Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – “Eucharist as Communication”: this is the title of a meeting of Bishops, secretaries, and experts of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) that was recently held in Bangkok, in preparation for the FABC’s 9th Plenary Assembly to be held January 2009 on the theme, “Living the Eucharist in Asia.”
During the meeting, which included secretaries for communication in FABC-member bishops' conferences, the Eucharist was reflected on as “summit of every Christian communication” and a Paper was drawn up offering more profound theological reflection on the theme. The text will be placed at the disposition of the various Asian dioceses, who will be called upon to share their experiences in the Plenary Assembly. The document also addresses the role and meaning of foods and feasts in Asian cultures, civilizations, and religions, as well as the communication dimension of liturgical celebrations. The FABC’s Plenary Assembly will take place in Bangalore (India) and its preparation includes the necessary parts of a Synod: a thorough consultation of the local Churches; an "instrumentum laboris" (working document) is to be developed by the Office of Theological Concerns in close cooperation with experts from the different Bishops' Conferences and the other FABC Offices. General Assemblies of the Federation are to take place every four years and are an important moment for an interchange of experiences, verification, and planning for the Asian Church. The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) is an association of Asian episcopal conferences established with the approval of the Holy See. Its purpose is to foster among its members solidarity and co-responsibility for the welfare of Church and society in Asia, and to promote and defend whatever is for the greater good. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2008)
