The Asian Bishops’ Conference will begin on August 22, with the aim of determining the direction of its work in the coming years. He requested the believers to pray for this.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
The Federation of Asian Bishops (FABC) will begin its General Conference on August 22 with an opening ceremony at the Shrine of Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event, which will be broadcast online, will also be available on the social media pages of FABC and other Catholic news agencies.
Association of Asian Bishops (FABC)
The bishops of Asia met for the first time in 1970 during Pope Paul VI’s visit to Manila. It was on this occasion that the Association of Metropolitan Councils of Asia was established.
This meeting inspired the desire to strengthen the communion of bishops in Asia and express the meaning of the “Church in Asia” in the light of the Second Vatican Council. This later gave birth to the organization of bishops’ councils in Asia.
In 2020, the association will mark the 50th anniversary of that pivotal moment, and FABC will gather in a general conclave to commemorate the occasion and determine the direction of its work in the coming years.
Prayer Request
The FABC has invited the faithful of Asia to enter into a season of prayer for this first General Conference to be held after the inauguration on August 22.
To facilitate this, the bishops made available the prayer prepared for FABC 50 and encouraged its translation into other languages.
A hymn titled “Asia’s Song, Praise Our God Who Walks With Us” was also composed for FABC’s 50th General Conference.
The FABC hopes that the prayer and song will “help create awareness, interest and a sense of participation in this great event in Asia.”