COLOMBO: The eleventh plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC) is being held in Sri Lanka Nov. 28 – Dec. to 4.

It is the first time that Sri Lanka is hosting the assembly, which was initially held in 1972. The conference's plenary assemblies are held every four years.

The theme for the assembly is The Asian Catholic Family: Domestic Church of the Poor on a Mission of Mercy. Participants will discuss the "Joy of the gospel and the family in Asia in the light of the synod."

Indian Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo of Ranchi is attending as the special envoy of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai is the president of FABC.

Sri Lankan Archbishop Oswald Gomis, retired archbishop of Colombo, was the executive secretary for eight years from 2000 to 2008.

The first Malaysian Cardinal Soter Fernandez (pic) brought with him to the conference many copies of the Malaysian print of Joy of Love. This is now considered the handbook on Christian values for Family Life.

The Sri Lankan government has donated 10 million rupees (US$66,667) to help cover the cost of running the assembly.--ucanews