POPE SAYS MASS FOR FILIPINO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2002 (VIS) - Today, the first Sunday in Advent, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in the Paul VI Hall at 10 a.m. for the Filipino Catholic community residing in Rome, thus resuming his usual custom of meeting with parishes and communities in the diocese.

In the homily, delivered in English, John Paul II said that the existence of 39 pastoral centers in Rome demonstrates the "Church's concern for the Filipino faithful."

"Hold fast to the rich cultural and religious heritage that is an integral part of your identity. Many of you have had the chance to find employment here in Italy and have attained a standard of living that enables you to help you family members at home. For others, however - and I hope that they are few - your status as immigrants has brought you serious problems, including loneliness, the separation of families, the loss of the values handed down from the past and at times even the loss of your faith."

"I would like to renew to all of you, and in particular to the many women present here, the words of encouragement which we heard in today's liturgy: Do not lose heart! We must not grow weak in faith, for the Lord is near. The fact that you are immigrants makes you all the more dear to Jesus Who, as we recall during Advent, came on earth to save us."

The Pope urged the Filipino community to "continue, then, with trust and determination, along the path of faith and solidarity. ... The witness of an authentically Christian life will keep you united among yourselves and will continue to win you the respect and help of others. I ask those who employ you to welcome and love you as cherished brothers and sisters in Christ. All of us must work together to build the civilization of love."

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