Church Marks 25th National Migrants Sunday

MANILA, March 5, 2011—As thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Middle East and Northern Africa face uncertainties, the Catholic Church in the Philippines will once again highlight their contributions and the need for collective prayer for their safety and well-being.

A national celebration underscoring the heroism of millions of overseas Filipino workers and the families they left behind will be held on the first Sunday of Lent, March 13.

This year’s observance of National Migrants Sunday has the theme “25 Years and Beyond… Pastoral Commitment of Caring for Filipino Migrants and their Families”.

Fr. Edwin Corros, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, said various activities have been prepared by different dioceses to underscore the importance of the occasion.

“The annual event which started at the Archdiocese of Manila in 1986 [has now] reached other dioceses as far as Davao and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao and Ilocos Norte and Isabela in Northern Luzon,” Corros said.

The Commission is holding a press conference on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the CBCP Media Conference Room, 2nd Floor, CBCP Building, Intramuros, Manila to discuss the controversial issues relative to migration and overseas employment, and the response of the Catholic Church on the said issues.

Interested Media practitioners may confirm their participation through 527-4145 and look for Mely or text Edmund at 0921-6923684 on or before Tuesday, March 8, 2011. (Melo M. Acuna)