Newsletter 2026 February

May 01, 2026

February 2026 vol.3

Chaplain’s Corner

As we enter the holy season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 18, our Philippine Community is invited not only to repentance, but also to remember. This month’s theme, Memory & Gratitude, leads us back to the early years of our community here in Berlin.

Remembering is a sacred act. In faith, memory is never just about the past—it is thanksgiving. As we recall the humble beginnings of our community, we ask ourselves: Who carried the faith before us? Who prayed, served, sacrificed, and kept the flame of faith alive so that we could receive it today?
Marked with ashes, we acknowledge our fragility, but we also honor the grace that has been faithfully handed on. May this Lent deepen our gratitude, strengthen our sense of belonging, and inspire us to become faithful bearers of the faith for the next generation.

Let us walk this Lenten journey together—with remembrance, humility, and hope.

- Fr. Simon Eric Boiser, SVD

Ambassador’s Message

I wish to thank the Filipino community in Berlin for the warm welcome extended to me during the Eucharistic Mass held at Heilig-Geist Kirche in Bayernallee on 24 January 2026. This heartfelt fellowship of the members of the Parish within days of my arrival, meant a lot to me as I begin my service in Germany. It was a wonderful beginning to my journey as Ambassador and I look ahead to meeting more of the vibrant Filipino communities in Germany.

I am thrilled to assume my post at this time, with the Filipino diaspora flourishing alongside the strong momentum of the diplomatic relations between our two countries. I shall proceed with hope in fulfilling my responsibilities in the coming days, trusting in the goodwill and support from the Filipino expatriates in Germany.

Please be assured that the Philippine Embassy is always open to help and to foster meaningful conversations and projects to celebrate the Filipino diaspora in Germany as we aim to take the level of understanding, cooperation and friendship between the Philippines and Germany to new highs.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay po kayong lahat! Vielen Dank!

- Ambassador Maria Teresa Almojuela

Regular Church Events

First Week Devotional Masses

Let us begin the month with prayer and thanksgiving through our traditional first-week devotional Masses, all to be held at the Jugendheim, Bayernallee:

February 4

6:00 PM - 1st Wednesday Mass

February 6

5:00 PM - Sacred Heart Novena before the Mass.
6:00 PM - 1st Friday Mass (at the Church, with the German community)

February 7

4:00 PM - Novena to Our Lady of Manaoag before the Mass.
5:00 PM - 1st Saturday Mass

Join us in these sacred devotions as we honour the Lord and our Blessed Mother, seeking blessings

Sunday Mass

Celebrate with us every Sunday:

2:30 PM: Adoration
3:00 PM: Rosary
3:30 PM: Mass

Important note:
There will be no Philippine Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Community members are encouraged to join the Ash Wednesday liturgies in their local parishes.

Let us gather as one community in prayer and thanksgiving as we begin the Lenten season.

Blessing Schedule

Our community comes together after the mass for special blessings throughout the month. Join us for these meaningful celebrations:

February 1

Birthdays - every 1st Sunday

February 8

Wedding and anniversaries - every 2nd Sunday

February 15

Religious Items - every 3rd Sunday

February 22

Healing Prayer - every 4th Sunday

Sacramental Services

For baptism inquiry, please get in touch with Minda Moaje Barth

Confession, Private Blessings, and Marriage Counselling

Please get in touch with Fr. Simon Boiser:

e-mail: simonsvd@gmail.com
mobile: +49 172 6860 147

Catechism Schedule for First Communicants

The catechism sessions for our First Communicants will continue in the month of February 2026. Parents and children are kindly reminded of the following schedule:

Time: 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Venue: Prayer Room of the Jugendheim

Schedule and Topics:

February 8- Learning the Prayers
- Introduction to the basic Catholic prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, helping children learn how to pray with trust, gratitude, and confidence.
February 25 – Creed and the Rosary
- Understanding the Creed as a summary of our Catholic faith and discovering the Rosary as a simple and prayerful way to reflect on the life of Jesus with Mary.

We encourage parents to support their children by ensuring regular attendance and by praying together at home as part of their preparation for First Holy Communion.

Children’s Catechism

The Children’s Catechism classes are held every second and last Sunday of the month, during the Sunday Mass. These sessions help children grow in faith through age-appropriate lessons, prayer, and reflection.

Time: 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Venue: Prayer Room of the Jugendheim

January Topics:

February 8- Salt and Light: God’s Helpers (Matthew 5:13–16)
- Children will learn how Jesus calls us to be salt and light by showing love, kindness, and goodness in everyday life.
February 22 – When Things Are Hard, God Is Near (Matthew 4:1–11)
- A reflection on how God stays close to us in times of difficulty and helps us choose what is good, even when things are challenging.

Parents are kindly encouraged to support their children’s faith journey by ensuring regular participation.

Upcoming Church Events

Sunday, February 15

Fasching / Carnival Celebration

Join us for our Fasching / Carnival Celebration on Sunday, February 15, right after the Sunday Mass.

Venue: Parish Hall

Fasching, also known as Carnival, is a long-standing tradition in Germany celebrated before the beginning of Lent. It is a joyful time of music, laughter, and community, marking the final days before the Church enters the more solemn season of prayer, fasting, and penance on Ash Wednesday. In this spirit, we gather to celebrate life and fellowship before turning our hearts more deeply toward spiritual renewal.

Everyone is warmly invited to wear carnival costumes. There will be songs, dances, and prizes for the best costumes. Come and celebrate with us in joy and community.

Saturday, February 28

Lenten Recollection

Our Philippine Community is invited to a Lenten Recollection as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM
Venue: St. Bernard Königin-Luise-Straße 33, 14195 Berlin
Theme: “Up the Mountain with Christ: A Lenten Journey of Transformation”
Description: Lent invites us to step away from noise and routine and to follow Jesus to the mountain of prayer. In His presence, we allow God to reveal our true identity, renew our faith, and prepare us to return to daily life transformed.

Speaker & Mass Celebrant: Fr. Simon Boiser
Registration:
Ms. Tharshini Wilson
Email: tharshini.wilson@me.com
WhatsApp: +49 173 2032808

Thursday, April 2

Visita Iglesia - Holy Thursday

The Philippine Community warmly invites everyone to join the Visita Iglesia, the traditional visiting of churches on Holy Thursday during Holy Week, on Thursday, April 2.

Visita Iglesia is a cherished Lenten tradition in the Philippines, usually observed on Holy Thursday. The faithful visit several churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting on the Passion of Christ and accompanying Him spiritually on the night of His suffering. It is a prayerful journey marked by silence, gratitude, and deep reflection, often shared with family and the wider community.

Just like last year, we will travel together by bus to visit different churches. The schedule and venues will be announced soon.

Reservation and inquiries:
Emy Brandeis
Mobile: 0151 508 56705
Email: emilia_brandeis@yahoo.com

September 18 - 23

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - September 2026

Our Philippine Community is invited to join a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, the shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, from September 18–23, 2026, accompanied by Fr. Simon Boiser.

Medjugorje is a place of prayer, reconciliation, and renewal, often called “the largest confessional in the world.” This pilgrimage offers an opportunity for personal conversion and a deeper relationship with Christ through Holy Mass, adoration, processions, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Highlights of the pilgrimage include:

Daily religious program with Holy Mass, procession, and adoration
Ascent to Apparition Hill
Excursion to Blagaj Tekke and visit to Mostar
Time for prayer, reflection, and fellowship

Date: September 18–23, 2026
Price: €850 (single room supplement: €100)
Group size: up to 30 participants
Registration deadline: End of February 2026
Registration & Contact:
Salve Vietz
Telephone: +49 176 83091262
Email: salvacion.vietz@gmail.com
Facebook: Salvacion Vietz

Upcoming Community Events

NOTICE OF RESUMPTION OF OVERSEAS VOTER REGISTRATION

Registration Period: 01 December 2025 to 30 September 2027

Filipinos in Germany are informed that the Overseas Voters Registration for the 2028 National and Local Elections has already resumed. If you wish to register, transfer registration records, correct entries (e.g., civil status, name, birthdate), reactivate records, and change address, please file your registration application with any of the following registration sites:

Philippine Embassy in Berlin
Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt

To register, submit your duly accomplished Overseas Voting Form 1 (OVF 1) and have your biometrics (finger print, photo, signature) taken to complete the registration process.

Alternatively, you may pre-fill out OVF 1 via the iRehistro through link https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/ovf1. After encoding all the needed information, please save a copy of the iRehistro-generated PDF file (2 pages, last page with 4 QR codes) and print. Bring the printed accomplished form to your chosen registration site for onward processing.

Call for Filipino Artists & Writers in Germany

The Philippine Embassy in Germany is conducting a survey to create an updated directory of Filipino artists and writers currently based in Germany.

This initiative aims to strengthen networking, visibility, and future collaborations within the Filipino creative community. Filipino artists of all disciplines are warmly encouraged to participate.

To join, please complete the survey at the following link: http://bit.ly/PHKunstler

Please feel free to share this invitation with Filipino artists and writers you know in Germany.

Missionary Families of Christ (MFC)

A Community United in Prayer

Monthly Prayer Assembly
- Once a month – coming together in worship, reflection, and fellowship.
Weekly MFC Intercessory Prayer (Online)
- Every Wednesday - A dedicated time to lift up intentions, families, and the mission in prayer.

Legion of Mary

On February 11, 2026, we joyfully celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Patroness of the sick and comforter of the afflicted.

Bible Sharing Family / SVD–Lay Partners

Activities open to everyone!
The Bible Sharing Family and the SVD–Lay Partners warmly invite all community members to join our prayerful gatherings this February. Each activity is a chance to deepen faith, strengthen fellowship, and grow together in mission.

February 3 | 7:30–9:00 PM
Adoration at Heilig Geist – Coordinated by ACOA
Contact: Beth Jasper · +49 178 5473843

February 5 | 9:00 AM
Walk for Priests – Holy Mass for Vocations at St. Christophorus, followed by a prayer walk to Maria Frieden
Contact: Eliza · +49 176 41815119

February 7 | 10:00 AM
Rosary Kids – Holy Mass at Johannes Basilika, followed by the Rosary
Contact: Gerhard · +49 176 44464943

February 15 | 2:00 PM
Mother of Sorrows Prayer Meeting at Rosenkranz Basilika
(Please note: due to a concert at 4:00 p.m., the prayer meeting has been moved to 2:00 p.m.)
Contact: Gloria Lange · 0163 699 7777

February 28
Servants of the Word Meeting – Chaplet of Sto. Niño, Reading from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Divine Mercy, Bible Sharing, Healing Prayer, Adoration, and Holy Mass
Contact: Jingjing Oginski · +49 1522 6222952

Brief News | SVD–Lay Partners

The SVD–Lay Partners in Berlin, in collaboration with the SVD–Lay Partners Southern Province in Cebu, are supporting displaced families of Rosary Kids members in Jaclupan, Talisay, who were affected by Typhoon Tino.

Through your generosity, the Lay Partners in Berlin have already donated €1,200 for this relief project. We kindly ask for continued support. Those who wish to contribute may request the bank account details for donations via bank transfer.

Thank you for your prayers, solidarity, and generosity.

The Loved Flock

First Saturday Devotion (2000 Hail Marys)
- Saturday, February 1
  - 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  - Holy Mass at 5:00 PM in Jugendheim
Music Ministry Service
- Serving at all Holy Masses for the month of February
- Practice: Every Sunday at 5:00 PM
Prayer Meeting
- 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month
26th Anniversary Celebration
- Anniversary Date: February 19
- Celebration: February 21 (Saturday)
  - Time and venue to be announced

Feast Light Berlin

Join us on February 22 as we continue our talk series titled “No Longer Strangers” - A Deep Dive On Ephesians. Talk 2’s key message: You belong to God’s House.

Please save the date and invite your friends. No matter your story, there is a place for you in His family. We’re excited to welcome you back to our monthly gathering.

See you all at the Feast! You are loved.