ASIAN APOSTOLIC CONGRESS ON MERCY

After the first WORLD APOSTOLIC CONGRESS On MERCY which took place in Rome last April 2-6, 2008 as presented by CHRISTOPH Cardinal SCHONBORN to His Holiness, Pope BENEDICT XVI wherein we received the Pope’s blessing and encouragement, we now proceed to the preparations for the Continental Congresses worldwide.

For this year 2009, Cardinal SCHONBORN thru Rev. Fr. Patrice Chocholski, WACOM Gen. Coordinator & Gen. Secretary accepted the suggestion for the Philippines to host the upcoming ASIAN APOSTOLIC CONGRESS ON MERCY (AACOM) ’09 on November 20, 21, and 22.

Thus, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Josefino S. Ramirez, Continental Coordinator for WACOM Asia as duly appointed by His Eminence CHRISTOPH Cardinal SCHONBORN, President, World Apostolic Congress On Mercy, invites everyone to participate in this significant event together with those who have been attending the previous Asian Conventions since it was first organized in 2005.

For this Asian event, our Theme: “MERCY, The Face of the Son of Man in ASIA” was derived from the Papal Exhortation and Post Synodal Document : "Ecclesia in Asia" integrated with the most recent Synodal Document '08 on the "Word of God" coinciding with the Anniversary of St. Paul and his Missionary endeavor as an Apostle. The Theme, highlights Cardinal Schonborn's Message at WACOM: "Be Apostles of Mercy". Likewise, prominence shall be given on the Scriptural foundation of the Message of Mercy, as well as its Socio-Pastoral dimension in the context of the Church in Asia with its current issues and challenges (Mercy as a Way of Life); and Mercy as a Devotion in the Liturgy and Sacraments centered on the Eucharist. Thus, as an integral whole, Divine Mercy shall hopefully find its full expression in the Asian Churches as a Mystery, Communion, and Mission.

WACOM Asia Secretariat Manila Office is preparing the details of the program, the venue, the site, and other pertinent matters as follows:

Nov. 20: Grand Opening of AACOM '09 at the Manila Cathedral with a Concelebrated Solemn Mass at 9:00am presided by His Eminence, Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D.; Presentation of Participating Countries, Welcome Address/Opening Remarks, Keynote Address, Messages, etc. (VIP Lunch at nearest reception area). The participants proceed to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy , Marilao for the Blessing of the Int'l Image of the Divine Mercy, Benediction, etc., and Cultural presentations with Dinner.

Nov. 21: Series of Conferences On The Divine Mercy with Eucharistic Celebration and Liturgical Hours as prescribed at the St. Therese' Diocesan Shrine, Villamor Airbase (in front of NAIA 3).; Socialization at Night;

Nov. 22: Missionary Festival among the poor and Launching of the Divine Mercy Youth for Asia; AACOM'09 Closing Rites with Holy Mass and Commissioning for the AACOM'09 Delegates; *An exclusive meeting of the duly appointed National Coordinators and Spiritual Directors with Fr. Patrice Chocholski & Msgr. Josefino S. Ramirez

On-line registration for deligates and participants will be made available at :

http://aacom.divinemercyasia.org/aacom-09-registration-form

• Crash Courses with Certificate on the Divine Mercy Programmes ranging from a min. of 3 days to 7 days, a Recollection, or a Retreat, etc.; and long term Studies or Courses On Mercy after AACOM ’09 event, will be made available to various groups as shall be requested.
  

• Pls. get in touch with WACOM Asia Secretariat Manila Office c/o Mary Anawim, Secretary General, Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Maysilo Circle, Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City, 1550 M. Mla. Phil. Tel# 00(632) 531-45-98; TelFax: 00(632) 533-10-35; 00(632) 66-68-838 Mobile: 00(63919) 657-33-18 E-Mail:

  divinemercyasia@yahoo.com Or divinemercyasia_manilaoffice@yahoo.com