Standing with Migrants

The 38th National Migrants’ Sunday (NMS) was celebrated to express support and concern for Filipinos who have been forced to leave their families to work abroad due to poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the Philippines. The occasion reminded parishioners to pray for the families left behind and called on all Filipinos, especially elected officials and government leaders, to recognize the duty to build a nation where citizens are well provided for. The Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People continued to offer spiritual support, counseling, and practical assistance to seafarers, both on land and during their maritime journeys, while also extending care to their families.

For the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), Pope Francis chose the theme, “God Walks with His People,” affirming that many migrants experience God as their traveling companion. The Pope emphasized that God walks not only with His people but also within them, identifying Himself with those on their journey through history, particularly the least, the poor, and the marginalized. This celebration of NMS and WDMR encouraged the community to walk alongside migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and itinerant people around the world.

In line with this, the Archdiocese of Davao celebrated National Seafarers’ and Migrants’ Sunday on September 29, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bangkal. The event featured notable speakers, including Fr. Roger Manalo and Marie Rose C. Escalada, OIC Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Migrant Workers R-XI who serve as vital links between OFWs and their families, offering much-needed support and assistance. The celebration culminated in a solemn Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao.

During the Holy Mass, Archbishop Valles expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Fr. Dexter Veloso, who energized the Ministry on Migrants. He remarked, “Lo and behold, milihok ang atong apostolate, Ministry on Migrants tungod sa energy, creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm ni Fr. Dexter, busa kining misa karon on National Seafarers and Migrant’s Sunday, the very first nga nahitabo kini nga nagmisa ko… I’m very happy nga nag-organize gyud, special mass para sa mga migrants tungod ni Fr. Dexter ug tungod sa inyong response, sa inyong tubag.”

The event also highlighted the Church’s pastoral concerns and its ongoing efforts to collaborate with government agencies to provide essential support to migrants and their families. Together with the community’s response, the Church and government agencies reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the concerns of OFWs. (Jessie Torino)