Buiding Bridges Around the World
and Fostering Global Unity…
Pope’s June Prayer Intention:
‘for the Values of Sports’
Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this June in praying for the values of sports.
He released the monthly “Pray with the Pope” video on Thursday, which is prepared by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
In his prayer, the Pope recognized the great benefits but also the inherent challenges in the world of sport, and prayed that sporting events may promote peace and fraternity.
School of fraternity, peace, and encounter
He thanks the Lord for “the gift of sport, for those who glorify God through the exercise of their bodies, for the friendships born on the field, and the joy of playing as a team.”
As Pope Leo recalls how the Lord teaches us “that in life, as in the game, no one is saved alone,” the Holy Father insists we “need others to grow, to learn respect, to overcome our limits, and to celebrate together the victories we achieve.”
Thus, Pope Leo prays that sport “may always be a school of fraternity, not of empty rivalry, a space of encounter, not exclusion, a path of peace, not violence.”
Uniting people and growing closer to Christ
“May those who play, train or cheer,” the Pope said, “discover in sport a universal language that brings cultures together, unites peoples, and sows respect, solidarity, and personal growth.”
He also prays that every sport “become a parable of life lived with you, working with joy and effort, living with humility in defeat and with gratitude in the victory you offer in your Resurrection.”
“May your Spirit,” the Holy Father concluded, “never be lacking in us, making us one team, united with you to build communion and fraternity in history.”
To read the full article, click on this link:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/pope-s-june-prayer-intention-for-the-values-of-sports-2026.html
(Above was from an article written by Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News, June 2, 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
