Day Full of Meaning — 7 December 2025
December 7, 2025 was a memorable and grace-filled day at the Parroquia de la Comunidad Filipina in Barcelona. The community marked the Second Sunday of Advent, celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Immanuel Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community, and later in the evening held the anticipated Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Immanuel prayer assembly began at 2:30 PM at the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción y San Lorenzo Ruiz in San Agustín Church. The Immanuel Choir and band opened the program with uplifting songs of praise. Guest speakers and the parish priest, Father Lino, offered words of encouragement, reminding everyone to continue their spiritual journey while honoring the priests and leaders who guided the community through the years.
A meaningful highlight of the celebration was the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, lovingly referred to by attendees as “healing.” Devotees lined up as Father Lino prayed over each one, laying hands on them and invoking God’s grace, comfort, and forgiveness.
Following the healing rite, the Immanuel Choir once again led the assembly in joyful praise, closing the anniversary program on a note of hope and gratitude. A Filipino salu-salo, prepared by the Immanuel Food Committee and offered to all attendees, capped the day’s celebration.
As evening fell, the community held a Marian procession on the church grounds before Mass. Father Lino explained the significance of this vigil celebration in honoring the Immaculate Mother whereby he also reflected on the message of the Second Sunday of Advent—Peace—symbolized by the Bethlehem Candle on the Advent wreath. Various Filipino religious groups of the Community brought floral tributes and wreaths before the Holy Mother’s statue at the end of the Mass.
For the Immanuel Prayer Group, December 7 was truly a day rich in meaning—Advent’s call to peace, the anticipation of the Immaculate Conception, and the joy of commemorating their 23rd year as a community.
Immanuel — “God with us!”
by Felix Capili
