A Filipino Franciscan missionary has been appointed chaplain of the Filipino Catholic community in Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta appointed Fr. Jhoan Pader to provide pastoral care and spiritual accompaniment to Filipino Catholics living and working in the country, located south of the Italian island of Sicily.
Pader’s ministry will focus on strengthening the faith of Filipino migrants through the celebration of the sacraments, pastoral care, community gatherings and spiritual formation.
The Filipino community in Malta is known for its vibrant faith and deep devotion.
Church leaders say the appointment is an important step in ensuring migrants receive pastoral support and a sense of spiritual home while living abroad.
“Pader’s new mission also reflects the Church’s continuing commitment to accompany migrant communities, recognizing their important presence and contribution to the life of the local Church,” the Order of Friars Minor Philippines said.
The Franciscan Province of San Pedro Bautista – Philippines also extended its congratulations to Pader and assured him of prayers and support as he begins his new pastoral responsibility.
“We accompany you with our prayers and fraternal support as you begin this important mission of service to the Filipino faithful in Malta,” the province said.
