Filipino Ministry

Pope’s August prayer intention: ‘for evangelization in the city’

Pope Leo XIV releases his prayer intention for the month of August, and invites Catholics to pray ‘for evangelization in the city,’ so that the Lord may accompany the millions who seek meaning amid noise and haste.

Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this August in praying for evangelization in the city.

He released the monthly “Pray with the Pope” video on Friday, which is prepared by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.

In his prayer, Pope Leo asks the “Good Shepherd” who “walks through our streets and squares,” to “enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods,” and to “silently accompany millions” of people who “seek meaning amid noise and haste.”

The Chicago-born Pope acknowledges that while cities are meant to be places of “freedom and opportunity,” they can also become “spaces of anonymity and isolation.”

Thus, he expressed his hope that urban environments may provide “fertile ground” for proclaiming the Gospel.

The Holy Father also prayed that the faithful make “simple and loving gestures,” and do so together as a community that “goes forth,” and combats indifference and isolation with presence and fraternity.

Today, almost 45% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Demographic growth has led to a high concentration of people, generating social and community challenges, including loneliness that affects the mental health of many people, especially young people.

To read the full article, click on this link:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-07/pope-s-august-prayer-intention-for-evangelization-in-the-city.html

(Above was from an article written by  Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News, July 31, 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