Asian Bishops to Reflect on Eucharist

MANILA, Philippines, JULY 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Plans are under way for the 9th plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, which will take place Aug. 10-16 in Manila.

The 120 expected participants are currently considering the working document on "Living the Eucharist in Asia," which is based in 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 document deals with the subtopics of living in community, in faith, hope and love, and living in mission.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, will represent the Pope at the assembly, opening the gathering with a Eucharistic celebration at Manila Cathedral.

The Asian federation has 18 member conferences, and 11 associate members.

Aside from 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.

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