On Day 3 of the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026, Friday, 11 September, Cardinal Ambo addressed participants on the theme “Family and Church Journeying Together in Our Time.”
Cardinal Ambo invited those gathered to consider what it means to draw near to others — close enough to accompany them. He reminded participants that the People of God are called to reach out to families rather than wait for families to make the first move.
Looking to the example of Jesus, he reflected on Christ’s willingness to cross boundaries. Jesus did not wait for people to find their way to Him, but went to where they were.
Cardinal Ambo also emphasised that families are not simply recipients of pastoral care. Families themselves possess gifts and can become companions to other families, supporting one another through the challenges they encounter.
Turning to Basic Human Communities, known in Malaysia as Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), he challenged participants to consider their purpose beyond the frequency of their gatherings. An important measure of such communities, he suggested, is how quickly they are able to recognise when a family among them is struggling.
He also reflected on the movement of the Holy Spirit, reminding participants that the Spirit does not always speak from the centre towards the peripheries, but can also speak from the peripheries to the Church.
The day’s reflection offered a call to become a Church close enough to accompany — willing to reach out, listen and walk alongside families and communities wherever they may be.
Report from Sibu: Marilyn Simon, OLF
