By Loida B. Castillo
On Sunday, the Filipino church will celebrate National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday- a commemoration of Filipino workers away from their families here in the Philippines.
National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday invite us, Filipinos, to look deeper into the sacrifices and resilience of countless Filipino families whose lives are marked by separation yet bound by love. The Philippines is known as a nation of migrants and seafarers—men and women who journey far from home to provide for their loved ones. Their labor sustains not only their families but also strengthens our nation’s economy. Yet beyond remittances and economic contributions, their absence carries with it tears, longing, and the challenge of keeping relationships alive across distances.
Our Filipino migrants and seafarers are modern day evangelizers and missionaries. They are mirroring Christ who journeyed far and endured sacrifice for the sake of those He loved. Families left behind, meanwhile, mirror Mary and the disciples who, in their waiting and uncertainty, clung to prayer and trust in God’s providence.
Thus, National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday are not just commemorations of sacrifice—they are proclamations of love, resilience, and faith. They remind us that while seas and borders may separate families, prayer and the Eucharist unite them in Christ, who Himself promised, “I am with you always.”
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
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