2. This is the question we ask ourselves; we, Rectors representing fifty-one Catholic Shrines in Asia, whom Divine Providence has gathered at Bahay Pari, Makati City, Philippines, We represent places of prayer aware that there are other holy and more famous sites considered sacred by people of other faiths. How can our shrines attract more devout Asian peoples to whom we can make known and proclaim Christ and His saving message? Can the Catholic Shrines truly be places of welcome and encounter to all peoples of Asia. Can the holy shrines of pre-Christian traditions discover the mystery of the true God revealed by the Lord Jesus. We are ready and eager to take up the challenge of the Holy Father in the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ''Ecclesia in Asia" as well as that of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference to explore the realm of Inculturation and Inter-religious Dialogue in promoting God’s Kingdom in our vast continent.

3. We, the Shrine Rectors of Asia, will explore the immense possibilities of Inculturation and Dialogue, while proclaiming the Good News, in pilgrimage areas through religious encounters, liturgical celebrations, meaningful popular devotions, charitable assistance and even church and shrine architectural designs. We aim to be in touch with the depths of our nations' ethnic, historical and cultural traditions. We resolve to establish lines of communications among peoples and other beliefs,
Difficulties, we know, there will always be; but we are not daunted because we believe that no difficulties are insurmountable. We accept the challenge to open vast horizons for dialogue between cultures and dialogues with other religious groups in the firm hope of arriving at the sure revelation of Christ. We also affirm our commitment to work together in finding God-sent solutions to the poverty afflicting many Asian peoples, desirous of extolling the dignity of life and of every human person.

4. As faithful disciples of Christ, we trust in God's unfailing help. Confident that God is always behind all good works, we are willing "to pass through a needle's eye", believing that what is humanly impossible, is possible with God's love and guidance. We also are confident in the strong support of the worldwide Church.

5. As a consequence we have decided, as our mission from Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, to form Associations of Shrine Rectors in our countries and in the whole continent of Asia. These associations shall provide the opportunity for experiencing, sharing, learning and empowering towards a united effort to contribute in achieving the goal of evangelization of Asia through the Shrines. And so we declare that:

“We, the rectors of Shrines in Asia, gathered in Makati, Philippines, on October 20 – 25, after Mission Sunday of the year 2003, on the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Pontificate, resolve to form an association to present and proclaim Jesus as a gift received and also to be shared; for to bear witness to Jesus Christ is the supreme service. We, a small part of the living stones of the Church in Asia, can contribute this little offering to our people ‘for [this] responds to their profound longing for the Absolute and it unveils the truth and values which will ensure their integral human development (Ecclesia in Asia n. 20)’. We accept the challenge of Inculturation, Dialogue and Integral Human Development. Our starting point in this challenge is where our brothers and sisters are in their awareness and acceptance of Jesus, the gift of the Almighty, but we hope to work towards the apex of the fullness of Jesus’ humanity that has been exalted at the right hand of the Father Almighty.”

6. We begin this, journey of faith as pilgrims seeking the Almighty in the spirit of Dialogue through our witness in words and deeds, humbly walking with the poor of Asia, with the varied faces of people in their difficulties and complex situations, and like Mary and with Mary, the Miriam of many Asian brothers, who humble fiat has shown to all, young and old, her motherly care, we go forward and entrust everything to the guidance and strengthening grace of the Almighty,

7. We now end and pray united with the Fathers of the Special Synod for Asia. We also express our undaunted commitment by affixing our signatures: