by Evelyn Jock
The 6th Parish Pastoral Assembly was officially opened on 25 October 2025, by Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman, with about 50 delegates participating from St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church, and St. Peter’s Chapel. This year’s Assembly, organised under the leadership of the Parish Pastoral Council, centered on the study of the encyclical Fratelli Tutti. In his opening address, Fr. David introduced the document, explaining that Fratelli Tutti, written by the late Pope Francis on 4 October 2020, continues to inspire the world as an official letter addressed to all Catholics across the world.
He shared that the document addresses pressing issues related to faith, social justice, the environment, peace, and other key teachings of the Church. Through Fratelli Tutti, the beloved Pope Francis offered guidance and clarity on these important concerns. Fr. David highlighted that the encyclical, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, calls all people to live as brothers and sisters, united in fraternity, social friendship and universal love. The encyclical reminds the faithful that every Christian is invited to continual conversion and to help build a world rooted in hope and mutual respect. Pope Francis had urged all Catholics to reject conflict, domination, division, war, and indifference, and instead to embrace solidarity, compassion, and cooperation. The Holy Father had envisioned a humanity that transcends barriers of religion, culture, and nationality, so that all may work together as one family under God. Fr. David encouraged everyone to see the Church as a community walking together in faith, reminding the delegates that ”we are all in the same boat, and no one should walk alone.” He concluded by inviting participants to reflect deeply on the realities of today’s world and to consider how each person, as part of the universal Church, can respond with love, unity, and action inspired by the message of Fratelli Tutti.
The assembly was a one-day event held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. The participants included both parishioners attending for the first time and those who had joined previous assemblies. The program centered on the eight chapters of Fratelli Tutti, with each chapter presented by members of the Parish Pastoral Council. This was followed by a period of spiritual conversation, during which participants shared their personal reflections—their joys and blessings, the challenges they encounter within the Church community, and their hopes and aspirations after listening attentively to the teachings of Fratelli Tutti. The participants expressed their hope for greater participation from all communities within the parish, as well as more opportunities for dialogue among Church leaders and members. They also looked forward to continuing the spirit of fraternity and shared mission inspired by Fratelli Tutti.
Fr. David brought the assembly to a close by encouraging participants to share the insights and lessons they had gained throughout the day with members of their respective church communities, ensuring that everyone is aware of the discussions and outcomes of the assembly. The Parish had previously held three other assemblies to study Evengelli Gaudium, Laudato Si, and Amoris Laetitia, all of which are part of the preparation for the Malaysian Pastoral Convention in Sibu in September 2026. He also emphasized that the Parish Pastoral Assembly is held annually and is not intended solely for church leaders, but for all parishioners, providing opportunities for everyone to actively contribute to the life of the Church.