On Trinity Sunday, 15th June 2025, a deeply meaningful and joyful celebration took place at Saint Alphonsus Church in Rome: the 40th Anniversary of the Filipino Community. This milestone event brought together a substantial number of Filipinos in a heartfelt expression of gratitude, unity, and cultural pride, recognizing four decades of worship, service, and fellowship.
A Celebration rooted in Devotion
The celebration began at 3:00 PM with the Novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help, a cherished devotion among Filipino Catholics. This was followed at 3:30 PM by the Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Albano. The Mass was concelebrated by over 30 priests, many of whom have served the Filipino faithful throughout the years, marking the occasion with a profound spiritual significance.
Before the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Lhionel, CSsR, in charge of the Filipino community, took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, as well as to all those who contributed to the success of the 40th anniversary celebration. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the organizing committees, volunteers, choir members, and the entire Filipino community whose dedication made the day truly memorable.
Following this, Fr. Roni, CSsR. the prefect of the Church, also extended his deep thanks to Cardinal Tagle for his valuable presence and unwavering support. As a token of appreciation and reverence, he presented the Cardinal with a beautiful Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, symbolizing the community’s deep devotion and their shared mission of spreading hope and compassion. The gesture was met with warm applause, reflecting the community’s profound love and respect for the Cardinal, who has long been a source of inspiration for Filipinos both in Rome and around the world.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the community gathered for the blessing of the Wall of Remembrance at the Sala Filipino. This newly inaugurated wall features 40 curated photographs, each representing key moments and milestones from the community’s vibrant history—ranging from humble beginnings to large-scale celebrations, pastoral visits, and moments of personal and collective growth.
Felicitation by the Youth
The Filipino youth group took the lead in organizing a felicitation program, bringing color, creativity, and a deep sense of respect to the anniversary celebration. Highlights of the program included the unveiling of the official anniversary logo, symbolizing the community’s journey and aspirations, as well as video messages and greetings from key figures including Cardinal Tagle, the Provincial Superiors of the Manila and Cebu Redemptorist Provinces, and others who have accompanied the community over the years.
A Brief Look Back: The Beginnings of the Filipino Community
The roots of the Filipino Community at Saint Alphonsus date back to 1985, when Fr. Luis “Louie” Hechanova, CSsR, then Consultor-General, noticed a group of Filipinos regularly gathering at Termini Station every Sunday.
Curious, he approached them and asked why they were there. Their reply was simple yet striking: “We don’t have a place to stay on Sundays when we are off from work.”
Moved by their situation and inspired by the Redemptorist mission of serving the abandoned and the poor, Fr. Louie envisioned opening the church to them. He brought the matter to the attention of the late Fr. General Juan Manuel Lasso de la Vega, who wholeheartedly supported the idea. Initially, the community was offered the Aula Magna, and later, the Sala Filippini, which became the heart of their gatherings.
From those modest beginnings, the Filipino Community flourished into a vibrant spiritual family—active in parish life, cultural events, and missionary works—firmly rooted in faith and service.
As the community celebrated its 40th year, it not only honored its rich past but also looked forward to the future with renewed commitment. With continued support from the Redemptorist Fathers and the broader Roman Catholic Church, the Filipino faithful in Rome reaffirm their identity as missionaries of mercy, joy, and faith—true to their heritage and their devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
This 40th anniversary is not just a historical marker—it is a celebration of life, resilience, and the enduring faith of the community united in Christ. The celebration ended with the festive meal, enriching the fellowship among the community members.
Fr. Sanjay Tirkey, CSsR.
Scala News
Holy Mass on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the pastoral work of the Filipino community in the Shrine.
