The 19th Asian Liturgy Forum Manila, Philippines [26-30 October 2015]

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica (Filipino: Kalakhang Katedral Basílika ng Maynilà; Spanish: Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Manila), informally known as Manila Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Manila, Philippines, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines. Located at Plaza de Roma in the Intramuros district of the City of Manila, the cathedral was originally a parish church owned and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico in 1571, until it became a separate diocese on 6 February 1579 upon the issuance of the papal bull, Illius Fulti Praesido by Pope Gregory XIII. The cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times since the original structure was built in 1581 while the eighth and current instance of the cathedral was finally completed in 1958. The basilica has merited a papal endorsement from Pope Gregory XIII and three apostolic visits from Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. On 27 April 1981, Pope John Paul II issued papal bull Quod Ipsum designating the cathedral as a minor basilica by his own Motu Proprio.
http://manilacathedral.ph/

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, or simply the University of Santo Tomas (UST), is a Roman Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. Founded on April 28, 1611 by Miguel de Benavides, Archbishop of Manila, it has the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and in Asia, and is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment found on one campus. Run by the Order of Preachers, UST is also the largest university in Manila. 
www.ust.edu.ph/

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (canonically known as Saint John the Baptist Parish and colloquially known as Quiapo Church; Spanish: Basílica Menor del Nazareno Negro) is a prominent Roman Catholic Latin-rite basilica located in the District of Quiapo in theCity of Manila, Philippines. The basilica is famous home for the shrine of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ many claim to be miraculous. The parish is under the Archdiocese of Manila and its current rector is Rev. Msgr. Hernando Coronel.
www.quiapochurch.com/

Manila (Philippine English: /məˈnɪlə/; Filipino: Maynilà) is the capital city of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities which, along with the municipality of Pateros, make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region.Manila (and more broadly speaking, Metro Manila) is the economic and political capital of the Philippines, home to extensive commerce and some of the most historically and culturally significant landmarks in the country, as well as the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the government. Manila was listed as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2012. The Manila Galleon trade-route (c. 1565 to 1815), being the first instance in human-history wherein world-trade truly became global (previous world-trade routes had not yet crossed the Pacific and had not reached a global nature), made Manila a primordial foundation-stone of true globalization. Manila is the host to the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines and the Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/manilahttp://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Tourism-g298573-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon-Vacations.htmlhttp://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/City_of_Manila/Manila-1391614/TravelGuide-Manila.html

The 19th Asian Liturgy Forum Program

OCTOBER 26, 2015 (MONDAY)

Arrival  &  Registration

6:00 pm         Vespers [Presided by Most Rev. Julius Tonel D.D.

chair, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Liturgy]

Words of Welcome  &  Introduction to the Theme

                            Most Rev. Julius Tonel, D.D.

Message [Most Rev. Anthony Lee, D.D.

Bishop-Emeritus of Miri, Chair of the Asian Liturgy Forum]

Welcome Dinner and Socials

OCTOBER 27 (TUESDAY)

6:30 a.m.         Departure from Pius XXII Catholic Center for UST

7:00                 Breakfast

8:00                 Lauds – Fr. Genaro O. Diwa

8:30                 Audio Visual Presentation on this year’s theme

8:45                 Conference Paper:  Liturgy and the Family

                                 Msgr. Florencio Salvador, Jr. 

9:45                Break

10:15              Sharing from Indonesia

11:00              Holy Eucharist –Fr. Boli Ujan, SVD

12:00 n.         Lunch

2:00 p.m.          Sharing from Taiwan

2:45                  Sharing from Cambodia

3:30                   Break

3:45                   Sharing from ___________

4:30                   Vespers  - Fr. Joy Perera

5:00                  Departure for the Dinner Venue

OCTOBER 28 (WEDNESDAY)

6:30 a.m.         Departure from Pius XXII Catholic Center for UST

7:00                   Breakfast

8:00                   Lauds –Fr. Sridanto Nataantaka

8:30                   Sharing from the Philippines

9:15                   Sharing from Malaysia

10:00          Break

10:30          Sharing from Myanmar

11:30                  Lunch

12:30 n.         Departure for the Tour  (Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan)

6:00                   Vespers – Fr. Francis Cais, SDB

Holy Eucharist  - Most Rev. Anthony Lee, D.D.

7:00                  Dinner

OCTOBER 29 (THURSDAY)

6:30 a.m.         Departure from Pius XXII Catholic Center for UST

7:00                   Breakfast

8:00                   Lauds – Fr. Charles Pan

8:30                   Sharing from Thailand

9:15                  Sharing from  Sri Lanka

10:30                  Break

11:00                  Sharing from Bangladesh

12:00 n.         Lunch

2:00 p.m.          Plenary Session
                      a. Approval of Asian Liturgy Forum Statement
                      b. Business Matters

4:00                   Break/Free Time/Preparation for the Holy Eucharist

5:00                  Holy Eucharist – Most Rev. Julius Tonel, D.D.

6:30                   Farewell Dinner/Cultural Night

OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY)

7:00 am          Lauds – Fr. Joselito Salvador, SVD

Holy Eucharist – Msgr. Florencio Salvador, Jr.

8:00                   Breakfast

9:00                   DEPARTURE 

19th Asian Liturgy Forum - Manila Philippines

The Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference [FABC] established the Asian Liturgy Forum [ALF] in 1996 in order to provide a forum for Catholics in Asia to discuss liturgical matters pertaining to each country. It is hoped that through the ALF, the gift of cultural-pastoral diversity would enrich each country through the scholarly studies and sharings.

The late Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, who initiated the ALF had been serving as its Secretary General since then. The participating countries of the Asian Liturgy Forum are: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and China. Observers and other media practitioners are also welcomed in the conferences.

Each year, every other country takes turn in hosting the meeting. This year’s 19th Asian Liturgy Forum [ALF] would be held in Manila, Philippines, 26-30 October 2015 at the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes OP Building, University of Santo Tomas Campus.

The theme for the 2015 ALF is ‘Liturgy and the Family’ –  Msgr. Florencio Salvador, SLD – a liturgy scholar from the Philippines would give the conference paper, followed by reports from participating countries and regions in Asia. The forum is conducted in English.

FR. ANSCAR’S BOOK LAUNCHING

November 11, 2013, at the Lay Formation Center, San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, Guadalupe, Makati City, Philippines

On the same day at 5 p.m. will also have a celebration of the birth anniversary of Fr. Anscar Chupungco. He would have been 73 years old on that day. To highlight this day of remembrance will be the launching of his two books: Pastoral Liturgy and Liturgy for the Philippine Church, which at that time of his demise were almost complete. The book launching will be held at 5 p.m. at the San Carlos Seminary auditorium.

17th Asian Liturgy Forum Statement

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

We, the delegates representing Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam to the 17^th Asian Liturgy Forum held in Hong Kong from October 21-24, 2013 on the topic “Pastoral Liturgy in Asia,” continue to raise our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Good Shepherd, for the gift of Sacrosanctum Concilium that was promulgated 50 years ago.

The discussions and sharing on the pastoral benefits effected by the liturgical renewal set in motion by Vatican II led us to a stronger conviction that the Council envisioned a liturgy that embodies the solicitude of Christ the Good Shepherd over his Flock, the Church.  It is truly pastoral liturgy—one that raises the mind and heart to God and nourishes effectively the  Christian faithful (cf. SC 14). We believe that such a liturgy continues to challenge us to celebrate with complete pastoral care and ultimately to form ourselves to become celebrant-pastors.

As shepherds over the portion of God’s flock entrusted to their care, our bishops “from whom the life in Christ of [the] faithful is in some way derived and dependent” (SC 41) embody this pastoral character of liturgy by  wisely, patiently, and lovingly undertaking their teaching, sanctifying, and leading ministry. Presiding over the liturgy becomes a clear manifestation of that pastoral charity.

As men who received the grace of the Sacrament of Orders, priests mirror Christ the Eternal High Priest, are consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful, and celebrate divine worship especially the Eucharist in union with the bishops (cf. LG 28).  They express their pastoral concern over the flock entrusted to them through their preaching of the word in a mystagogical way (per ritus et preces), through prayerful presiding of the sacred mysteries, and by conforming their lives to the mystery they celebrate. 

As sharers in the one priesthood of Christ by virtue of their baptism and by the nature of the liturgy, the lay faithful have the right and duty to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the Church’s liturgy (cf. SC 14). They express clearly their participation in the sacred mysteries through their acclamations, responses, psalmody, antiphons, and songs, as well as by actions, gestures, bodily attitudes, and silence (cf. SC 30). Furthermore, they exercise certain ministries proper to their state, imbued with the solicitude of Christ who came to serve and not to be served. They open and commit themselves to a deeper understanding of what they celebrate and are thereby constantly nourished in their faith.  They bear witness to the fruits of what they celebrate in charity and justice in the face of the challenges of the world.

Aware of the richness of our various cultures and religious traditions we commit ourselves to pursuing liturgical inculturation as mandated by Vatican II (cf. SC 37-40) and in response to the call for new evangelization.  We are grateful for all the efforts towards revision and adaptation of the liturgical books that favored active and conscious liturgical participation.

We invoke the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire, move, and guide us to pursue the pastoral vision of Sacrosanctum Concilium.

At this year’s forum we remembered with gratitude the invaluable role of Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB in establishing and  sustaining the Asian Liturgy Forum for 17 years with his expertise and pastoral zeal. We pray that his memory and that of the innumerable liturgical scholars and experienced pastors who generously offered themselves,  often with great personal sacrifices, to realize the pastoral vision of the Council will be etched in the pages of our liturgical history, as now they celebrate the eternal liturgy in the kingdom of heaven.

We thank his Eminence, John Cardinal Tong, Rev. Fr. Thomas Law, the clergy, and their lay collaborators for hosting this year’s forum. The spirit of grateful remembrance with which we celebrate the 50 years of Sacrosanctum Concilium was strengthened by their generosity and hospitality.

That in all things God may be glorified.

17th Asian Liturgy Forum Statement

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

We, the delegates representing Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam to the 17^th Asian Liturgy Forum held in Hong Kong from October 21-24, 2013 on the topic “Pastoral Liturgy in Asia,” continue to raise our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Good Shepherd, for the gift of Sacrosanctum Concilium that was promulgated 50 years ago.

The discussions and sharing on the pastoral benefits effected by the liturgical renewal set in motion by Vatican II led us to a stronger conviction that the Council envisioned a liturgy that embodies the solicitude of Christ the Good Shepherd over his Flock, the Church.  It is truly pastoral liturgy—one that raises the mind and heart to God and nourishes effectively the  Christian faithful (cf. SC 14). We believe that such a liturgy continues to challenge us to celebrate with complete pastoral care and ultimately to form ourselves to become celebrant-pastors.

As shepherds over the portion of God’s flock entrusted to their care, our bishops “from whom the life in Christ of [the] faithful is in some way derived and dependent” (SC 41) embody this pastoral character of liturgy by  wisely, patiently, and lovingly undertaking their teaching, sanctifying, and leading ministry. Presiding over the liturgy becomes a clear manifestation of that pastoral charity.

As men who received the grace of the Sacrament of Orders, priests mirror Christ the Eternal High Priest, are consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful, and celebrate divine worship especially the Eucharist in union with the bishops (cf. LG 28).  They express their pastoral concern over the flock entrusted to them through their preaching of the word in a mystagogical way (per ritus et preces), through prayerful presiding of the sacred mysteries, and by conforming their lives to the mystery they celebrate. 

As sharers in the one priesthood of Christ by virtue of their baptism and by the nature of the liturgy, the lay faithful have the right and duty to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the Church’s liturgy (cf. SC 14). They express clearly their participation in the sacred mysteries through their acclamations, responses, psalmody, antiphons, and songs, as well as by actions, gestures, bodily attitudes, and silence (cf. SC 30). Furthermore, they exercise certain ministries proper to their state, imbued with the solicitude of Christ who came to serve and not to be served. They open and commit themselves to a deeper understanding of what they celebrate and are thereby constantly nourished in their faith.  They bear witness to the fruits of what they celebrate in charity and justice in the face of the challenges of the world.

Aware of the richness of our various cultures and religious traditions we commit ourselves to pursuing liturgical inculturation as mandated by Vatican II (cf. SC 37-40) and in response to the call for new evangelization.  We are grateful for all the efforts towards revision and adaptation of the liturgical books that favored active and conscious liturgical participation.

We invoke the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire, move, and guide us to pursue the pastoral vision of Sacrosanctum Concilium.

At this year’s forum we remembered with gratitude the invaluable role of Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB in establishing and  sustaining the Asian Liturgy Forum for 17 years with his expertise and pastoral zeal. We pray that his memory and that of the innumerable liturgical scholars and experienced pastors who generously offered themselves,  often with great personal sacrifices, to realize the pastoral vision of the Council will be etched in the pages of our liturgical history, as now they celebrate the eternal liturgy in the kingdom of heaven.

We thank his Eminence, John Cardinal Tong, Rev. Fr. Thomas Law, the clergy, and their lay collaborators for hosting this year’s forum. The spirit of grateful remembrance with which we celebrate the 50 years of Sacrosanctum Concilium was strengthened by their generosity and hospitality.

That in all things God may be glorified.

Asian Liturgy Forum [ALF] Delegations from Asian Regions

The Philippine Delegations with PDDM Sisters and SVD Fathers from Hong Kong

Fathers and Lay from Indonesia and Malaysia

Delegations from Thailand, India, Brunei and Japan

Indonesia and Malaysia

Delegations from Taiwan and Cambodia

From the Philippines, Singapore and Macau

Participating bishops from Asian Region

The other bishops with Cardinal John Tong, the bishop of Hong Kong [1st from the right]