Buiding Bridges Around the World
and Fostering Global Unity…
Pope Leo: Pray for peace in our world
and our families
At the Angelus prayer for the World Day of Peace, Pope Leo called on the faithful to pray together for peace “first among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence and pain.”
The Holy Father said that, with the coming of the new year, “the Lord invites us to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among all peoples.”
Cultivate hope by converting hearts to God
Pope Leo went on to say that the Jubilee Year has taught us “how to cultivate hope for a new world” by “converting our hearts to God, in order to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation, and resolutions of virtue into good works.”
On this day, which is celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, the Church invites us to look to Mary, “the first to experience Christ’s beating Heart,” the Pope said.
Christ’s heart beats for every man and woman
He explained that God, who has always known Mary’s heart, and ours, makes His Heart known by becoming man. “The Heart of Jesus, therefore, beats for every man and woman,” both the good and the wicked.
“It beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.”
Pope Leo invited us to “adore” the mystery of the Incarnation, “which shines forth in Mary Most Holy and is reflected in every unborn child, revealing the divine image imprinted in our humanity.”
The Pope concluded his Angelus message by inviting the faithful to “confidently implore the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.”
(Above was from an article written by Christopher Wells, Vatican News, January 1, 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
