Filipino Catholics gather for Annual Bishop's Mass

Intermountain Catholic

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The Misang Bayan choir sings in Tagalog – the Filipino language – during the bilingual Annual Bishop's Mass. Bilingual Masses in English and Tagalog are common in the Philippines, especially in the urban areas. Sonia Diaz, activities coordinator for Misang Bayan, said Filipinos are fast to adapt to this country because of their knowledge of English. IC photo by Priscilla Cabral

SALT LAKE CITY— Misang Bayan means "Community Mass" in Tagalog, the most widely spoken Filipino language. And as a community, Filipinos from throughout the state meet once a month at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

Even though distance makes it hard for some to meet every time, everyone makes an effort to attend the Annual Bishop’s Mass. "We always look forward to the Bishop’s Mass," said Sonia Diaz, one of the first organizers of the community and activities coordinator. This is the second time the Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, has celebrated the bilingual Mass for the Filipino Catholics in Utah. "It’s an honor to have the bishop with us," said Rico Sese, Misang Bayan’s coordinator. "He acknowledges us and makes us feel very important."

The Gospel was about the master who gave his three servants a different number of talents. He was going on a journey, but before that, he gave the first servant five talents, he gave two to the second servant, and only one to the last. When the master came back, the first two servants presented him with double the number of talents he had given them while the last one said he had buried his so the master could have it when he returned.

"You wicked, lazy servant! Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest in my return?" said the master in the Gospel.

"That depends on timing," said Bishop Wester. "I’m not so sure that would apply today. So, things change," he said joking about the situation of the banking system.

He invited each person to change his or her ways for a better, happier life. "Earth organisms survived only if they were capable of changing," he said. "Let Christ call you to new life," he finished.

The Filipino community in Utah has changed. When the Misang Bayan started 11 years ago, there were only 10, maybe 20 families, said Diaz. "We’re always getting new members," she said. "There are now about 400 families," said Remy Machon, Liturgy coordinator.

But other things have not changed. After Mass, the community gets together for a potluck supper with traditional food, drinks, and desserts that could belong to a buffet.

Diaz said that in the Philippines, people always get together and bring food with them. "We don’t miss home that much because of the food," she said.

Bishop Wester blessed the food. "May we extend your banquet with this wonderful food… to strengthen mind, body, and soul," he said.

The Bishop and the Misang Bayan community delighted their pallets while they also enjoyed Harana music. Men courting women sing Harana songs, which are always about love. "Because of you," the bishop’s favorite, was the first Harana song of the afternoon. "It’s a selfless song dedicated to the one you love. It says ‘because of you I’m alive,’" explained Diaz.

Because of Misang Bayan, the Filipino Catholic values and traditions are alive in Utah. "One thing is guaranteed," said Sese. "(The Misang Bayan) will continue."