International Symposium on Ecclesia in Asia: Advancing a Synodal and missionary church for Jubilee 2025

The international symposium, “Towards a Fully Synodal and Missionary Church in Asia: Re-reading Ecclesia in Asia for the Jubilee Year”, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Ecclesia in Asia, was held on December 13-14, 2024, at St. John’s NAHS, Bangalore.

Organized by the Pontifical Mission Organizations, India, in collaboration with the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU), the International Secretariat, and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the hybrid-mode event gathered 450 participants, including bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful from across Asia and beyond.

In his video message, Cardinal Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle emphasized the importance of re-engaging with Ecclesia in Asia in today’s context, urging the church to rediscover its missionary zeal.

Cardinal Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão highlighted unity and mission, calling for renewed enthusiasm in embodying Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore emphasized key pastoral priorities derived from the Ecclesia in Asia, such as lay empowerment, youth ministry, family care, interfaith dialogue, and addressing poverty.

Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, OFMConv, Secretary General of the PMU, underscored the christological and missionary framework of the document in his keynote address.

The symposium included prominent speakers like Father Clarence Devadass (Malaysia), Sister Patricia Santos RJM (India), Father Lawrence Pius (India), and others, who reflected on the document’s relevance.

A notable panel discussion on "Re-writing Ecclesia in Asia: Imagining a Document for Asia’s Future Church Synodal and Missionary by Nature" brought diverse perspectives, including insights from youth, women, pastors, and non-Christians.

Father B. Paulraj from the Archdiocese of Madurai described the symposium as a profound reminder of the Church’s mission in Asia, highlighting the inspiring sessions and the call for inclusivity in the synodal journey.

The valedictory session, presided over by Father Christopher Vimalraj Hiruthya, situated the symposium in the context of the upcoming CCBI Plenary Assembly.

The final statement, presented by Father Yesu Karunanidhi, outlined 12 calls to action, including deepening the synodal journey, fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting contextual theologies, empowering marginalized communities, prioritizing youth and family ministry, and utilizing digital media for mission.

Participants hailed the event as transformative and inspiring. The symposium reaffirmed the commitment to living out the Gospel as a synodal and missionary Church in Asia, paving the way for Jubilee Year 2025.