Archdiocesan ministry for migrant workers holds recollection for their families

By Myrna Bermudo

Kabaklay Ministry, the pastoral program for overseas Filipino workers in the Archdiocese of Caceres, organized recollections for families of migrant workers.

One for children and the youth was held last month, September 6, at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall, Peñafrancia Basilica Minore with Fr. Jessel Gerard “Jboy” M. Gonzales, SJ, Director of the Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office of Ateneo de Davao University and host of Kape’t Pandesal of the Jesuit Communications Ministry.

His talk reflected on the theme “Lambang Aki: Regalo na Nagtatao” (Every Child: The Gift that Gives). Fr. Jboy invited the 75 participants, who represented 15 parishes, to recognize their own giftedness and capacity to contribute to society, encouraging them to be persons capable of giving, making a difference and becoming gifts to others.

Most Rev. Msgr. Jose R. Rojas, Jr., D.D. of Libmanan gave the recollection for parents and guardians on September 27 at the Sts. Louie et Zelie Martin Auditorium of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary. Themed “Strengthening the Care for Families in the Age of Human Mobility and Migration”, the recollection was a reflection on Pope Leo’s Magnifica Humanitas. About a 100 participants reflected on human dignity, technology and the mission of accompanying loved ones in this digital age.

On September 27, World Sunday for Migrants and Refugees, Kabaklay joined the global celebration while also celebrating their 4th Founding Anniversary. The theme, “Even Just One of These Children”, called to recognize the dignity of each child affected by migration and to renew one’s commitment to protect, accompany, and uplift them.

Kabaklay also serves as a response to Pope Francis’ call to synodality.