His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales’ visit

By Dadai Norman

On Pentecost Sunday, the 27th of May this year, the Auckland Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a Thanks-giving Mass at the Malaeola Samoan Catholic Community Centre.

The main presider was His Eminence, Guadencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila. He had been invited by the Auckland Catholic Filipinos to grace their 10th anniversary commemoration.

He arrived in Auckland on the 17th of May and spent the first week visiting Filipinos on both North and South Islands accompanied by Father Ruben Elago, MSP, the Parish Priest of Good Shep-herd Parish in Balmoral Auckland.

Father Ruben is also the Chaplain of the Auckland Catholic Filipino Community. During the homily on the Pentecost Sunday Mass, Cardinal Rosales asked the congregation to listen to the Holy Spirit, to be guided by the Holy Spirit, as Jesus has told his disciples that the Holy Spirit will tell them what to do.

Open your hearts to New Zealand

His message to the Filipinos and to all migrants is this country has opened it doors to you, migrants, with hospitality, acceptance, brotherhood, friendship, unity and peace. Be appreciative of this, be grateful for having been allowed to live here not just as guests but as New Zealanders.

During his visits to the various Filipino communities, he was happy to see that the Filipinos in New Zealand have remained faithful to the Catholic Church and her teachings.

He met Filipinos who have lived here for 20 years or more. They have integrated very well into the New Zealand society and are fervent practising Catholics and are keeping up the Filipino Catholic traditions.

He was greatly inspired of the fellowship and camaraderie that the Filipino communities all over New Zealand have demonstrated.

He had seen the same things happening in his visits to other parts of the world. He said that the great majority of Filipinos are God-fearing, God loving people.

- Dadai Norman is the Secretary of the Auckland Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy