17 July 2013 - The Sambayanang Pilipino ng San Tomaso (SPST) based in Milan celebrated its 25th anniversary last July 07 with a Holy Mass held at the Centro Culturale PIME.
Bishop Jose Oliveros of Bulacan was the main celebrant together with the Chaplain of San Tomaso Father Enrico Crisostomo, Father Emil Santos of San Lorenzo Filipino Community, Monsignor Willy Andre of the Colleggio Filipino in Rome, Don Giancarlo Quadri of the Pastoral Council for Migrants in Milan, and representatives of the Archdiocese of Milan.
The occasion also marked the 25th year of arrival in Milan from the Philippines of the Sisters of Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (MCST) in 1988, the congregation which started the SPST. The MSCT was founded in 1958 by Bishop Alfredo Maria Obviar and presently has missions in Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria and other places.
The theme of the celebration “Pananampalataya, Paglilingkod at Pagkakaisa” was hailed by Consul General Lourdes S. Tabamo in her remarks as most fitting for the occasion. She reminded the audience of the importance of cooperation among the three Cs – Community, Church and Consulate – to be able to provide the best services to the Filipinos. She also acknowledged the SPST’s continued support for the Consulate’s projects and the MCST for providing solace and a spiritual home to many Filipino parishioners in Milan.
In the program after the holy mass, Mother Mercy A. Medenilla, first Mother Superior of the MCST, gave a short introduction of their migration to Italy that led to the foundation of the San Tomaso Filipino Community. It was followed by a re-enactment of its history, participated in by members of the community of San Tomaso. Certificates of recognition were also given to the Community’s outstanding members during the program. END