Philippines: Diocese of Antipolo Holds Jubilee for Migrants

The Diocese of Antipolo, Philippines, gathered migrants, their families, and advocates for a Jubilee for Migrants on October 25, at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Joseph in Baras, Rizal, echoing the Church’s call to uphold the dignity of every human person, especially those who journey far from home seeking hope and belonging. 

In his message, Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo and Parish Priest of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, reminded the faithful that Jesus himself was a migrant who “was born in a manger, fled to Egypt, and journeyed through Galilee and Judea, always seeking hearts open to love.” 

“This Jubilee is not merely a celebration, it is a pilgrimage of dignity,” Bishop Santos said. “It is a moment when the Church turns her gaze toward those who walk unfamiliar roads, who carry stories of courage, loss, and hope across borders and oceans. You are not strangers to us. You are the living Gospel, written in footsteps and sacrifice.” 

The bishop called the event a “sanctuary of healing,” a time to renew strength and affirm worth, especially for migrants who may feel forgotten. “You are not defined by papers or passports, but by the divine image you bear,” he affirmed, urging parishes to be places of encounter that welcome migrants not only with assistance but with genuine accompaniment. 

“In welcoming the migrant, we welcome Christ,” he said, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, to guide all who seek refuge and peace. 

A Survivor’s Story: From Victim to Voice 

Among those who shared their testimony was Rubylyn Acebo, a survivor of human trafficking and now President of Buklod Laya, an organization of survivors formed through Voice of the Free, a long-time partner of the Diocese of Antipolo in helping victims of trafficking and exploitation.

At just 15 years old, Rubylyn was lured by an illegal recruiter with promises of work as a waitress in Batangas. Together with her friends, she discovered too late that they were to be taken to Mindoro for sexual exploitation. “I didn’t know what to do,” she recalled. “I was scared, I didn’t know if I could ever go home.” 

Through the vigilance of the Port Authority, who were trained by Voice of the Free to identify trafficking activities, Rubylyn and her companions were rescued and brought to a safe house in Manila. Despite fear and uncertainty, she pursued a legal case against their trafficker. 

“It wasn’t easy. There were times I wanted to give up,” she said. “But I felt God was tapping me to continue, not just for myself but for all the other children and women who were victimized.” 

After three years of legal battle, Rubylyn and her fellow survivors won the case, and their trafficker was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008. That victory marked the beginning of her healing and her mission to help others reclaim their dignity. 

Through the support of Voice of the Free, she finished a degree in Computer Technology and now works as a program associate, mentoring other survivors. Buklod Laya, the organization she leads, provides a support network for survivors, offering livelihood programs such as the Buklod Laya Kitchen and spiritual formation activities centered on healing and faith. 

“We want survivors to be free, free from abuse, free to learn, free to dream, and free to live with dignity,” she said. “Our goal is to be strong and to help free others. This is not just my fight, it’s ours, together we must end human trafficking.” 

Hope Beyond Borders 

The Jubilee for Migrants in the Diocese of Antipolo served as both a celebration and a mission, a moment to honor the journeys of those displaced and to renew the Church’s commitment to protect, accompany, and integrate migrants and survivors of exploitation. 

Bishop Santos closed his message with a prayer that the event would “ignite a new Pentecost of compassion, where every tongue, tribe, and nation finds unity in love,” entrusting all migrants to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who herself journeyed in faith and found refuge in God. 

Through testimonies like Rubylyn’s, the Jubilee became a living sign of hope, reminding the Church that the path of every migrant and survivor is also a journey toward restored dignity, faith, and freedom. 

(Leahna Villajos, currently serving as the Social Media Officer at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Philippines, is also a freelancer who contributes regularly to RVA and other Catholic platforms.)