TAGBILARAN City — The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Saturday praised Filipino-Chinese Catholic women for sustaining faith in families and communities through quiet leadership and enduring devotion.
Speaking during a Mass for the 23rd National Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Catholic Women’s Organization, CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said women preserve prayer traditions while passing on values of discipline, respect, sacrifice and devotion.
“You become bridges between cultures and generations. In you, hope becomes visible,” Garcera said in his homily.
Their gathering reflected the theme “Families as Pilgrims of Hope,” echoing the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025 proclaimed by Pope Francis.
The archbishop highlighted everyday acts of reconciliation within families as signs that faith continues guiding relationships despite misunderstandings and the pressures of modern life.
“When parents ask forgiveness from children, when spouses reconcile, when families pray together even imperfectly, the journey of hope continues,” Garcera said.
He said the federation plays an important role in sustaining faith by promoting charity, cultural heritage and strong Marian devotion among Filipino-Chinese Catholic families.
Through their leadership, he said, families remain rooted in Christian values while learning to engage responsibly with the changing realities of the modern world.
Garcera described homes shaped by faith as “small sanctuaries” where encouragement, prayer and acts of mercy nurture hope within families and communities.
“Your gatherings become moments of encouragement. Your works of mercy become signs that hope is alive,” he said.
Garcera encouraged the women to continue supporting families beyond the Jubilee celebration, reminding them that the pilgrimage of faith continues wherever Christ is sought.
“As long as we walk with Jesus,” he said, “we walk in hope.”
