Santiago PE participated in the advanced filming of the Eucharistic Celebration marking the Day of the Migrants held on Saturday, 22 July 2017 at the San Ramon Parish in the Providencia district of the city. Representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, South Korea, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Haiti, India, Italy, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Republica Dominicana, Spain, Venezuela and native “chilenos” came in their national costumes.

The Mass opened with a procession led by the main celebrant, Mons. Galo Fernandez who is also the President of the Catholic Institute of Chile for Migration (INCAMI), followed by representatives  from each participating country carrying  their respective flags which they offered at the altar.  A basketful of tropical fruits that are grown in the Philippines were offered  during the Mass by two  Filipinos who were among the  12 who participated in the mass. The overall mood was festive given the lively and rhythmic singing by the  church choir.  During the mass, prayer intentions were read in different  languages; including Filipino.

Continuing economic growth and political stability have made Chile an attractive destination for migrant workers.  The number of foreigners with permanent  residency in Chile have doubled in the past 10 years, reaching record numbers in 2017.  The Filipino Community is among those growing steadily in Chile, with about 100 arriving to the country every year since 2013.   

This Eucharistic event  which was  filmed by the national television, TVN, will be telecast on September 3, the actual Day for Migrants.