[REFLECTION] Notre-Dame and Filipino migrant employees in Paris

‘The reopening of the cathedral coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Paris, which has served as refuge for a lot of Filipino home helpers’

Broken by a heartbreaking hearth in April 2019, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral reopened in December 2024, costing $900 million, utilizing 1200 oak bushes, and involving 2000 craftspeople. For medieval research students like myself, the restoration is proof of the enduring heritage of the Center Ages and a novel alternative to boost the medieval constructing methods with fashionable constructing requirements.

In August, I visited the monument as a scholar and pilgrim. As I admired breathlessly its rose home windows and historical statues which have miraculously survived the fireplace, I contemplated whether or not the restoration of this image of French id had any significance to the hundreds of Filipino migrants working in Paris. To seek out out, I had a chat with Father Jovic Lobrigo, chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Mission, at their home at Rue d’Ateuil.

Unknown to many, a big day for migrants was celebrated on the restored cathedral in January. Lobrigo, a San Jose Seminary alumnus who established the SEDP-Simbag sa Pag-asenso Integrated, pointed to the truth that the Catholic Church has acknowledged 4 apparitions of the Mom of Christ in France. “Just like the Philippines, the French Church is deeply Marian. And since most migrant employees should not have the correct paperwork to have the ability to go house, it’s their interest to go on pilgrimages. ”

The reopening of the cathedral coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Paris, which has served as refuge for a lot of Filipino home helpers. Since its establishment, the chaplaincy has strove to emulate the social welfare of the French society in addition to of the French Church. “Even when you have no correct documentation, you may have free treatment right here,” in line with Lobrigo.

Other than offering the sacraments, the chaplaincy rescues Filipinos who fall ailing and its group gathers up funds to purchase a return ticket for these unable to take action. To assist regularize migrant employees, the second-generation French-Filipino provide authorized support. Inspired by how the French have change into more and more delicate to the plight of migrants, the chaplaincy goals to construct capability for the second-generation to attain higher careers.

Lobrigo, who belongs to the Diocese of Legazpi and who nonetheless has to finish a full 12 months as chaplain, additionally confirmed reviews of the beginnings of a revival within the French Church, with grownup baptisms rising by 45% this 12 months. He mentioned that his French counterparts have noticed a gradual progress of younger folks returning to the Church. The Filipino nannies who taught their wards how you can pray and go to Mass have a not so trifling function on this revival. Apparently, among the youngsters by no means outgrow these childhood practices as they really feel their nannies have handled them as their very own.

Alternatively, the Philippine mission is confronted by the problem of safeguarding the abroad Filipino employees (OFWs) in opposition to faux information and forming them as accountable residents. They fulfill their want to remain in contact with the house nation via social media, which callously feeds them with misinformation. He additionally thinks that the progressive and democratic forces within the nation haven’t sufficiently addressed the issues of the OFWs. For him, each the hierarchy and the opposition can higher focus their messaged concerning the plight of the migrant employee and their households. Referring to the writings of Maria Ressa, he advised that the Church ought to research extra deeply the interior workings of social media particularly to these dwelling overseas.

Because the Yr of Jubilee winds down, Lobrigo shares what offers him hope are the Filipinos serving as caregivers (aide soignant), babysitters (gard’enfant), or feminine or male maids (femme/homme de ménage), and their Francophone youngsters who’re lively in Church. These younger folks have the potential to affect the succeeding generations of Filipinos dwelling and dealing in France in addition to the younger French people who find themselves searching for that means and course of their lives as wars proceed to rage in Europe.

For him, his fundamental problem as pastor is how you can make the Gospel related with out turning right into a prosperity preacher. “I try to do that by listening to their tales.” He repeated what Monsignor Manuel Gabriel mentioned: Every Filipino migrant has a narrative.

For some, that is the story of realizing the huge distinction between well being care in France and within the Philippines, and they also resolve to not come to the Islands, selecting to die alone away from their households. Eager to apply a religion that does justice, Lobrigo labors to construct a chaplaincy that is ready to assist its constituency to reside a balanced life: “Nagpapatatag ng pananampalataya, nag-aayos ng buhay economically, at nag-aayos ng buhay pamilya.” (Strengthening religion, organizing life economically, and organizing household life.)

As I walked again to the Metro station, it dawned on me that the restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral would solely change into vital to many Filipinos dwelling in Paris if working overseas have actually improved their lives. Notre-Dame de Paris, priez pour nous! – Rappler.com

Jovino G. Miroy teaches medieval philosophy and philosophy of faith on the Ateneo de Manila College. He holds a PhD from Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven in Belgium, with a specialization in medieval philosophy, and is a member of the American Cusanus Society. He’s the producer of the podcast titled “Thomas Unveiled,” commemorating the Double Jubilee of Thomas Aquinas.