ECMI Celebrates 18th National Migrants’
Sunday
The Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant
People (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) in coordination with the Ministry of Migrants and their Families
of the Archdiocese of Manila will celebrate the 18th National Migrants’
Sunday on February 29, Sunday at 3:30 pm at the Luneta Park, Manila.
With the theme “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo – Filipinos
Everywhere Contributing to a better world,” this year’s
celebration pays tribute to all migrants or the Overseas Filipino
Workers who are called the country’s “modern heroes”
because of the sacrifices they make for their families and for their
country. Many migrants have also been recognized as instruments
of evangelization and inspirational model for cultural peace.
The National Migrants’ Sunday is an annual activity of the
Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is celebrated every First
Sunday of Lent. This year’s celebration will mark the closing
of the Filipino Migrant Family Year that was jointly declared by
the Church and the Government on March 9, 2003 during the 17th National
Migrants’ Sunday.
The National Migrants Sunday started on March 8, 1987 and has been
marked since then through the undertaking of the Episcopal Commission
for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, the service
arm for migrants of the CBCP.
A grand parade of OFW families will start at 3:30 pm. The Holy
Mass will be presided by His Excellency Most Reverend Gaudencio
B. Rosales, DD, Archbishop of Manila at 4:30 pm. A free concert
will be held at 5:30 pm featuring Carlos A. Ibay as the main performer.
Parishes are also encouraged to celebrate Migrants’ Sunday
in their own special way.
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