ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishops: to put into practice the words of the Pope on the proximity to the poor

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - "The Filipino Bishops are excited and inspired by a new wind of the Holy Spirit, they are eager to put into practice the Pope’s words on the proximity to the poor, on receiving from the poor. This is why one of the central themes of the Assembly is reflection and pastoral planning in the Year of the Poor": says to Agenzia Fides Fr. Marvin Mejia, Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, illustrating the work of the Bishops gathered in Manila until January 22 for their plenary assembly.
As Fr. Mejia reports, in addition to the Year of the Poor, there are other three major themes: the Bishops will talk about the next International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Cebu in 2016, while another important issue on the agenda concerns the preparation for the next Synod on the family, in the Vatican in autumn. Finally, a day of discussion and analysis will be dedicated to the delicate question of the "Bangsamoro law", the law and regulation of the areas that will fall under the "Autonomous Muslim Region" (where also Christian minorities will live) on which - after the agreement signed by the government with autonomist movements in 2014 - the Philippine Congress is asked to rule and decide in the coming days.
The Secretary reported that there is "an atmosphere of great enthusiasm and encouragement among the Bishops: after the Pope’s visit, the Church feels, at this stage, very inspired and affected by the appeal to 'mercy and compassion', and intends to respond to the call from the Lord through the presence and the words of the Holy Father". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2015)