The parish of the Immaculate Conception and Sant Llorenç Ruiz
The parish of the Immaculate Conception and Sant Llorenç Ruiz, located in Plaça de Sant Agustí, in Barcelona, hosted on the weekend of May 18 and 19 the events commemorating twenty-five years of the presence of the Filipino community in the Ciutat Comtal, under the motto “Communion, participation and mission in the Church of Barcelona”.
Commemorative events
During the weekend, several events were held to celebrate this anniversary. On Saturday the 18th, the Baliktanaw ng mga pilipino concert was organized, which took place at the parish. The following day, Sunday the 19th, the Santacruzan procession and a floral offering were held from the Rambla de Santa Mònica to Plaça de Sant Agustí. Then, a mass of thanksgiving was celebrated presided over by the Filipino bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, who belongs to the Franciscan order and is bishop of the diocese of Imus.
The Filipino presence in Barcelona
The presence of the Filipino community in Barcelona is related to the Spanish colonial past in the islands. From the seventies and eighties, this presence increased. The members of this community, who profess the Catholic religion, meet mainly in the parish of the Immaculate Conception and Sant Llorenç Ruiz, where masses are held in different languages such as Catalan, Spanish, Tagalog and English.
The importance of the Church of Barcelona
The Filipino community emphasizes the importance of the Church of Barcelona in their religious and spiritual life. The members of the community are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Mass in their native language, Tagalog, thanks to the Archdiocese of Barcelona. Priest Lino de Castro, rector of the personal parish of the Filipino community in Barcelona, highlights the support and love they have received from the Church of Barcelona throughout these twenty-five years.
A positive balance
The rector of the personal parish of the Filipino community in Barcelona, Lino de Castro, makes a positive assessment of these twenty-five years of life. The growth of diaconal and priestly vocations stands out, as well as the strong feeling of unity that characterizes the Filipino community in Barcelona. It also highlights the importance of inculturation and popular religiosity in the life of the community.
Religious holidays
The Filipino community in Barcelona celebrates several religious festivals throughout the year. The Santacruzan, in honor of Saint Elena, mother of Constantine the Great, and the Sinulog, in honor of the infant Jesus, known as “the holy infant of Cebu”, an image considered miraculous, stand out. These festivals have great meaning for the Filipino community and are an opportunity to express their faith and devotion.
A living and active community
The Filipino community in Barcelona is a living and active community, which contributes significantly to the life of the Church of Barcelona. With the support of the archdiocese and the parish of Immaculate Conception and St. Lawrence Ruiz, the Filipino community has grown and strengthened throughout these twenty-five years. Their presence is an example of communion, participation and mission in the Church of Barcelona.