25 Years of Ecclesia in Asia: Symposium Charts Path for a Synodal, Missionary Church

Bangalore, December 21, 2024: The international symposium, “Towards a Fully Synodal and Missionary Church in Asia: Re-reading Ecclesia in Asia for the Jubilee Year,” was held on December 13 and 14 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences (NAHS), Bangalore, marking 25 years of the apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Asia. Organized by the Pontifical Mission Organizations (PMO) India, in collaboration with the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) International Secretariat and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the hybrid event brought together 450 participants, including bishops, clergy, religious and laity, from across Asia and beyond.

In a video message, Caridnal Antonio Luis Tagle emphasized the document's relevance today, urging the Asian Church to rediscover its missionary zeal and apply the teachings of Ecclesia in Asia to contemporary challenges. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, in his felicitation address, highlighted the symposium’s role in fostering unity and mission, reflecting Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church rooted in communion, participation and mission.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, pointed to key pastoral priorities derived from Ecclesia in Asia, such as youth ministry, lay empowerment, interfaith dialogue and family care. Rev. Dr. Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary General of the PMU, delivered the keynote address, framing the document within a Christological and missionary context.

The event featured prominent speakers, including Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri, Sr. Dr. Patricia Santos RJM from Pune and Fr. Dr. Clarence Devadass from Kuala Lumpur. A panel discussion on "Re-writing Ecclesia in Asia: Imagining a Document for Asia’s Future Church" included diverse perspectives, from youth to non-Christian voices and was coordinated by Fr. Dr. Roy Lazar.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary to the CCBI, Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director of St. John's NAHS, Rev. Sr. Dr. Lalitha Thomas SJT, Synod participants were among the dignitaries.

In the valedictory session, Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj Hiruthya situated the symposium within the broader framework of the upcoming CCBI Plenary Assembly. The final statement, read by Program Coordinator Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, outlined 12 calls to action, ranging from promoting contextual theologies and empowering marginalized communities to utilizing digital media for mission and fostering interfaith dialogue.

Participants lauded the symposium’s relevance and depth. “The sessions were inspiring and relevant, particularly the call for inclusivity in our synodal journey," said Fr. B. Paulraj from the Archdiocese of Madurai. Mrs. Clara Fernandes from Bangalore appreciated the panel discussion for its fresh perspectives, describing it as “truly synodal in spirit.” Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur noted the importance of discussions on evangelization in the digital age, calling them “insightful and necessary for today’s Church.”

The symposium concluded with a resounding commitment to re-reading Ecclesia in Asia as a blueprint for a synodal and missionary Church, preparing the Asian Church for the Jubilee Year 2025.

By Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi