Buiding Bridges Around the World
and Fostering Global Unity…
Pope’s May prayer intention:
‘That everyone might have food’
Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this May in praying that everyone might have food.
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 with sorrow that millions of brothers and sisters continue to suffer from hunger.
Lamenting that so many goods are wasted at our tables, Pope Leo prayed that the Lord may “awaken in us a new awareness: that we learn to give thanks for every food, to consume simply, to share with joy, and to care for the fruits of the earth as a gift from You, destined for all, not just a few.”
He prayed that Jesus make us capable of “transforming the logic of selfish consumption into a culture of solidarity,” through our communities by promoting concrete gestures, including awareness campaigns, food banks, and a sober and responsible lifestyle.
“You who sent us Your beloved Son Jesus, broken bread for the life of the world,” Pope Leo prayed, “give us a new heart, hungry for justice and thirsty for fraternity.”
Pope Leo concluded by praying, “may no one be excluded from the common table, and may Your Spirit teach us to see bread not as an object of consumption but as a sign of communion and care. Amen.”
A global issue
According to the World Food Programme’s 2026 Global Outlook, 318 million people will face food crisis or even worse situations this year.
The agency warns that the conflict in the Middle East could push an additional 45 million people into facing dire hunger before the middle of this year.
In a press release accompanying the video, Fr. Cristóbal Fones, international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the intention is very significant.
“This intention,” he said, “comes from the Pope’s heart. It pains him deeply that so many people in the world cannot access something as essential and human as food. This is why he is asking everyone not to remain indifferent but to take decisive action, first with prayer, then with concrete gestures of solidarity.”
To read the full article, click on this link:
(Above was from an article written by Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News, April 30, 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
