Philippine Bishops Urged to Intensify Prayer and Pastoral Care for Filipinos Working in Middle East

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), has urged dioceses across the country to intensify prayers and pastoral care for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a letter dated March 18, 2026, addressed to bishops, Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates C. Mesiona, MSC, chairman of the CBCP-ECMI, highlighted the growing humanitarian impact of the crisis, particularly on civilians and migrant workers.

“The protracted conflict in the Middle East continues unabated, inflicting profound suffering on countless innocent lives,” Bishop Mesiona said. “It is the ordinary people, civilians, families, and vulnerable workers—who bear the heaviest burden in such tragedies,” he added.

He also noted that many OFWs in the region are now facing “dire straits, separated from loved ones and facing uncertainty,” as tensions persist.

The commission acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine government, particularly the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in assisting affected Filipinos, while expressing the Church’s readiness to collaborate, especially in providing spiritual and moral support.

“We commend their challenging work and gratefully acknowledge their request for collaboration from the Church, particularly in offering moral and spiritual support to our OFWs and their families,” the bishop said.

Bishop Mesiona appealed to dioceses to mobilize their migrant ministries and related structures to closely monitor the situation of OFW families within their jurisdictions and extend concrete pastoral care.

“I humbly appeal each of your diocesan migrant offices, or equivalent structures, to monitor the situation of OFW families within your jurisdiction and extend concrete pastoral care,” he wrote.

Beyond social and pastoral action, the CBCP also called for a unified spiritual response. Bishop Mesiona urged fellow bishops to organize special prayers for peace in the Middle East at the diocesan and parish levels.

“Furthermore, I earnestly request that you organize a special prayer for peace in the Middle East at the diocesan level, and, where possible, in parishes, perhaps during the Prayer of the Faithful at Sunday Masses or through dedicated adoration hours.”

Bishop Mesiona concluded his message by calling on Church leaders to embody compassion and solidarity, especially toward those most affected by the crisis.

“In these efforts, may we bishops lead by example, embodying the Church’s solicitude as a mother to all her children, especially the displaced and afflicted,” he said.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to affect not only local populations but also migrant communities, the CBCP’s call underscores the Church’s commitment to accompany those in distress, both through concrete action and sustained prayer.

The appeal comes as thousands of Filipinos working abroad remain vulnerable to the consequences of geopolitical conflicts, prompting renewed efforts from both Church and state to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.