In a powerful Christmas message, a leading Filipino cardinal has redefined the role of millions of overseas Filipino workers, framing their journey as a divine mission beyond employment.
A Dual Calling for Overseas Filipinos
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a prominent figure in the Vatican, delivered a heartfelt message to the Filipino diaspora during a Simbang Gabi Mass. The event took place at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Tagle emphasized that Filipinos living abroad carry a purpose greater than their job titles.
"God sent us not only to work for the well-being of our families," Tagle stated in a video shared by CBCP News, the official news service of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. "I always think that we are sent to different countries to be witnesses to our faith."
Strength in Faith and Purpose
The Cardinal, who serves as the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization in Rome, explicitly connected the experience of migration with evangelization. "As such, we are migrants and missionaries, too," he affirmed. This perspective, he suggested, should serve as a wellspring of resilience.
He urged his fellow Filipinos to find strength in this identity when facing hardships far from home. "Let us draw strength from this whenever difficult things happen," Tagle encouraged. "Let us always remember that God is with us and that He brought us here for our mission."
A Vatican Voice for the Filipino Faith
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been a significant voice for the global Church since his assignment to the Vatican in 2020. Over the past five years, he has held several important positions within the Holy See, using his platform to highlight the experiences and contributions of Filipino Catholics worldwide.
His message during the Simbang Gabi Mass, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition, resonates deeply with a community known for its strong faith. By framing overseas work within the context of a spiritual mission, Tagle offers a profound sense of dignity and purpose to millions who contribute to both their host nations and their homeland.
