Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

A large gathering of Filipino Catholics filled the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando on July 27, 2025, marking two significant events: the 20th anniversary of the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of Orlando and the feast day of Our Lady of Antipolo, also known as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

The celebration was attended by Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Delegate for Pope Leo XIV in Jerusalem and Palestine, Bishop John Noonan, and clergy from across the diocese. Father Kenny Aquino, pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Wildwood and ministry liaison, reflected on the growth of the community: “(This day) means a lot since we’re able to witness the growth of the Filipino community, the collaboration between the laity and the Filipino clergy, and how we’ve been able to blossom as a community,” he said. “We’re also honoring the founding fathers, perse—Father Peter Puntal (who died June 11, 2024) and Father Felicito Bebe (who died August 3, 2023) — who made sure this started, and Archbishop Thomas Wenski who urged us to form this ministry.”

Currently, there are active Filipino ministries in twenty-seven parishes throughout Central Florida. More than twelve regional communities processed into Mass with a statue representing their patroness.

Dennis Falcasantos from St. Joseph Parish led his Zamboanga-origin community for his first time at such an event. He said: “Celebrating our faith and our culture is a big deal. That is our identity.”

Seventeen-year-old Vince Piealgo from Divine Mercy Parish in Merritt Island described participating as meaningful for reconnecting with his heritage after moving to America at age five. “All I am is an altar server at our parish, but I feel very proud to be wielding this banner for our community and showing presence.” He added: “I didn’t really have a cultural tether to my heritage. But being here with this community has helped me regain a little bit more of my heritage and my culture. I feel really proud to call myself Filipino.”

Laura Jain from Winter Haven recalled helping start many ministry events over four decades ago including Paring Pinoy (the singing priests) and Simbang Gabi celebrations. She spoke about Our Lady’s significance: “(Our Lady) is a source of protection for me, not just for an actual trip, but my journey in this country from immigrant to citizen. Then from that to a member of the community at large.”

Archbishop Yllana highlighted during his homily: “for all of us as Church, having received the mandate and mission of witnessing the faith. We thank God for having sustained us for being a witness to faith that we share with those who believe and may come to believe” and called on attendees to continue service within unity.

He commended priests who left their homeland to serve others abroad: “responded to the radical call, to a total belonging to the Lord.” He referenced centuries-old missionary work beginning when Christian missionaries arrived in 1521: “A submissive land has, over time become a fruitful land of missionaries generating countless priestly and religious vocations that have spread to every corner of the world,” he said.“You our Filipino priests are living embodiment…‘Go out…proclaim Good News.’”

He connected Our Lady’s historic role protecting galleons crossing oceans with her guidance today: “It is she who accompanied them...protecting them...Her presence is beacon…reminder peace only Christ can give…leads us on...Under protective mantle Blessed Mother…the Filipino Ministry...has flourished…”

Bishop Noonan closed by thanking participants: “May you be shining lights – light that shows rest world that —where you Filipinos are there will be peace...hope...love.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968; it now comprises 79 parishes across nine counties including Brevard County where some celebrants reside.