In the Raval neighborhood, a significant number of people from the Philippines have settled down for many years. With many Filipino Catholic families, they have spread across various parishes in the area, including the Parish of Our Lady of Bethlehem. The children attend local schools such as Escola Labouré, Escola Vedruna Àngels, and Escola Milà i Fontanals.

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Since the year 2000, the children have been attending parish catechesis along with others from the neighborhood. The community is quite large, leading to a substantial number of Filipino catechumens. They gather on Tuesday afternoons, following the school schedule, and many of them also participate in the choir, which meets on Thursdays. Additionally, some learn to serve as altar servers.

 

In 2018, a group was formed with the name "Pares sense Barreres" (Families without Barriers) to assist parents in the education of their children. With the arrival of Father Adilson Tolentino at the parish at the end of 2020, the Filipino community has been integrated into the Pastoral Council. They currently have Eucharistic ministers, greeters, lectors, and participate in the formation and catechesis of baptism and marriage. They also take part in the International Mass held on the last Sunday of each month at 12 PM. Additionally, they celebrate the feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod on April 2nd as their second Filipino saint.

 

Every Sunday at 1 PM, there is a Eucharistic celebration attended by both parents and children. The children put into practice what they have learned in catechesis and the songs they have rehearsed.

 

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