In a heartfelt Christmas message, a leading Filipino cardinal reminded millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that they carry a sacred purpose beyond their jobs. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle framed their global journey as a combined mission of livelihood and faith.
A Dual Calling for Filipinos Abroad
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle delivered a powerful message to his compatriots living abroad during the Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The mass was celebrated for the Filipino community. In his address, shared via video by CBCP News, the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Tagle emphasized a profound perspective on the Filipino diaspora.
He stated that Filipinos overseas are not merely laborers seeking better economic opportunities. "God sent us not only to work for the well-being of our families," Tagle reflected. "I always think that we are sent to different countries to be witnesses to our faith." This viewpoint transforms the narrative of labor migration into one of spiritual vocation.
Drawing Strength from a Higher Purpose
Cardinal Tagle, who serves as the pro-prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization, explicitly united these two identities. "As such, we are migrants and missionaries, too," he declared. He encouraged the global Filipino community to find resilience in this dual role, especially when facing life's inevitable hardships far from home.
"Let us draw strength from this whenever difficult things happen," Tagle urged. "Let us always remember that God is with us and that He brought us here for our mission." This message serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding OFWs that their presence in foreign lands is part of a larger, divine plan.
A Vatican Leader with a Heart for Migrants
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been stationed at the Vatican since 2020, where he has held several significant positions. His current role at the Dicastery for Evangelization directly relates to spreading the Christian faith, making his message to Filipino migrants a natural extension of his Vatican duties. His deep empathy for migrants and overseas workers has been a consistent theme in his ministry.
The cardinal's Christmas reflection offers a unique and uplifting framework for millions of Filipinos worldwide. It acknowledges their economic struggle while elevating their daily lives to a platform of quiet evangelization and faithful witness, providing comfort and a profound sense of purpose during the holiday season.
