January 22, 2009

DR. SOPHIA CHOI
Daniel Hometown, Ga dong 302
Chuni dong 184-1, Won-mi gu
Bucheon Shi, South Korea

Dear Dr. Sophia,

I am pleased to inform you that the first ASIA OCEANIA MARIOLOGICAL CONFERENCE is due to be held in Lipa City, Philippines from September 11 to 16, 2009 with the theme Mary and the Re-Evangelization of Asia: Forerunner, Witness and Fullness. The Asian delegates at the twenty-second International Mariological Congress in Lourdes last September elected me to be the convenor for this event.

Enclosed is a copy of the program for the conference.

It is my pleasure to invite two representatives from your organization to attend the Asia Oceania Mariological Conference. We particularly request bishops and theologians to participate in this ecclesial gathering.

Due to our limited financial resources, the Committee will be able to provide your country delegates with only airport arrival courtesies and full board and lodging for the duration of the Conference. We can also offer a travel subsidy of US$200.00 for a limited number of participants. It will be necessary to send us your letter of request for travel subsidy before April 1, 2009.

You may contact me directly by email through this address maria_in_asia@catholic.org. We hope you can confirm the names of your country delegates before April 1, 2009 so that we can make early preparations for their participation.

Even now, allow me to express my sentiments of highest esteem and deepest affection as I also convey my gratitude for your fraternal kindness.

Yours in Christ,

+ SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

Bishop of Balanga

AOMC Convenor

Secretariat: Villa San Miguel, 438 Shaw Blvd., 1501 Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Email: maria_in_asia@catholic.org Telephone: (0632)5317034; 5337199 Fax (0632) 5351878