Pope’s July Prayer Intention:
“Amid the scourge of war Christ is hope…”

Pope Leo XIV reflects on how Christ takes upon himself our struggles and is the answer to the evil present in the world and highlights that God’s wisdom “is revealed in the humility of the Incarnation.”
Christ is the only one who can alleviate the burden of our difficulties and suffering but his love can only be found through humility, Pope Leo XIV said in his Angelus message, pronounced in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, July 5.

“In slavery, Christ is liberation. Amid the scourge of war, Christ is hope. In the hour of sin, Christ is forgiveness,” the Pope emphasized.

“This is true wisdom and the path that we wish to walk together, united as disciples in his name. Jesus teaches us this as the Son, by becoming our brother. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he reveals to the Church the truth about God and about humanity.”

Jesus takes upon himself humanity wounded by evil

Pope Leo highlighted how the weight of the cross that we bear can be “easy” and “light,” only “because the Lord himself carries it with us, never leaving us alone in what burdens us.”

“As a true teacher, Jesus takes upon himself humanity wounded by evil in order to heal and care for it,” the Pope insisted.

He also explained how it is exactly through understanding the significance of the cross that we can find hope and comfort.

The wisdom we get from Christ is “a proclamation of salvation” and “his yoke lifts us up from every fall,” the Pope said, citing also the Gospel of the day – taken from Matthew Chapter 11 verses 25 to 30 – on which his reflection is based.

“For this reason, our journey of following Christ is not an asceticism that mortifies.  Rather, it is a school of freedom that takes seriously the drama of history and continually sheds light on its meaning, especially in its darkest moments.”

Thus “only in the cross of Jesus is evil overcome; only in his passion does our mortal weariness find consolation and redemption,” the Pope emphasized.

To read the full article, click on this link: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-07/pope-leo-angelus-christ-cross-humility-suffering-struggles-love.html

(Above was from an article written by  Isabella H. de Carvalho, Vatican News, July 5, 2026 issue.)

Past Events

Participation in the Los Angeles
Religious Education Congress

The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco participated as an exhibitor for the first time at the LA RE Congress, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from February 20-23. Members of the Filipino Ministry Consultative Board who attended the event and helped manage the booth were grateful for the opportunity to experience the diverse cultural and spiritual perspectives shared through the speakers and liturgies. The event fostered a deep sense of community, providing a valuable space for connecting with fellow Catholics from various parishes, while also allowing our members to promote the upcoming 2026 Pilgrimage to the Philippines.

In light of recent challenges, including the devastating fires in Southern California, the theme “Called to Compassion” deeply resonated with attendees. Many felt inspired to embrace greater compassion and mercy in their interactions with others, strengthening the bonds of faith and solidarity during these trying times.

 Click on the link to view additional photos from the event – https://photos.app.goo.gl/MdWm6EZT3hrYSgyE7

Servant Leadership Retreat

San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, California was the perfect setting for FMCB’s retreat held April 13-14. The tranquility and beauty of its surroundings, amid a myriad of green trees and verdant hills, provided an ambiance of serenity for deep reflection. Father Jerome Magat, Vice Rector and a professor of moral theology at St. Patrick Seminary and University, was the Retreat Speaker. Kudos to Fr. Jerome for leading a very engaging and inspiring retreat. The topic: SERVANT LEADERSHIP. A couple of key takeaways — to develop a TEFLON mindset and to be mindful of the “Donkey Theology” in serving the community. Donkeys are models of meekness and humility, and also of resilience and patience . More often than not, leaders are confronted with challenges and harsh criticisms, so it’s important to rise above the fray and develop a ‘Teflon Mind’ — to not dwell on the negative and have a “short-term memory” of the negativities and to focus more on the positive aspects. For additional photos, click on the link below –

Click on the link for additional photos – https://photos.app.goo.gl/GQLvdmBFWiW5nZTWA