Newark cardinal praises Filipino community as ‘Missionaries of the 21st Century’
More than 300 Filipino Catholics filled the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark with vibrant worship during a mass honoring their faith and culture on October 5.
The Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Heritage Jubilee Mass began with a procession where participants carried elegantly dressed statues of Filipino religious figures, including Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Santo Niño de Cebú.
Throughout the liturgy, musicians performed songs using traditional instruments from the Philippines. In the pews, numerous guests paid tribute to their heritage by wearing brightly colored Barongs, Baro’t saya and other cultural attire.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, who presided over the mass, praised the local Filipino community for its unwavering faith during his homily. Describing them as “missionaries of the 21st century,” Cardinal Tobin said Filipino Catholics had even evangelized himself due to their steadfast devotion to religious traditions like Simbang Gabi. He encouraged them to continue proudly sharing their faith, which they have passed on for generations.
“Thank God for the Filipino people,” Cardinal Tobin said. “As Archbishop, I renew my gratitude for all of you. You are living love within the Catholic Church of Northern New Jersey.”
The Filipino Heritage Jubilee Mass was organized by the archdiocesan Filipino Apostolate as a celebration of the Universal Church’s ongoing Jubilee Year 2025.
To learn more about the apostolate—which engages the local Filipino Catholic community through spiritual programs, fun gatherings and social justice initiatives—visit its Facebook page.
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
