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Pope Francis emphasized the importance of the Catholic Church as a welcoming home for immigrants facing challenges in new countries. Addressing representatives of the Filipino Catholic community in Spain, he highlighted their center in Madrid named "Tahanan," which means home in Filipino.
He stated, “And it is true, wherever we go, the church is always a home for us,” referring to it as “a warm, welcoming home.” The Tahanan center is situated at the Madrid Church of Our Lady of the Thorns. Pope Francis remarked that this location symbolizes the difficulties migrants face, comparing them to thorns. He referenced a 14th-century vision of Mary standing on a thorn bush, suggesting that Mary offers hope and protection amidst these challenges.
The group visited Rome to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Filipino parish in Barcelona: the parish of the Immaculate Conception and St. Lorenzo Ruiz. St. Lorenzo Ruiz was martyred in 1637 and is celebrated for his integration of cultures due to his Chinese and Filipino ancestry. Pope Francis noted that St. Lorenzo's story reflects those who emigrate under duress today.
Falsely accused and forced to leave his homeland, St. Lorenzo ultimately sacrificed his life rather than renounce his faith upon reaching Japan. Pope Francis urged Filipinos to maintain trust in Jesus and assist those in need, fostering a church that serves as a nurturing home.
“In this way we will be able to build our ‘tahanan,’ that welcoming and warm home that, like a mother, our church should be,” he concluded.
