Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – The Final Document of the 9th Plenary Assembly of the FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences), held in August 2009 on the theme “Living the Eucharist in Asia” has just recently been released and forwarded to the various Bishops' Conferences of Asia.
In a dialogue with Agenzia Fides, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato (Philippines), Secretary General of the FABC, highlighted the essential traits of the document, approved by the FABC's Central Committee and fruit of extended revision and integration among the various contributions: “It is a document that analyzes the various parts of the Eucharistic Celebration and that adds interesting implications and pastoral suggestions (for the various Asian circumstances) to the theological reflection,” the Archbishop notes.
“For example, when it talks about the Penitential Act, it places emphasis on the need for reconciliation that exists in Asian society and communities. Or in the Presentation of the Gifts, it recalls the urgent need to respect Creation and safeguard the environment, which is part of the mission of the Christian community in Asia,” Archbishop Quevedo told Fides.
“The text will be used by Bishops in the formation of priests, especially in this Year for Priests, to increase the bond between spirituality and community life, in the various contexts of a vast and multi-faceted continent. However, it will also be useful for catechists and laity,” he continued.
It is a text that “nourishes the faith, that does not overlook the needed reflection on dialogue with the culture and with other religions, which offers an important instrument in the evangelization in Asia,” the FABC Secretary General concludes.
The 9th Plenary Assembly of the FABC was an important moment for analysis and planning for the Church in Asia. It was held in Manila (Philippines) August 10-16, 2009, and was attended by 66 Bishops (including 6 Cardinals) from 23 Asian countries (17 Bishops' Conferences and 6 nations associations with the FABC). (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2010)
