May 23, 1994

Every last Sunday of July each year, the whole Church in the Philippines celebrates FIL-MISSION SUNDAY. This year, the celebration falls on July 31, 1994. In preparation for the Quadricentennial Anniversary celebration of the Archdiocese of Manila, it is my sincerest request that this year’s FIL-MISSION SUNDAY in our Archdiocese be intensified to promote missionary vocations and more generous support for the cause of MSP. After 400 years as an Archdiocese, what more can we do to prove our ecclesial maturity except to drive home in the minds and hearts of our faithful the urgency and seriousness of the challenge to get involved in the missionary work of the Church?

At present, our Fil-Missioners are actively working in the countries of Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the Solomon Islands. They are also ready to take part in the apostolate for Filipino migrants in Hong Kong and other countries. Their formation house in Tagaytay, the Fil-Mission Seminary is full of eager and zealous young men for the missions. I can see the bright promise of tomorrow in their eyes, the joy of sharing the Gospel to Asia, South Pacific and the world flavored with Filipino spiritual values of family, hospitality, sense of humor, gratitude, and simplicity of life. Since the birth of the Mission Society of the Philippines in 1965, I personally saw them struggle through the normal process of birth pangs towards being a more established and stable missionary group they are now. I am delighted and amazed with the way God has manifested His love and providence upon them. With our joint support, I would like to see the MSP continue to expand and mature in its gargantuan mission of bringing the light of Christ to our brothers and sisters in other countries.

As you preach about the missionary dimension of our local Church with the MSP as its herald, kindly remind your parishioners of their privilege and responsibility to offer spiritual and material support for the benefit of our brother Fil-Missioners.

May God who called us to preach the gospel in and out of season bless you all!

With sentiments of deep pastoral concern, I remain

Devotedly in Christ,

(Sgd.) + JAIME L. CARDINAL SIN, D.D.

Archbishop of Manila