The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC) held its Team Gathering as part of Transforming Parishes ‘24 (TP’24) at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last June 23 to 24, 2024. This was followed by the “Alpha Regional Gathering 2024” from June 25 to 26, 2024. The conferences were attended by representatives of different Asian communities and movements. Thirteen youth servants and leaders represented the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community. During the meeting, the creative efforts and approaches for evangelization were discussed. It also provided a forum for mutual contact, exchange of tools and best practices of each group.
Transforming Parishes 2024
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jalan Cheras, Selangor, was the venue of the “Transforming Parishes” conference. The program began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Most. Rev. Archbishop Simon Poh, together with 7 bishops and 40 priests including Bishop Pablo “Ambo” David from the Diocese of Caloocan, Fr. Jason Laguerta, and several Filipino priests from different parishes.
Bishop David gave the Keynote address; he emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit in transforming parishes to propel them from “maintenance to mission.” On the other hand, Fr. Jason Laguerta talked about “Building an Inclusive and Invitational Church.” Several other speakers and panelists delivered teachings. The key messages were: (1) the fundamental requirement for baptism is conversion and not formal catechism; (2) making disciples is not by indoctrination, but by helping people recognize a totally new life; (3) faith is the human response of love to the God who loved us first (Benedict XVI); (4) formation is never comfortable; be ready to carry the cross; (5) the church needs to be more bold in proclaiming the gospel; (6) young people must be challenged to grow, in order to become leaders; (7) young people can be encouraged to lead when the 3Es of growth are present: Encounter, Equip, and Empower.
Alpha Regional Gathering 2024
At the second conference, the “Alpha Regional Gathering 2024,” messages focused on keeping the fire in the faithful’s heart to become disciples, and to evangelize for the next generations in this contemporary world. In the talk of Rev. Dr. Miles Toulmin, he acknowledged that people today prefer “charisma” over “character,” but what the church really needs are leaders full of: (1) truth, (2) passion, and (3) love. He underscored the main purpose of Alpha, which is about listening and being heard, the importance of collective wisdom from one another and learning each other’s practices. The participants were enjoined to live a prayerful life – and to realize that all are sinners and are not deserving to be within God’s presence. Only when they understand this truth would they be able to seek those who are not in church, most especially among the youth.
The Lord’s Flock delegates were: Grace Lomarda (Execom), Dr. Grace Ann Pancho (Head Steward, Evangelize Ministry), Ryan and Dr. Marie Regala, Joy Tadeo, Theresa Marie Almendrala, Zaki Angeles, Paulo Concepcion, Francheska Gabrielle, Camille Lee, Kisshie Xenia Milan, Daphne Pauline Tapia, and Klenth Rimando.
Indeed, the TLF delegation gained valuable learnings from the exchange of ideas regarding evangelization, specifically what can be done to reach and evangelize the maximum number of people by 2033.
To God be the glory!
SCRIBES Ministry
Summarized by: Chebelle Velasco
(from Reports by the Youth Delegates)
