12 August 2015 – Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge paid a courtesy call on Archbishop Blasé J. Cupich, head of the 2.2 million faithful of the Archdiocese of Chicago, at the Quigley Center on August 04.

In his first meeting with the Archbishop, Consul General Calonge conveyed his congratulations for the former’s appointment and installation as Metropolitan Archbishop vice the late Cardinal George Francis.

He also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the generous assistance extended by the Archdiocese of Chicago to the victims of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda through the Catholic Relief Services.

Archbishop Cupich recognized the Filipino Catholics as being one of the most prominent among Asian Catholics. He mentioned the celebration of “Simbang Gabi” or the novena mass for Christmas held in the evening as an example of their active participation that brings together and builds up both the family and the community.

According to the Archbishop, the Filipinos’ faith and culture, especially their strong family values, are one of their most significant contributions to American society.  He also reiterated the Archdiocese’s mission of supporting immigrant communities and calling for immigration reform.

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago considers the Archdiocese of Chicago as a very significant and natural ally given the deep bond that it has with Filipino Catholics, and the enduring and critical role it plays in various issues affecting the Filipino community in Lake and Cook Counties, which have the largest concentration of Filipino-Americans in the Midwest. END