CONCELEBRATED MASS CONCLUDES SYNOD FOR ASIA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father and Asia's cardinals and bishops concelebrated Mass this morning in New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in the presence of 40,000 faithful, to close the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops.

The Pope began his homily by noting that November 7 is the Hindu Diwali, or Festival of Lights. "Today throughout this vast country many people are celebrating the Festival of Lights. We rejoice with them ... and we too exult in the light and bear witness to the One who is the 'true light that enlightens every man'."

During today's Mass, Pope John Paul consigned the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation, "Ecclesia in Asia," to the continent's bishops. He said "it is fitting that this document has been signed and issued in India, the home of many of Asia's time-honored cultures, religions and spiritual traditions" which "have left an indelible mark on the history of the human race."

The Holy Father then expressed "affectionate" greetings to his brother bishops of the Latin Church, the Syro-Malabar Church and the Syro-Malankar Church, to the many priests present, and to the men and women religious.

"In a special way," he stated, "I entrust the fruits of the synod to the members of the laity, for it is you above all who are called to transform society by infusing the 'mind of Christ' into the mentality, customs, laws and structures of the world in which you live. One of the main challenges before you is to bring the light of the Gospel to bear on the family, and on the defense of human life and dignity. ... The Church looks to the lay men and women of Asia to reflect the light of Christ wherever the darkness of sin, division and discrimination distorts the image of God in His children."

"Dear brothers and sisters," John Paul II concluded, "what does the Church need of her members at the dawn of a new millennium? Above all that you be witnesses who are convincing. ... As 'Ecclesia in Asia' reminds us: a fire can only be lit by something that is itself on fire. The Gospel can only be preached if bishops, clergy, those in the consecrated life, and the laity are themselves on fire with the love of Christ and burning with zeal to make Him known, loved and followed."

Following Mass, in pre-angelus reflections on Mary, the Pope said: "To you, Mother of the Church, we entrust the results of the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops."

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