Asian Bishops to reflect on Eucharist

(July 28,2009): Plans are under way for the 9th plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, which will take place from Aug.10-16 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The 120 expected participants, are currently considering the working document on "Living the Eucharist in Asia," which is based on recent Church teachings on the topic. It also reflects on Asia's particular living of the Eucharist, as a unique experience of God's dialogue with us, and our response to God as a dialogue of life and love.
The other topics the document deals with are on faith, hope and love, and on living in community and on living in mission. Cardinal Francis Arinze, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, will represent the Pope at the assembly. He will open the gathering with a Eucharistic celebration at Manila’s Cathedral. The Asian federation has 18 member conferences, and 11 associate members. Besides these members, other observers will be attending the assembly from the bishops' conferences of Oceania and Australia, the Canadian conference, the Spanish conference, as well as representatives from other Christian churches.