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Catholic Pastor of Overseas Filipinos visits London
Bishop Ramon C. Arguelles, the amiable and dynamic chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Migrant and Itinerant People of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the in the Philippines, was in London recently in the course of a pastoral visit to overseas Filipino communities. Aside from the UK, Bishop Arguelles – who is also the Bishop for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and who used to be with the Pontifical Collegio Filipino in Rome – was also scheduled to visit Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, and Canada, to convey to overseas Filipino workers and immigrants the support and concern of the Philippine Catholic Church in their striving for a better life abroad. The first engagement in London of the Church dignitary was a reception hosted by Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista and Mrs. Ma. Paz Bautista at the embassy residence on Palace Green, Kensington last April 4, attended by leaders of the Filipino community, members of the religious orders, as well as officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy. In his welcome speech, Ambassador Bautista explained to Bishop Arguelles what the Embassy and the Filipino community together are doing for the welfare of newly arrived Filipino workers in the United Kingdom, in particular the thousands of Filipino nurses recruited by hospitals and nursing homes. This program was later explained in detail by Consul General Mario de Leon, Benie Offen of Kanlungan, Aida Dunlea of Kalayaan, and Maria Gonzales of the Centre for Filipinos. Rene Garcia, head of Couples for Christ and recent recipient of the highly prestigious MBE (Member of the British Empire) award from Her Majesty the Queen, spoke about the work of CFC in the UK, which includes connecting people, strengthening family life, giving support to arriving Filipino workers, pastoral guidance, establishing links to local parishes, advocacy work, and evangelisation. In his response, Bishop Arguelles discussed the significance of his mission, which was to impress upon his migrant countrymen the fact that they were not only doing a great service to the nation in the financial or economic dimension – as evidenced by their much-needed remittances – but also in terms of the spirit of self-sacrifice and the active propagation of their faith, which have characterized for other peoples and nations the sterling quality of the Filipino migrant. This was also the theme of the Bishop’s homily at his next major engagement, a community mass concelebrated by him and several Filipino and Irish priests at the Our Lady of Carmelite Church on Kensington Church Street on Sunday, April 7. The church was filled to capacity by members of the Filipino community who responded at such short notice. A merienda reception was later held at the church’s social hall for Bishop Arguelles. Hundreds of the faithful attended the reception to greet the Pastor, and to have their photos taken with him. Former President Fidel V. Ramos, also visiting in London for an international consulation, arrived later to join in the celebration. |
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