ASIA-The Asian Bishops: enhance religious institutes for the mission of the Church

Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - For the mission of the Church in Asia the contribution of the institutes and religious congregations, called to collaborate with the Bishops, clergy and laity is essential. This is why the Office for the Consecrated Life of the "Federation of the Asian Bishops' Conferences" (FABC) will organize, from June 23 to 26 in Thailand, a symposium that intends to investigate the challenges, methods and ways of this collaboration. Bishops and major Superiors of religious institutes, male and female, present in Asia will attend the symposium, to develop new proposals so as to enhance the effectiveness of joint work. "Consecrated life is still vibrant in Asia and has important responsibilities in the historical context of today. The Church in Asia has great hopes in the contribution of religious congregations," explains a note sent to Fides Agency by FABC Office. In this picture of formation and involvement of the religious in Asia, even the Church in India is preparing a National Convention of religious institutes, to be held in Delhi from July 9 to l2. The event, called "Consecrated Life 2020" will converge in the capital, experts and representatives of religious institutes from all over the country: it will reflect and discuss future challenges and mission of the 30,000 religious engaged in the Indian subcontinent. In particular, religious men and women, aged between 30 and 35 are invited to outline prospects for pastoral work of evangelization for the years to come, according to modern strategies. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/06/2012)