The Catholic bishops from across Asia gathered for the eleventh Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference from 28th November to 4th December 2016 at Negombo, Colombo.
It was the first time that Sri Lanka was hosting the assembly, which was initially held in 1972. The conference’s plenary assemblies are held every four years.
The theme of the Plenary was “The Asian Catholic Family: The local Church of the poor in the mission of mercy.” Participants discussed the “Joy of the gospel and the family in Asia in the light of the synod.”
The meet started with a Solemn Mass celebrated by the papal envoy, Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, on 29 November 2016.
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime minister of Sri lanka, address the opening session.
His Beatitude Cardinal Mar George Allanchery, (the Major Archbishop of Syro –Malabar Catholic Church), His Excellency Most Rev. Mar Andrews Thazath (Archbishop of Trichur), His Excellency Most Rev. Mar Mathew Arackal (Bishop of Kanjirapally), His Excellency Most Rev. Mar Joseph Kallarangatt (Bishop of the Eparchy of Palai), His Excellency Most Rev. Mar Prince Panengadan (Bishop of Adilabad), His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalakal (Bishop of Calicut), His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC (Exarch of Exarchate of St Ephrem of Khadki-Pune), priests and representatives of the Eastern Churches participated in the meet.
The Sri Lankan government donated 10 million rupees (US$66,667) to help cover the cost of running the assembly.
A copy of the final document released after the Plenary can be found here.
XI FABC PA Final Document
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