On Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem, the Filipino community of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz gathered to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Br MARK REAGAN TOBIAS, cp Responsible for the Community - Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the first martyr in the Philippines, and today we commemorate his feast day. And here people are gathered for celebration, prayer and to experience the day's program, where they show their culture especially in music and dance. Every Sunday, about 150 people come here to attend Mass and other activities. They also seek spiritual help to grow in faith and fraternity in the company of peers. Br MARK REAGAN TOBIAS, cp Responsible for the Community - Saint Lorenzo Ruiz We are here to join our people with their joys and sorrows. People here are really burdened by the stress that comes with being caregivers and they face so many difficulties with the elderly and sick every day. It is a challenge for us priests to give them direction, but with God's help, we know we can support them with our ministry. Women's presence, in different charisms and ministries, also makes itself felt in the community. RUBYJANE S ISAAC Coordinator - Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Community Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was also a worker abroad, and he represents the heart of the Philippines because of his martyrdom. And we are so happy with the people here around us, because Filipinos are always welcoming, friendly, generous, happy, always bring us a smile. Sr JULITA SIHALOHO Missionary animator I have been in this community for 3 years and it is a wonderful experience. Father Ramel Pokita who is now in the Philippines, had asked me to assist as a nun and as a woman, because the majority of the community members are women. I hope to be a listening presence among them. We also do training for lectors, altar servers, choir, and get involved in organizing other Philippine festivals. Fr. Matthew Coutinho, a Salesian from Don Bosco, is the current patriarchal vicar for migrants and asylum seekers in Israel, tells that there are communities like this throughout Israel. These are made up of Filipinos, Indians, Senegalese Africans, Ethiopians and other backgrounds, who have come to improve their lives and those of their families. But their presence also contributes to evangelization, with the witness of faith. Fr MATTHEW COUTINHO, sdb Patriarchal vicar for migrants and asylum seekers The first thing we often find is that today's evangelization in this land, happens through good Catholics. And many people in this society see Jesus for the first time in the faces of those who take care of the elderly in their homes. Therefore, they bring the presence of Christ here in this land. At a time when we are experiencing great division, I hope that this community will be a sign of unity and peace. Read More