Cynthia Montemayor
On Sunday 19 October 2025, the Church in Macau celebrates World Day of Migrants and Refugees spearheaded by the Pastoral Center of Filipino Migrants, the celebration was highlighted with a mass presided by the Bishop of Macau, Bishop Stephen Lee. Fr. Raymund Gaspar, the priest in charge of the Filipino migrants and a number of missionary priests concelebrated during the holy mass. The celebration was also a day set aside to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migrants in Macau and around the world, in order to promote solidarity and compassion toward them
Migrant affairs describe Macau migrants thus: “The number of migrant workers in Macau has grown sharply since the end of Covid-19 restrictions in early 2023. By the end of April 2025, Macau had 183,568 non-resident workers. This marks an increase of almost 31,700 people, according to new data from the Labour Affairs Bureau using records from the Public Security Police Force.” Last year’s data indicated that Filipinos continue to be the largest non-Chinese migrant group in Macau with 30,045 workers, followed by Vietnamese with 7,997. It is not surprising therefore that during the migrant’s annual celebration, Filipinos would dominate the number of participants. The celebration was held at St. Paul School Hall and other migrant workers also joined the celebration which include the Vietnamese, the Indonesians and other Asian migrant workers. A colorful cultural presentations followed after the agape and after the mass.
In his message released ahead of the 2025 WDMR, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the need for global solidarity and the importance of recognizing the resilience of migrants and refugees as they seek a better future amidst adversity. He noted that “God not only walks with his people, but also within them, in the sense that he identifies himself with men and women on their journey through history, particularly with the least, the poor and the marginalized”.
Following Pope Francis’ advocacy, Pope Leo also called for the welcoming and protection of migrants and refugees. He emphasizes the need to combat human trafficking and exploitation, which disproportionately affect these vulnerable groups. Pope Leo reminds us that the encounter with the migrant, as with anyone in need “is also an encounter with Christ” and invites the Church to unite in prayer “for all those who have had to leave their land in search of dignified living conditions”. The Vatican’s Migrants and Refugees Section is dedicated to addressing these issues and providing support.
Follow
