16 April 2015 - A Special Mass for the Filipino community in Spain was held on April 12 at the Cripta de la Catedral de la Nuestra Señora del Almudena, in commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The Archbishop of Madrid, His Excellency, Carlos Osoro Sierra celebrated the Mass together with Msgr. Antonio Astillero Bastante, Rev. P. Jose Antonio Hernandez Vazquez, Rev. Remigio Domino, S.V.D., Rev. Alex Poblador, R.C.J., and Rev. Teodoro Barquin, C.M., as co-celebrants.
In his homily, Archbishop Osoro expressed admiration for the strong faith of Filipinos. He mentioned that despite crises that come their way, Filipinos hold on to and become even stronger in faith.
The Archbishop encouraged Filipinos to continue serving as examples of genuine faith for the rest of the world. He also noted, with appreciation, that the Cripta was overflowing with Filipino churchgoers during the Mass.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas looked back at history and cited the faith of Filipinos during the People Power Revolution of 1986. He recalled how ordinary citizens used the power of prayer as their weapon against armed soldiers. The Ambassador said that through this historic event, Filipinos showed that faith gives courage. He also mentioned that the Mass was a fitting way to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, a day to honor the valor of all Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s democracy and freedom.
One of the highlights of the Mass was the blessing and enthronement of an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary dressed in Filipiniana attire. The image, which was made by noted Filipino designer Patis Tesoro was donated and offered by Ambassador Salinas and his spouse, Madame Isabelita Salinas, to the Cripta de la Catedral de la Senora del Almudena. The image now forms part of the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua inside the said Cripta.
The mass was attended by an estimated 600 members of the Filipino community in Madrid. ENDa