A Catholic bishop assured Filipino migrants in South Korea that the Church has not forgotten them, recognizing the sacrifices they make while living far from their families.
Preaching during a Mass with the Filipino Catholic community in Seoul on Sunday, Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa acknowledged the sacrifices made by Filipinos who have chosen to work abroad in pursuit of a better future for their families.
“I assure you that we have not forgotten you,” Mesiona told the congregation at St. Benedict Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church, saying the Church continues to support, accompany and monitor the families migrants have left behind in the Philippines.
The bishop, who also chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, acknowledged the challenges of working abroad, including separation from loved ones, cultural adjustment and loneliness.
“We know that life in another country is not easy,” Mesiona said. “Not everyone has a good experience working abroad. But despite the hardships, you continue to work hard because of your love for your families.”
He encouraged the migrants to see their opportunity to work in South Korea as a blessing and to use their earnings responsibly for their families.
The prelate also cautioned them against gambling and other activities that could waste their hard-earned money or harm their families.
“Avoid wasting the money you have worked hard for on gambling and other activities that could harm you and your family,” Mesiona said.
He thanked the Archdiocese of Seoul and St. Benedict Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church for supporting the Filipino Catholic community and its pastoral mission.
During the Mass, Mesiona also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 10 members of the Filipino Catholic community.
The liturgy was concelebrated by Fr. John Yu, director of the Migrants Ministry of the Archdiocese of Seoul; Fr. Simon Song, assistant director; and Fr. Arvin Mosqueda, MSP, chaplain of the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community.
