Buiding Bridges Around the World
and Fostering Global Unity…
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Pope’s October prayer intention:
‘For mental health ministry’
Pope Leo XIV dedicates his October prayer intention to mental health ministry, calling on the Church to listen without judging and accompany those who suffer without excluding them.
Pope Leo has released the “Pray with the Pope” video accompanying his prayer intention for the month of October 2026: “For mental health ministry.”
In the video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope prays that the Church may be an “open house” where people facing challenges to their mental health find welcome, dignity and hope.
Holding an image of Saint Dymphna, patroness of people suffering from mental disorders and of mental health professionals, he addresses the “God of life”, who knows the innermost depths of our hearts and “the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees.”
“Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters who struggle with challenges to their mental health, who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness,” he prays.
Pope Leo asks forgiveness for the times when Christians have looked the other way, contributing to stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
He prays that the Church may become “a safe space where everyone has a place – a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.”
The Pope also remembers those who provide care, including professionals, family members and volunteers, asking God to give them strength and compassion.
“Send your Spirit upon us, that we may learn to welcome and integrate care for mental health into the life and ministry of our communities and of the whole Church,” he concludes, “and thus become a living sign of your mercy, which never abandons and always restores.”
To read the full article, click on this link:
Pope’s October prayer intention: ‘For mental health ministry’ – Vatican News
(Above was from an article written by Francesca Merlo, Vatican News, October 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
