Pope Leo XIV visits San Agustin, parish church of Barcelona’s Filipino community

BARCELONA, Spain — On June 10, Pope Leo XIV visited the Church of San Agustin in Barcelona’s El Raval district, where he met with diocesan charity and welfare organizations.

San Agustin is also the parish church of the Filipino Catholic community in Barcelona. It is served by a small Augustinian community that includes two Filipino priests: Fr. Dennis Pineda, the prior, who has been in pastoral ministry in Spain for more than 16 years, and Fr. Michael Go, parish priest of the Filipino community.

A Tagalog Mass is celebrated there, and Filipino religious traditions such as Santacruzan, the Feast of Sto. Niño and Simbang Gabi are observed by the community.

Joining the two priests at the event were Karen de Lima Reyes, Marian coordinator; John Paul Ricafort, parish youth coordinator; and Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in Barcelona, representing the Filipino community.

For Fr. Michael, the Pope’s message was deeply moving as parish priest of the Inmaculada Concepción y San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Filipino Parish in Barcelona.

“It gives me hope and comfort because he gives importance to people who are often forgotten: the poor, the lonely, and those going through difficulties in life,” Fr. Michael said.

He also said the Pope’s words reminded him of his responsibility “to be more humane, more understanding, more caring, and more ready to help others.”

In a private moment with Pope Leo XIV, Fr. Michael said he asked the Pope to pray for the victims of the earthquake in the Philippines.

“He said yes. He knew about it and said he would pray for them. He had a very soft voice. I could feel his compassion,” Fr. Michael said.

Karen de Lima Reyes also described the encounter as intimate and emotional.

“To be one of the audience members in San Agustin Church was overwhelming. I feel so lucky and blessed,” she said.

During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV heard from representatives of Cáritas Diocesana, as well as projects helping people with addictions and women who are victims of human trafficking.

In his message, the Pope reminded the faithful that Christians are called to go out and meet others.

“Called to love God and our brothers and sisters out of love for him, we too are sent to go out and meet everyone,” Pope Leo XIV said.

He also said Christians must be compassionate, love selflessly and seek the good of others.

The visit highlighted the social work of the Church in Barcelona and became a meaningful moment for the Filipino community, whose parish life in San Agustin is rooted in faith, service and Filipino Catholic traditions.

Photo credits: Michael Go / David Zorrakino/EUROPA PRESS / Dr. G. SIMON