– Ross Belle Balatbat
The 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) last Sunday, 27 October, at the Escola São Paulo saw, for the first time, the involvement of the Pastoral Council of the Pastoral Care Center for Filipino Migrants. The Center’s Liturgical commission was in-charge of the eucharistic celebration, while the Youth Commission organized the program. The Family and Life Commission was the overall event organizing committee.
The day started with a Pontifical Mass presided by Most Rev. Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-Sang, D.D. concelebrated by ten priests with different nationalities. In his homily, he pointed out the extreme individualism of the Pharisees. Pope Francis was pointing this out when he chose this year’s theme “It is not just about migrants” to show up our blind-spots and make sure no one remains excluded from society, whether he be a long-time resident or someone newly-arrived. The Bishop explained that extreme individualism excludes others while patronizing others or even isolating oneself from others. He emphasized that those who came in the event to celebrate WDMR came not only as migrants but because “We Are Christians – Catholics.” So it is not just about migrants, it is deeper. We should never exclude others because God never excluded us. Our common mistake is to compare ourselves with others. We should not compare. We have to follow Jesus by helping others. So, even as migrants, we should not exclude ourselves and become indifferent to other people. We should remember we are Catholics, children of God. We should only fear losing God, not about stability. God provides without delay. As migrants, our role as Catholics is to shine with our faith.
Bishop Lee cited an example he had seen. A family started to be converted to the faith because the housemaid brought their children to Sunday school. The children shared the faith with the parents and eventually they were converted. Truly, it is not about migrants but being Catholics – missionaries. He encouraged everyone to pray for one another, to welcome, to promote, to integrate and to protect. In daily life smiling despite difficulties, because through joy we can spread the gospel to everyone. More than a thousand enthusiastic attendees and participants, both migrants and locals, were inspired by the homily.
The agape- fellowship lunch – was served with cuisines from Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. And the Brazilian community also brought cakes for desserts. Lunch was followed by a program that started with the Doxology from the Catholic Charismatic communities and with the involvement of the youth, including university students.
In the past, Indonesian, Myanmese, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Filipino and East Timorese contributed with their performance. This year, other nationalities joined: Nepalese and Brazilian communities. Coming back to the stage were the Indian community – and also the Portuguese community. And in the audience were Koreans and Venezuelans.
Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, who was also present in last year’s celebration, said she highly appreciated the efforts of migrants in getting this day well-organized. She emphasized how the migrants are “not just about migrants” but more importantly part of the city of Macau.
Caritas Macau Secretary General Mr. Paul Pun Chi Meng who had been supportive of the WDMR celebration for the past 11 years thanked all the communities present who were also involved in the programs offered by Caritas Macau program for Overseas Labor Services.
Also in attendance were Philippine Consulate General of Macau Lilybeth Deapera, Atty. Ma. Nena German, Labor Attache, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and Welfare Officer Zosima Maria Santos.
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