Filipino Ministry

Pope’s September prayer intention:
‘For the care of water’

Pope Leo XIV invites everyone to pray for “the care of water” during September as Christians celebrate the Season of Creation.

Pope Leo XIV released the “Pray with the Pope” video accompanying his prayer intention for the month of September 2026, which was “For the care of water.”

In the video produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope prays that water may be a “source of fruitfulness, freshness, and hope,” and recognizes that water is “a right without borders.”

Water, he says, “quenches thirst, nourishes the earth, and heals wounds,” as well as serving for Christians as a symbol of God’s grace and love for us and our renewal in Baptism.

“Forgive us for turning it into a commodity, forgetting that it is a universal gift, a right without borders, meant for all your children,” he prays. “We see with pain so many brothers and sisters who lack clean water, who walk for miles to find it, who become ill due to its scarcity.”

Pope Leo goes on to pray that the Holy Spirit may make Christians “pilgrims of the essential,” who are able to live simply and avoid all waste or pollution.

He encourages us to defend everyone’s right to water, so that all may drink “without fear and without inequality.”

“May our care for water be a sign of love for the Creator and a commitment to the lives of the poor, educating new generations to value and protect the Earth’s resources,” he concludes

To read the full article, click on this link:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-xiv-prayer-intention-september-care-of-water.html

(Above was from an article written by  Devin Watkins, Vatican News, September 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