A Journey of Faith and Service: 44th Anniversary of the Scalabrinian Mission in the Philippines

 The Missionaries of Saint Charles (Scalabrinians) marked the 44th anniversary of their presence in the Philippines with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, celebrating more than four decades of pastoral service to migrants, seafarers, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The celebration highlighted the congregation’s enduring mission of accompanying people on the move, reaffirming its commitment to welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants in the spirit of the Gospel.

The occasion brought together the congregation’s international leadership, led by the Superior General and his General Council, alongside provincial and regional superiors representing Scalabrinian provinces and regions around the world. Scalabrinian priests, brothers, and seminarians serving across Metro Manila concelebrated the Mass, joined by members of the Scalabrini Lay Movement, mission partners, and local benefactors.

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At the heart of the gathering was the community of seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) accompanied by the Scalabrini Center for People on the Move (SCPM). Their presence gave special meaning to the celebration, reflecting the very heart of the Scalabrinian charism: walking alongside migrants and seafarers, particularly those facing displacement, separation from their families, and the challenges of living and working far from home.

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula expressed the deep gratitude of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Philippine Church for the Scalabrinians’ prophetic witness and steadfast service. He highlighted the congregation’s significant role since its arrival in the archipelago in 1982, providing a place of welcome, pastoral care, and spiritual support for maritime workers and Filipino migrants confronting the challenges of global labor and migration. He also emphasized that welcoming the stranger means encountering Christ in those who journey in search of a better life and a place to call home.

Reflecting on the 44-year milestone, the Superior General underscored that the anniversary was not only an opportunity to give thanks for the fruits of the congregation’s mission but also a renewed call to fraternity and service. In a world shaped by increasingly complex migration realities, the Scalabrinian mission continues to invite the Church and society to respond with compassion, solidarity, and renewed evangelical zeal.

The celebration concluded with a moment of fellowship among the clergy, seafarers, overseas workers, mission partners, and friends of the congregation. More than a commemoration of years of service, the anniversary reaffirmed the enduring Scalabrinian commitment to welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants: a mission rooted in faith, sustained by hope, and expressed through a lifelong journey of service to people on the move.

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Peter Tan