About the Diocese — Diocese of Malacca-Johore

The Diocese of Malacca-Johore

We are the Catholic community of the Diocese of Malacca-Johore — journeying together in faith, hope, and love as part of the Universal Church.

The Diocese of Malacca-Johore (MJD) encompasses the two southernmost states of Peninsular Malaysia — Melaka and Johor — and is home to a rich, culturally diverse Catholic community spanning a wide region from the historic city of Malacca to the tip of the peninsula.

Our community is called to "walk together, listening to one another and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit" — living out the Church's call to Synodality as we journey toward the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026).

Parish life, social outreach, interfaith dialogue, and community service form the heartbeat of our diocese. We serve with hearts open to all, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel in every corner of our beloved region.

Diocese at a Glance

Catholics41,488

Parishes20

Clergy57 (Bishops, Priests & Deacons)

Religious56 (Sisters & Brothers)

States CoveredMelaka & Johor

Diocesan CentreMAJODI Centre, Masai

Pastoral Thrust 2025 – 2026

"Walking Together in a Spirit of Communion, Participation, and Mission Towards MPC2026"

Focus for 2025: Walking Together as Pilgrims of Hope

Rt. Rev. Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca-Johore

Rt. Rev. Bernard Paul, DD
Bishop of Malacca-Johore

Our Bishop

Rt. Reverend

Bernard Paul, DD

Bishop of Malacca-Johore · 2016 – Present

Bishop Bernard Paul was born on 6 July 1953 in Kuala Lumpur. He was ordained a priest on 21 July 1989 and served the Church faithfully before being appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Malacca-Johore on 19 November 2015. He was ordained Bishop on 12 January 2016.

Under his pastoral leadership, the diocese has embraced the Church's call to Synodality — walking together in a spirit of communion, participation, and mission. He guides the faithful of Melaka and Johor with deep commitment to evangelisation, social justice, and care for the marginalised.

6 July 1953

Born in Kuala Lumpur

21 July 1989

Ordained Priest

19 November 2015

Appointed Bishop of Malacca-Johore

12 January 2016

Ordained Bishop

Bishop's House, MAJODI Centre, 2101 Jalan Masai, Plentong, 81750 Masai, Johor

Heraldic Arms

The Bishop's Coat of Arms

Take · Bless · Break · Give

🟢

Green Galero

The broad-brimmed green hat with six tassels on each side indicates the episcopal rank of a Bishop in the Catholic Church.

✝

Tau Cross

The Tau (T-shaped cross) represents spiritual and social transformation, drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi who adopted it as his personal seal.

🐟

Loaves & Fish

Drawn from the mosaic of the Church of the Multiplication, this symbol of Jesus' miracle gives rise to the Bishop's motto: "Take, Bless, Break, Give."

🔵

Blue Background

The blue upper field signifies the divinity of Christ — heaven, truth, and fidelity.

🎓

Three Mitres on a Book

The traditional symbol of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, honouring the bishop's namesake — three mitres representing his refusal of episcopal appointments and his dedication to monastic life.

⭐

Twelve Stars

The ring of twelve stars represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, the woman crowned with stars from the Book of Revelation — a sign of the Church under her protection.

🔥

Flame & Red Background

The flame represents zeal for evangelisation — the Holy Spirit's fire igniting the mission of the Church. The red field symbolises how the Holy Spirit fills the hearts of the faithful with love.

✦

IHS Sunburst (Lower Emblem)

Associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, reflecting the Bishop's Ignatian spirituality — a life of contemplation, discernment, and mission in the world.

Pastoral Thrust 2025–2026

Walking Together in a Spirit of Communion, Participation, and Mission Towards MPC2026

As 2025 is the Jubilee Year of Hope, our Focus will be: Walking Together as Pilgrims of Hope.

In the heart of Malaysia's diverse and vibrant Catholic community, we embrace a transformative journey of faith, unity, and shared purpose. Our path to MPC2026 is not just a destination, but a profound spiritual pilgrimage that calls each of us to deeper communion, active participation, and meaningful mission.

Togetherness! (Communion)
Together (Participation)
To Gather! (Mission)

Communion

Togetherness! — Deepening our bonds as a diocesan family, growing in unity through prayer, the sacraments, and shared life together across parishes and communities.

Participation

Together — Actively involving every member of the faithful: laity, religious, and clergy, in the life and mission of the Church, listening to and valuing each voice.

Mission

To Gather! — Reaching outward with the joy of the Gospel, proclaiming Christ through service, interfaith dialogue, care for the poor, and witness to God's love.