HONG KONG (SE): The Federation of Asian Bishops [FABC] is marking its 50th year. The association of episcopal conferences in Asia was founded following the visit of Pope St. Paul VI to Manila, the Philippines [28 to 30 November 1970], impelled by a desire to engender collegiality and to express being ‘Church in Asia’ in the light of the Second Vatican Council.
The first meeting of the FABC was convened in Hong Kong in 1971, and it was officially constituted in 1972.
To mark this watershed moment, the federation will gather for its first-ever General Conference on August 22, beginning with an inauguration at the Shrine of Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, in Bangkok, Thailand, at noon local time [GMT +7]. The event will be streamed live online via social media at https://www.fabc2020.org, on the Facebook pages of Thai Catholic Media [https://www.facebook.com/thaicatholicmedia] and LiCAS.News [https://www.facebook.com/licas.news?_rdc=1&_rdr], as well as their respective YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/user/CATHOLICTHAILAND and https://www.youtube.com/c/LICAS-NEWS .
The association of episcopal conferences was founded following the visit of Pope St. Paul VI to Manila, the Philippines
The FABC at 50 General Conference will examine how the Church in Asia can continue to become ‘Good News’ in light of the emerging realities; how the federation can more effectively serve and support the bishops and their conferences in Asia; and how the Church in the continent can contribute to a better Asia.
Prayers are requested following the August 22 inauguration for the success of the gathering.
A song, The Song of Asia, Bless Our God Who Walks with Us, has also been composed especially for the FABC 50 General Conference and music videos and sheet music have been made available for download at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_E9i5tqfcHQUQBQt_Ixxr0LGz0JSCpup?usp =sharing.
All are encouraged to participate in creating awareness and making this an Asia-wide event.
