"Promote a Eucharistic Spirituality Within Your Local Churches," Pope Leo Tells Asian Bishops at FABC Assembly
Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church in Asia to promote a deeper Eucharistic spirituality in every local Church, saying it is the foundation of ecclesial unity and the key to becoming authentic bridge builders across the continent.
The Holy Father's message was delivered in a video address shown on the afternoon of July 25 at the Vanda Room of Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, during the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).
Addressing bishops, clergy, religious, and lay delegates from across Asia, Pope Leo assured them of his spiritual closeness as they reflected on the future mission of the Church on the continent.
"Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I send cordial greetings to all of you participating in the plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences in Jakarta."
Referring to his recently published encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo reminded the delegates that Christian solidarity is rooted in Christ and nourished through the sacraments.
"I wrote that Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist," the Pope said.
He then issued a direct appeal to the bishops.
"For this reason, I would like to encourage you to continue to promote a Eucharistic spirituality within your local churches."
The Pope described such spirituality as one that fosters ecclesial unity through the charity flowing from Christ's gift in the Eucharist.
"It is a spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist."
According to Pope Leo, a stronger Eucharistic life will strengthen communion both within dioceses and among the local Churches of Asia, enabling them to bear a more credible witness to the Gospel.
"It is my hope that the bonds of communion within and between the local churches will be strengthened and become an ever greater sign of God's presence in your various countries, which in turn will help you be bridge builders together throughout Asia."
The Pope connected this vision to the theme of the FABC Plenary Assembly, drawn from Jesus' words to Nathanael: "You will see greater things." He said Christ is not only the source of humanity's communion with God but also the source of communion among believers.
"As his disciples today, we know that Jesus is not only the source of our communion with God, but also with one another."
His message echoed one of the central themes of the week-long assembly, where delegates have reflected on synodal conversion and the implementation of the Synod on Synodality. Throughout the gathering, participants have emphasized that stronger communion among local Churches is essential if the Church in Asia is to fulfill its mission as a bridge builder in culturally and religiously diverse societies.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted the Assembly to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, asking that she accompany the delegates in their discernment.
"Dear friends, in commending all of you and your deliberations to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, I gladly invoke upon you the Lord's gifts of wisdom and fortitude."
He ended by imparting his apostolic blessing upon all those participating in the Assembly.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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