From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 19: Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras has left for Rome to participate in the 29th International Conference on ''The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope” in the Synod Hall of the Vatican starting from Thursday, November 20.

The conference is being organised by the Pontifical Council of Health Care Workers.

The Archbishop of Bengaluru is participating in the conference being held from November 20 to 22 as member of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers by virtue of being appointed its member by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pontifical Council holds that autism is a subject that could be addressed and examined on the occasion of its international conference bearing in mind the notable impact of autism spectrum disorders.

The problems that exist in the field of research and identification of pathological symptoms, which usually emerge in the early years of life with the direct involvement of the family but also of the world of schooling and the Church itself are a special concern of the Pontifical Council.

During the two days of the international conference, a number of principal topics such as epidemiology and national and international health-care policies; research, prevention and therapeutic contributions; the early diagnosis and identification of autism spectrum disorders; pharmacological and behavioural therapy; the socio-cultural and educational aspects; and theological and pastoral approaches are expected to be discussed.

The inaugural session will commence with a celebration of the Holy Mass in S Peter’s Basilica on Thursday and will be followed by the papers and contributions in the Hall of the Synod which will follow one another for the whole of Friday.

Those taking part in the international conference will be joined on Saturday by people with autism spectrum disorders and their family relatives, those who accompany them, health-care workers, priests, men and women religious, and voluntary workers, in the Paul VI Hall for a meeting of testimonies and prayer with the Holy Father Pope Francis.

The Council holds three days Conference in Rome every year.

Archbishop Moras is participating in this Conference over the last 13 years continuously based on the experience of working in the health field, especially as director of Fr Muller hospital, Mangaluru and Hospital Director at St John’s hospital Bangalore.

He has also served as chairman of Health Commission of Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

Archbishop Moras is also the Chairman of Governing Board of St John’s National Academy of Health Science and Chairman of the Governing Council of St John’s Medical College and College of Nursing and a member of Governing Board of St John’s.

During this meeting, Archbishop will meet the Pope Francis and seek the blessings on the people of the Archdiocese, especially during this platinum jubilee year in particular and of Karnataka in general.