(SE): “This family of faith—comprising the leaders and members of the Church in Asia—has gathered here to reflect on synodal conversion and our mission to become bridge builders and bridges,” Oswald Cardinal Gracias said during the opening Mass of the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] on July 21 at Hotel Mulia in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Pope Leo XIV’s envoy to the gathering remarked that the assembly was an invitation “to experience a deeper synodal conversion and to embrace our mission of becoming bridge-builders.”
Cardinal Gracias said, “Synodality is a gift given to us by the Second Vatican Council,” but added that “this treasure should not remain just a hidden treasure in the Catholic Church.”
The cardinal emphasised, “Synodality is also for the world. The world needs synodality, needs to learn to work together for the common good, as emphasised by Magnifica Humanitatis.”
He observed that synodality should be shared not only within the Christian ecumenical community, but also with members of other faiths. He further stressed the importance of political leaders understanding both the meaning and the values of synodality.
Cardinal Gracias observed, “Our gathering is a response to the realities of our world today.” He said, “We have to admit that conflict, violence, and war have become dominant features of our times.”
He noted, “The Holy Father has made incessant appeals for peace. At times, he has seemed to be the lone voice speaking out on behalf of humanity. Our mission, therefore, is to become bridge builders—to become bridges ourselves. We are called to connect people, bring them closer together, reconcile differences, resolve conflicts, and help build peace in the world.”
Cardinal Gracias said, “If there is true synodality, concern, care and value for the other, this will combat corruption. It can become the critical element for ensuring good governance,” adding, “The Church cannot be an island, we need to share our goods with others.”
The papal envoy said that the challenge for the FABC was “How to be an evangelising influencer in a continent so open and receptive.”
Cardinal Gracias said, “This is also the message of Pope Leo to the FABC: Don’t be afraid to dirty your hands, building the walls of Jerusalem like Nehemiah rather than the tower of Babylon.”
The Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., of Hong Kong and Virgilio do Carmo Cardinal da Silva of Timor-Leste, together
with more than 100 cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and delegates from across Asia.
The entrance procession featured men and women in traditional attire from Indonesia’s North Sumatra province—including members of the Nias, Batak, and Minangkabau communities—highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and reflecting the hospitality of the host Church.
The Prayers of the Faithful also showcased Asia’s diversity, with petitions offered in a range of languages such as Javanese, Mentawai, Mandarin Chinese, Benawas Dayak from Borneo, and Sumbanese, from East Nusa Tenggara.
“The FABC has come of age. It has much to contribute to the world,” Cardinal Gracias concluded. “May the plenary assembly be for us another new beginning—seeking unity and creating ways to promote peace and reconciliation and teaching all peoples, to walk with people synodaly.”
