Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos described the first week of the general assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference in Bangkok, Thailand as fruitful and meaningful.

The chairperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Pontificio Collegio Filippino said the participants are gaining a lot of insights from the reports made by the dioceses from the FABC’s 29 member countries

“We listened with open hearts to all those interesting and inspiring country reports. We listened to encouraging and enlightening success stories amid internal conflicts and crisis, man-made and natural calamities, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bishop Santos over Radio Veritas.

The prelate said the Church is always ready to provide assistance to the faithful even in the most difficult situations. He gave as an example the assistance provided by the Church during the height of the pandemic when many lost their livelihood.

“On those difficult and trying times and dangerous situations, the Catholic Church is always there. She is available to help, to foster hope and to heal. She accompanies her people and accommodates all who are in need. The Catholic Church makes them feel that she is with them. And she does what is moral, ethical and salvific according to the mind and heart of her Lord Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Santos.

The Asian bishops have discussed the synodal consultations done by the Church as well as the response made during the pandemic when religious gatherings were temporarily suspended.

Now in its 50th year, more than 200 bishops are currently attending the FABC General Conference from Oct.12 to 30 in Bangkok, Thailand.