Rediscover Storytelling in Asia, Says Cardinal Pablo David

Penang, Malaysia 29 Nov 2025: Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan in the Philippines and Vice President of the FABC, urged the Church in Asia to reclaim the art of telling the story of Jesus. He said this during his keynote address on 29 November at the FABC Congress on the Great Pilgrimage of Hope, held under the theme “Living and Sharing the Story of Jesus – Journeying towards 2033 as Peoples of Asia.”

He explained that storytelling is not a technique or a strategy. It is a way of life. It begins with listening and grows through lived witness. For him, storytelling is a mission that flows from daily encounters, not just a simple narration.

Cardinal David said that in the Asian context, storytelling is relational, respectful and contemplative. It turns strangers into companions. He noted that many people in Asia are sensitive to the word mission because of history, and the Church must be aware of this as it tells the story of Jesus.

He added that Asia is a land shaped by stories of harmony, compassion, hospitality, resilience and hope. The Church in Asia is called to reflect these same qualities by becoming more synodal, more welcoming and more deeply relational.

He stressed that true storytelling begins with listening to one another. People bring real questions, and the Church must be ready to respond. This listening, he said, is a spiritual practice often called “conversation in the Spirit.” When we listen deeply, the listener becomes part of the story. This is the pathway of synodal mission.

Cardinal David shared his belief in “happy endings.” If life has not yet reached a hopeful conclusion, he said, then the story is not over. The mission of the Church is to keep telling the story of Jesus until hope reaches every life.

He reminded delegates that Jesus walks today with migrants, the poor, the young, indigenous communities, families struggling with daily challenges, and those rebuilding after disasters. The Church is called to tell the story of this Jesus to the peoples of Asia.

He added that rediscovering storytelling in Asia means paying attention to cultures, religions, the poor and creation. Jesus must be told as the companion of the poor and the friend of creation. The story becomes real when the Church cares for the common home and hears the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

After the keynote address the 773 participants were engaged in spiritual conversation and proposed the suggestions to the Congress.They also participated in 7 impact sessions.

By Catholic Connect Reporter.