Asian Catholic Bishops look to ‘renew and revitalize’

Catholic Bishops from 29 countries in Asia and guests from the Vatican began their two-week general conference in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, to mark the 50th anniversary of the FABC or Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences

Oct 14, 2022

BANGKOK: Catholic bishops from 29 countries in Asia and guests from the Vatican began their two-week general conference in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, to mark the 50th anniversary of the FABC or Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences on October 12, Wednesday.

Some 275 participants are attending the jubilee programs that end on October 30. Leading Asian Church leaders including FABC president Cardinal Charles Bo and Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias called for renewal and renewed evangelization in the multi-religious region.

Cardinal Bo told the gathering that their jubilee “is an occasion for proclaiming that The Savior of the world was born in Asia” and the Asian Church is called upon “to exhibit an evangelical enthusiasm for justice and peace.”

Cardinal Gracias urged Asian bishops to restructure FABC modeled on CELAM – the Latin American bishops’ conferences – and to meet regularly to form policies to make the Church relevant in Asia. In his message, Pope Francis asked the Asian bishops to listen to “what the Holy Spirit is saying to you” and stressed the role of the laity in the Church in Asia and the importance of local Churches.--ucanews.com