Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle for leading the Day of Prayer and Recollection during the 12th FABC Plenary Assembly on July 22.
Speaking after the Mass at the conclusion of the one-day retreat in the Gerbera Room of Hotel Mulia, Cardinal Ferrão thanked Cardinal Tagle not only for accepting the invitation to serve as retreat director but also for accompanying the bishops and delegates as a brother during the opening days of the assembly.
He said the retreat had prepared participants spiritually for the work of the plenary assembly.
"Over the past two days, Cardinal Tagle has been with us as a brother and has led and animated this day of prayer and recollection, placing us in the right frame of mind and giving us the proper orientation to continue the journey of this plenary assembly," he said.
In a lighthearted moment, Cardinal Ferrão shared a story from his seminary days about a newly ordained priest whose first public talk was described as "moving, soothing, and satisfying," only to learn that the audience had moved out of the hall, fallen asleep, and were satisfied they would never have to invite him again.
"I am not going to use those three adjectives," he said, drawing laughter from the participants. "But I want to tell Cardinal Tagle that your talks touched us, inspired us, and enlightened us."
Throughout the retreat, Cardinal Tagle invited participants to deepen their encounter with Christ while reflecting on the assembly's theme of becoming bridges of mission and communion in Asia. His conferences focused on synodal conversion, recognizing God's work in ordinary people and situations, and developing the "eyes of Jesus" to see others with hope rather than prejudice.
"You brought home to us how important it is to encounter Jesus and experience Him," Cardinal Ferrão said. "If we want to become bridges and bridge-builders, we need the vision of Jesus and the capacity to see the great things that God is doing in our lives, in the Church, and in society."
The FABC president also highlighted Cardinal Tagle's longstanding relationship with the federation, noting that this year's gathering marked his seventh FABC Plenary Assembly.
"You are part of FABC," Cardinal Ferrão said. "We are happy that you are in Rome, and we assure you of our fraternal solidarity and the support of our prayers for your challenging ministry."
"Since you are physically close to the Holy Father, please convey to Pope Leo our filial loyalty and the assurance of our fervent prayers," he said.
Cardinal Ferrão also welcomed and thanked Cardinal Fridolin Besungu Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), and Cardinal Jaime Spengler, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), for participating in the assembly as consultants.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to the liturgy committee, religious sisters, priests, and the choir from Prima Unggul Orphanage, a Catholic children's home in Ruteng Diocese on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, for helping create a prayerful atmosphere throughout the celebration.
