SEOUL (SE): During a Mass with the Filipino Catholic community in Seoul, South Korea, on October 11, Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa acknowledged the sacrifices of Filipino migrants as they strive for a better future for their families, CBCP News reported.
“I assure you that we have not forgotten you,” Bishop Mesiona told the congregation at St. Benedict Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church, as he emphasised that the Church continues to support, accompany, and monitor the families migrants have left behind in the Philippines.
The bishop, who also chairs the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, acknowledged the challenges of working abroad, including separation from loved ones, cultural adjustment and loneliness.
“We know that life in another country is not easy,” the bishop said. “Not everyone has a good experience working abroad. But despite the hardships, you continue to work hard because of your love for your families.”
He urged migrants to view their work opportunities in South Korea as a blessing and to manage their earnings wisely for the benefit of their families. He also warned them about the dangers of gambling and other activities that could squander their hard-earned money or negatively impact their families, according to CBCP News.
“Avoid wasting the money you have worked hard for on gambling and other activities that could harm you and your family,” Bishop Mesiona said.
He thanked the Archdiocese of Seoul and St. Benedict Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church for supporting the Filipino Catholic community and its pastoral mission.
During the Mass, Mesiona also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 10 members of the Filipino community.
The liturgy was concelebrated by Father John Yu, director of the Migrants Ministry of the Archdiocese of Seoul; Father Simon Song, assistant director; and Father Arvin Mosqueda of the Missionary Society of the Philippines, chaplain of the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community.
