The Church has been celebrating National Migrants Sunday during the first Sunday of Lent for the past 31 years to pay tribute and show concern for OFWs and their families.
Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, CBCP-ECMI chair, enumerated the three messages for OFWs as recognition, gratitude and prayers.
The prelate said the Church through the Episcopal Commission recognizes the sacrifices and services of those working in foreign countries for their loved ones and country.
“Foreign employers recognize their honesty and deep faith in God. Italian parents, for example, admit that their children under the care and hands of Filipinos are safe,” the bishop who was assigned in Rome for many years said.
Santos said the Church is thankful to OFWs for showing the true face of Filipinos who are God-fearing, hardworking and very patient.
“They are our new missionaries of faith to the world,” the bishop said. “The Church is praying for them to be safe in their work places, keep away from troubles and harms and to find caring and humane employers.”
He urged the government to ease the hardships of OFWs from dehumanizing conditions and unjust labor practices.
The bishop said that Filipino workers abroad are of big help to the economy remitting some $2.55 billion annually.
“The remittances are hardearned money from their blood, sweat and tears and products of their sacrifices and sufferings,” Santos said.
