The 500 Years of Christianity Celebration (2021)
The year 2021 marked a historical year for Christians in the Philippines. It is the quincentennial celebration of the conversion of the peoples of the islands following the cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on the island of Cebu in 1521. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines prepared for this historic celebration as early as 2012. According to Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, “The Catholic faith and devotion of the Filipinos is recognized all over the world. Through our Filipino migrants and missionaries, we also strengthen the Church in most of the 200 countries all over the world where Filipinos are found.” The overall 500YOC theme of "Gifted to Give" was inspired by Matthew 10:8.
This was our inspiration for bringing the celebrations here to Vancouver.
Salamat 1
Last April 16, the Filipino Ministry launched the 500YOC with an online event celebrated by Ms. Joey Albert, Fr. Francis Galvan, OSA, Deacon Greg Barcelon. Salamat 1 was filled with exhortations, song and dance as we reflected on God as the Giver of Gifts.
Salamat 2
Salamat 2 event held on July 9 featured Fr Dennis Flores and focused on “Receiving the Gift”. It reminded us that to be able to fully receive the gift, we should always remember who the Giver is.
Salamat 3
Last September 17, Luisa and Louie Serrano and Dan Ramos shared their faith journeys in line with Salamat 3's Third Quarter theme of “Treasuring the Gift”. Salamat 3 also focused on different ways our Filipino community has used God’s gifts in sharing His word and building faith-based communities across the Lower Mainland.
Salamat 4
Finally, last December 10: Our faith in God and in one another came alive! From Deacon Greg Barcelon, "Thank you for standing witness to that during the Salamat 4 Dinner Event at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre held last December 10, 2021 - the final instalment of the year-long celebration of 500 Years of Christianity (YOC) in the Philippines.”
Archbishop J Michael Miller expressed his admiration with how the Filipino Community celebrated the 500th year of Christianity by acknowledging "The Giver", appreciating how unique the "Receiving the Gift" happened to the Filipino people, how the communities have been "Treasuring the Gift" and recognizing that all those are geared towards "Sharing the Gift."
All funds donated to the quarterly Salamat events support Caritas Philippines, the advocacy arm of the church that helps the poor. Thank you for your generosity.