cross has been making a pilgrimage across Malaysia, inviting local communities into prayer and preparation. On 9 September, these nine crosses will enter Sacred Heart Cathedral through its nine aisles before being assembled into One Cross—a powerful symbol that while the Church is made up of many communities, it remains one Body in Christ, united in faith and mission.
Turning from vision to practical preparation, James Lau, Logistics Coordinator for MPC2026, briefed participants on the operational arrangements that will welcome hundreds of delegates to Sibu. His presentation covered accommodation at Kingwood Hotel, verification of participants' personal information, identification name tags, Conversation in the Spirit (CIS) table assignments, hotel registration procedures, and the distribution of convention materials, including the commemorative cross, canvas bag and programme booklet. Participants were also introduced to the official MPC2026 merchandise that will be available during the convention, including commemorative crosses, T-shirts and other souvenirs.
Adding another meaningful dimension to the convention is the limited-edition LEGO Cross, which will be available for purchase throughout MPC2026. More than a souvenir, the LEGO Cross embodies a profound theological message. Just as many individual LEGO bricks are assembled into one cross, every baptised person, though blessed with different gifts, cultures and experiences, is called to become one Body of Christ. This beautiful symbol echoes the spiritual significance of the Merging of the Nine Crosses, reminding everyone that the Church's unity is found not in uniformity, but in communion with Christ and with one another.
Offering words of encouragement, Bishop Joseph Hii Teck Kwong invited the entire Diocese of Sibu to journey spiritually with its delegates. Rather than limiting preparation to those attending the convention, he proposed a simple yet meaningful initiative. The names of all diocesan delegates could be placed into a box in each parish, allowing parishioners to draw one name by lot. Each person would then commit to praying daily for that delegate throughout the remaining days leading to MPC2026. Through this initiative, every parishioner becomes an active participant in the convention, accompanying the delegates in prayer and entrusting them to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Joseph also shared his own hope as the Church approaches this historic gathering. He expressed his eager anticipation for the prayerful discernment that will take place during MPC2026, trusting that the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of the Risen Christ—will reveal the path that the Church in Malaysia is being called to follow in the years ahead. From this collective discernment, it is anticipated that a Pastoral Statement will emerge, offering a Spirit-led vision to guide the pastoral direction and missionary life of the Church in Malaysia.
As the countdown to MPC2026 continues, the Diocese of Sibu is preparing not only its delegates and volunteers, but its entire diocesan family. Through prayer, listening, careful planning and communion, the local Church journeys together in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead the Church in Malaysia towards a renewed future of hope, mission and evangelisation.
