By Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has appointed Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines as the Chairperson of its newly formed Commission for Synodality.
This move highlights Cardinal David’s extensive experience and dedication to fostering a synodal Church across Asia. The decision was made during the FABC Central Committee’s annual meeting from Mar 12-13 at the Camillian Centre in Bangkok.
Joining Cardinal David in leading the commission is Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, who has been appointed Executive Secretary of the commission. Fr Clarence brings years of experience from his work in the FABC Office of Theological Concerns. The commission’s primary goal is to advance the ongoing formation of bishops in synodality, facilitate resourcesharing among episcopal conferences, and collaborate with FABC Offices and other Continental Episcopal Organisations to implement the synodal way.
A key initiative under the commission’s mandate is to organise a seminar for bishops from across Asia, creating a platform to share experiences and best practices that will strengthen unity and participation within the Church. By bringing together Church leaders, the commission aims to cultivate an environment of collaboration and engagement, ensuring that both clergy and laypeople actively contribute to shaping the future of the Church in Asia.
The commission’s membership includes a diverse group of leaders who have actively participated in the Synod on Synodality: Fr William LaRousse MM (FABC Central Secretariat); Dr Christina Kheng (Singapore); Fr Vimal Tirimana CSsR (Sri Lanka); Estella Padilla (Philippines); Momoko Nishimura SEMD (Japan); Fr Enrico Ayo (Philippines) and Sr Lalitha Thomas SJT (India).
Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced a significant ecclesial development. On Mar 11, it was revealed that Pope Francis has approved the convening of a special ecclesial assembly in October 2028 to evaluate how Catholic communities worldwide have implemented the recommendations from the recently concluded Synod on Synodality. Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary-General of the Synod, explained in a letter to bishops worldwide that this assembly will not be a new synod but rather, the culmination of a structured three-year implementation process aimed at evaluating the synod’s impact.
“The goal is not to add work upon work but to help Churches walk in a synodal style,” Cardinal Grech emphasised. The process begins in May 2025 with the publication of detailed guidelines, followed by a “Jubilee of Synodal Teams” in October. Throughout 2027, diocesan, national, and international evaluation assemblies will take place, with continental gatherings scheduled for early 2028.
Central to this process are local “synodal teams” made up of priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and laypeople, who will work alongside their bishops. These teams, Cardinal Grech noted, should be “valued” and, where necessary, “renewed, reactivated, and appropriately integrated.” The cardinal also emphasised that while the process encourages co-responsibility across the global Church, it values the distinct role of local Churches in receiving and applying the synod’s fruits in ways that are appropriate to their unique contexts.
According to Fr Clarence, the formation of the FABC Commission for Synodality and the Vatican’s plans for the 2028 assembly both reflect a unified commitment to nurturing a synodal Church, centred on inclusivity, shared leadership, and open dialogue at every level.
“The phase of implementing the outcomes of the Synod on Synodality marks a significant step forward for the Church. This phase, leading towards the Ecclesial Assembly in 2028, focuses on translating the key insights and resolutions from the synodal discussions into actionable measures within dioceses and parishes,” Fr Clarence explained.
“We need to seek concrete ways of fostering a deeper spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and discernment among clergy, consecrated men and women, and laity,” he added. – Herald Malaysia
