22 January 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara opened 2015 with an event for the Filipino community, featuring the celebration of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to the Philippines on January 18. Fr. Paul Brouwers of the Holy See church community in Ankara at Meryem Ana Catholic Church greeted and congratulated the Filipino community and the Philippines for the successful visit of Pope Francis. As part of the mass, the Munting Tinig choir combined with the Filipino Community in singing official theme song of the Papal Visit entitled "We Are All God's Children." The international community heartily joined in the singing of the song, shouting "Bravo! Bravo!"
After the Mass, the Embassy hosted lunch for the Filipino community members at the Chancery Rizal Hall. Philippine Consul General Robert O. Ferrer Jr. highlighted the Pope’s message on the important role of overseas Filipinos in the development of their host countries, and expressed the collective hope that the call for morality in the nation would be heeded even after the Pope’s visit.
Cultural Officer Eunice Trinidad introduced the viewing of the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Luneta Grandstand. The Holy Mass drew almost six million attendees and livened by songs sung by a 1,000-member choir. Pope Francis stated on his homily: "It is a special joy for me to celebrate Santo Niño Sunday with you. The Santo Niño continues to proclaim to us that the light of God’s grace shone upon a world dwelling in darkness, bringing the Good News of our freedom from slavery, and guiding us in the paths of peace, right and justice. The Santo Niño also reminds us of our call to spread the reign of Christ throughout the world." It was poignant for the community as, a few weeks earlier, 14 December 2014 to be exact, they paraded their home-made Parols, a symbol of God’s love, publicly in Ankara for the first time.
After the viewing of the Holy Mass, the Embassy and members of the Filipino community expressed their appreciation and gratitude by saying "Salamat Pope Francis sa inyong pagdalaw sa aming bansa! Let us tell the world of Jesus' love! Mabuhay!" Information Officer Ms. Jackie Lou Ong interviewed members of the Filipino community regarding the papal visit. The event was also an opportunity for the Filipinos to view the Turkish TRT television show "Ambassadors in the Kitchen" featuring Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez cooking Pinoy food for a Turkish audience. END