Newsletter 2026 March

May 01, 2026

March 2026 vol.4

Chaplain’s Corner

A Migrant Church in the Desert

As we journey through Lent toward Holy Week, the Church invites us into the desert — a place of purification and transformation. For us as a Filipino migrant community, the desert is more than a biblical image. It reflects our own experience.

Israel wandered forty years in the desert. There were moments of fear, sacrifice, and longing for home. Yet it was there that God formed His people and taught them trust.

Migration can feel like a desert. We know homesickness, silent sacrifices, long work hours, and the pain of distance from loved ones. But we also discover resilience. We learn to depend on God more deeply. Our faith becomes not just tradition, but personal conviction.

Lent asks us: What has this journey taught us about God and about ourselves? Perhaps it has taught us that we are stronger than we thought — and that God has never left our side.

As we approach Holy Week, may we unite our sacrifices with Christ’s. The desert is not a place of abandonment, but of formation. God is shaping us here — purifying our hearts and transforming our struggles into grace.

May this Lent renew us as a faithful and resilient migrant Church, walking together toward Easter hope.

With prayers,

- Fr. Simon Eric Boiser, SVD

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:

March 4

6:00 PM - 1st Wednesday Mass

March 6

5:00 PM - Sacred Heart Novena before the Mass.
6:00 PM - 1st Friday Mass

March 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

Upcoming Holy Masses outside Berlin

Magdeburg

The next Holy Mass for the Filipino Community in Magdeburg will be celebrated on Saturday, March 14 at 3:00 pm at St. Agnes Church, Nachtweide 90, 39124 Magdeburg.

The choir Tinig Shalom will sing during the Mass and will also lead a Prayer Meeting before the celebration. Those who wish to join or need further information may contact Bro. Max Magtibay.

Potsdam

The next Holy Mass for the Filipino Community in Potsdam will be on Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 pm at the Chapel of the Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus Potsdam-Sanssouci, Allee nach Sanssouci 7, 14471 Potsdam.

All are warmly invited to participate and celebrate the Eucharist together.

Blessing Schedule

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

March 1

Birthdays - every 1st Sunday

March 8

Wedding and anniversaries - every 2nd Sunday

March 15

Religious Items - every 3rd Sunday

March 22

Healing Prayer - every 4th Sunday

Let us gather as one community in thanksgiving as we observe the Lenten season in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

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 March 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:

March 8 - The Ten Commandments and the Greatest Commandment
- The children will reflect on God’s commandments as a guide for Christian living and deepen their understanding of Jesus’ call to love God and neighbor.
March 29 – Palm Sunday: The Institution of the Eucharist and the Passion
- In preparation for Holy Week, the session will focus on the Last Supper, the gift of the Eucharist, and the meaning of Christ’s Passion.

We continue to pray for our First Communicants and their families as they grow in faith and prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

Children’s Catechism

The themes this month are inspired by the Sunday Gospel readings and help our children grow in faith as we journey through Lent.

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

Schedule and Topics:

March 8- “Living Water: Jesus, the Source of True Joy” (John 4:5–42)
- Based on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, the children will learn that Jesus offers “living water” — the love and grace of God that truly satisfies our hearts. The lesson invites them to reflect on thirst, both physical and spiritual, and to understand that only Christ can fill the deepest needs of our lives.
March 29 – “Hosanna! Welcoming Jesus the King” (Matthew 21:1–11)
- On Palm Sunday, we reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The children will explore the meaning of welcoming Jesus with joy and trust, while also learning that true kingship in God’s kingdom is marked by humility, love, and sacrifice. This lesson prepares them to enter Holy Week with understanding and faith.

We invite parents to continue discussing these themes at home and to support their children in living out what they learn.

Upcoming Church Events

Tuesday, March 10

Lenten Recollection & Eucharistic Celebration

All are warmly invited to a Lenten Recollection and Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr. Darwin Gitgano (Diocese of Tagbilaran, Bohol), a well-known preacher and exorcist..

Date: Tuesday, March 10
Time: 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM
Venue: Jugendheim, Bayernallee

Come and renew your faith through prayer, reflection, confession, and the Eucharistic celebration as we prepare for Easter.

Sunday, March 15

Basic Formation on the Creed of the Catholic Church

The next session of our CREED students will take place on Sunday, 15 March, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Jugendheim.

The topic for this session is “Creation.” As part of our Basic Formation on the Creed, we will reflect on our belief in God as Creator — what it means to profess, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” and how this truth shapes our understanding of the world, human dignity, responsibility, and faith.

This formation program is designed for adult Catholics who wish to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and grow spiritually through a more conscious and meaningful profession of the Creed.

Those interested in joining are warmly welcome to contact:

Mrs. Liberty Tanangco
Email: ltanangco@hotmail.com
Mobile: +49 1512 9182526

Holy Week Schedules

Let us journey together in prayer and reflection as we commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord.

Sunday, March 29

Palm Sunday

We begin our Holy Week celebration on Palm Sunday, March 29, commemorating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

The celebration will start with the Blessing of the Palms at 3:00 pm in the parking lot, followed by a solemn procession into the church. As we carry our blessed palms, we join the crowd who welcomed Jesus with joy and proclaimed, “Hosanna!”

The Holy Mass will begin at 3:30 pm inside the church, during which the Passion Play will be presented. Through this dramatization of the Passion of Christ, we are invited not only to remember the events of His suffering and death, but also to reflect on our own faithfulness as disciples

Thursday, April 2

Visita Iglesia - Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, April 2, we continue the cherished Filipino tradition of Visita Iglesia, a prayerful pilgrimage to several churches during Holy Week.

The bus will depart at 7:20 am from Bayernallee, and we expect to return at approximately 4:20 pm. Together, we will visit the following churches outside Berlin:

St. Josef – Strausberg
St. Hubertus – Petershagen
Heilige Familie – Rüdersdorf
St. Bonifatius – Erkner
Heilige Drei Könige – Rahnsdorf
Maria Unbefleckte Empfängnis – Schöneiche
St. Georg – Hoppegarten

At each church, we will spend time in prayer and reflection, remembering the Passion of Christ and preparing our hearts for Easter.

For inquiries and further details:
Emy Brandeis
Mobile: 0151 508 56705

Friday, April 3

Good Friday

The Stations of the Cross will begin at 10:00 am, starting at Bayernallee and proceeding in prayerful procession to the cemetery. At 12:00 pm, we will gather in the church for the Veneration of the Cross.

Let us observe Good Friday in silence, prayer, and reflection, walking closely with the Lord in His Passion and renewing our hope in the promise of the Resurrection.

Please note that there will be no Filipino Mass on Black Saturday, April 4. Those who wish to attend the Easter Vigil are welcome to join the German Mass in Bayernallee at 10:00 pm.

Sunday, April 5

Easter Celebrations

On Easter Sunday, April 5, we will celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord with two Holy Masses:

The Morning Mass will be at 8:00 am on the hill of Drachenberg in Grünewald. We will meet at 7:00 am in Bayernallee and walk together for approximately 30 minutes to the top of the hill. For those coming by public transport, the walk from the S-Bahn station Heerstraße to the hill takes about 16 minutes. After the Mass, everyone is invited to a simple breakfast at the Jugendheim.

The Afternoon Mass will be at 3:30 pm in the church. The Catholic Women’s League invites the children to participate in the traditional “Salubong” of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. An Easter Egg hunting activity for the children will follow after the Mass.

Let us come together as a community to joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

Pilgrimages

Sunday, May 3

Day Trip Pilgrimage to Prague

On May 3, 2026, a day trip pilgrimage to Prague is organized for the Sr. Sto. Niño Mass at St. Thomas Church at 2:00 pm, to be celebrated with Fr. Simon.

For registration and further information, please contact Marie Wegmeier at +49 1573 2669978.

Saturday, May 16

15th Filipino Marian Pilgrimage

All are invited to participate in the 15th Filipino Marian Pilgrimage on May 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Christian-Marienhof, Am Vikarienhof 8, 44799 Bochum-Stiepel. The Main Celebrant will be Rev. Msgr. Gerry Santos, Ed.D., JCL.

Let us walk with Mary as companions and be guided toward fullness of life in God.

September 18 - 23

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - September 2026

You are warmly invited to join a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from September 18–23, 2026.

Come and experience days of prayer, reflection, and fellowship in this special place of faith and renewal. All are welcome.
For inquiries and registration, please contact Sis Salve.

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.

Babaylan Unfiltered – A Salon Talk

In celebration of Women’s Month this March, the Philippine Embassy presents “Babaylan Unfiltered: A Salon Talk” under the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”

This special gathering highlights inspiring Filipino women leaders in Berlin — modern-day Babaylans who heal, build, disrupt, and lead across business, education, arts, and community. Featured speakers include Arianne Reyes, Lea Sylvester, Isa Tabasares, Patricia Villaseñor-Krause, Aureen Aipoh, and Abbey Sy, who will share reflections on their journeys and the power of women in inclusive societies.

The event will take place on Friday, 06 March, from 16:00 to 18:00 at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy. Guests can look forward to meaningful conversations and delightful treats from Kape de Filipina and Oshione Bakery.

Kindly RSVP or register by Tuesday, 03 March via:
bit.ly/upliftbabaylan

All are warmly invited to join this uplifting celebration of Filipina leadership and community.

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.
March 22, 2026
- Serving the community through music, leading the congregation in praise and worship

SVD–Lay Partners

In addition to our regular monthly schedule, we would like to inform everyone of the following activities planned for the month of March. We encourage all Lay Partners to take note and participate actively.

March 5 – SVD Lay Partners Online Zonal Meeting at 8:15 p.m.
The meeting link will be sent to interested members.
March 6 – SVD Lay Partners Dinner after the Sacred Heart Mass
Guests are warmly invited.
Venue: Jugendheim (2nd Floor)
March 11 – Online Missiology Session at 6:00 p.m. (Prayer Room)
All Lay Partners are requested to prepare by reading the suggested reading materials in advance.

Please note that the February Recollection has been postponed to March.
Further details will be announced soon.

The Loved Flock

First Saturday Devotion (2000 Hail Marys)
- Saturday, March 7
  - 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  - Holy Mass at 5:00 PM in Jugendheim
Music Ministry Service
- the Music Ministry on March 29, offering music in service of the liturgy.
Prayer Meeting
- 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month

Feast Light Berlin

Join us on March 22 as we continue our talk series titled “No Longer Strangers” - A Deep Dive On Ephesians.

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.

Sunday, March 22
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Jugendheim, 1st Floor Bayernallee 28, 14052 Berlin

March Birthday Celebrants

Angelo Kistler, Hilmar Schnabel, Ma. Christine Vollbrecht, Arlene Cabra
Zeny Salzmann, Teresita Wittenborn, Michael Libunao
Evangeline Kroschinsky, Myrna Dagatan, Rosalie Stier
Grace Lagua
Lok Hua Wong
Paulo Sibug, Elda Ellinger
Babyrose Heinrich
Nhell Arcinas, Mirah Magtibay,
Eva Lindner, Zosima Lüdeke
Jessie Mamaril, Jonathan Lopez
Jens Hankammer
Maica Magtibay, Leandro Belen David, Jun Florian Lliescu, Myls Rubio
Andreas Bödecker
Carsten Schulz
Estrella Lehmann´
Rose Glass, Jevane Orate, Clouie Marfil, Patricia Metzger
Eril Raabe
Lourdes Roa
Genita Wallmeyer, Gloria Groll, Lola Violeta Haberstock, Heinz-Jürgen Heinze, Michelle Ann Dagondon
Marissa Pronath , Patrick Bätz
Rosario Magaso, Sollie Anklam, Handojo Sugianto, Salome Stenske, Elizah Magtibay, Mayumi Alba Niessen, Eliza Jeandelle Hankammer
Isaiah Orteza, Mariecelle Augustine-Parrau
Spencer Heise
Richie Gutzeit, Raquel Klingel, Corinna Heinrich, Kathleen Venson, Alexander Ginete, Jenny Lynne Hankammer
Gloria Lange, Glenn Zietlow, Emelinda Navarro, Sixta Roloff, Ma.Kristina Gwen Nugpo
Hans Brrandeis, Archievald Abas, Emmalinda Dapitan-Thom, Ivy Ann Wegner
Liam Klaus Schulz