Filipino Apostolate celebrates Jubilee Mass of faith and unity at Cathedral Basilica
The Filipino Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Newark gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Oct. 5 for the Jubilee Mass of the Filipino Apostolate. This celebration highlighted the community’s enduring faith, unity, and gratitude. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the liturgy, joined by Auxiliary Bishops Michael A. Saporito and Gregory J. Studerus, and priests from across the Archdiocese.
More than 300 worshippers filled the cathedral with song and color, wearing traditional attire that reflected the joy and deep faith characterizing the Filipino community’s devotion.
Testifying to an enduring faith
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin expressed his deep appreciation for the Filipino people and their missionary spirit. “I have to say thank you. Thank God for the Filipino people who are the missionaries of the 21st century,” he said. “As Archbishop, I renew my gratitude for all of you. You are living love within the Catholic Church of Northern New Jersey.”
The cardinal also highlighted the community’s devotions that continue to strengthen faith across generations. “By your faith — through the tradition of Simbang Gabi, through devotions to the Santo Niño and the Black Nazarene (Poong Hesus Nazareno) — you testify to your enduring faith in Jesus Christ and your incredible love for the Mother of God,” he said. “You must continue to do so because it’s part of who you are.”
“I’ve been evangelized in many different ways by the Filipino people,” Cardinal Tobin added.
A Celebration of Faith and Service
The Mass also honored the many contributions of Filipino Catholics within the Archdiocese and beyond, particularly those whose service reflects Christ’s compassion and mercy.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, Father JM Manolo A. Punzalan, director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate, offered words of gratitude on behalf of the community. “On behalf of the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph Tobin,” he said. “Thank you very much for presiding over our Jubilee Mass and for your steadfast pastoral leadership and love for the Filipino Catholic community here in the Archdiocese and beyond.”
He also thanked Auxiliary Bishops Saporito and Studerus for their support and presence, along with all the priests who joined the celebration.
“Your trusted witness of faith and culture made this day truly vibrant and memorable,” Father Punzalan continued. “And above all, we honor the Filipino lay faithful — lahat po kayo. From every parish and county of the Archdiocese and beyond, your devotion, unity, and missionary spirit continue to make our Church alive with hope. May this jubilee strengthen our communion and renew our call to be radiant bearers of Christ’s love.”
Following the Mass, the community gathered for their Gala Filipiñana, where music, cultural performances, and fellowship reflected the rich traditions of Filipino faith and joy.
The evening concluded with a renewed spirit of gratitude and unity, celebrating the living faith that continues to strengthen the Archdiocese of Newark.
Click HERE to view more photos of the celebration.
Featured image: Members of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate process into the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart carrying a statue of Our Lady of Penafrancia at the start of the Jubilee Mass. (Photos by Israel Contreras)
