Newsletter 2026 May
May 2026 vol.6
Chaplain’s Corner
Faith Handed On
May is a beautiful month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother in faith. In Mary, we see a heart that listens, trusts, and keeps God’s word. This Marian spirit can guide us: How is faith passed on across generations?
In our Filipino community, faith is deeply connected with family. Our respect for parents and elders, our care for children, and our joy in celebrating together are all ways in which faith is handed on. Faith becomes alive when children see their parents pray, when young people witness the service of their elders, and when families choose forgiveness, generosity, and hope even in difficult times.
But today, we also know that passing on the faith is not always easy. Many families live busy lives. Young people face many questions and influences. Children grow up in a culture very different from what their parents and grandparents knew. Sometimes, there is a gap between generations — in language, experience, values, and faith.
This is why we need to listen to one another. Parents and elders are called not only to teach, but also to accompany. Young people are called not only to question, but also to remain open. Children need not only instructions, but living examples. Faith grows when stories are shared, questions are welcomed, prayers are prayed together.
Mary teaches us that faith begins with listening. May our families also become schools of listening — where the young are heard, the elderly are respected, and God’s voice is recognized in the middle of everyday life.
May this month of May renew in us a Marian faith — a faith that trusts, listens, and says “yes” to God. And may our Filipino Catholic Community in Berlin continue to be a home where faith is handed on from one generation to the next.
Mary, Mother of Faith, pray for us.
- Fr. Simon Eric Boiser, SVD
Upcoming Church Events
May and June
First Communion Preparation and Celebration
The Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin joyfully continues its preparation for this year’s First Communion celebration. Since October of last year, the children have been attending catechism classes and formation sessions, learning more deeply about the Catholic faith, prayer, the sacraments, and the meaning of the Holy Eucharist.
As part of their final preparation, the First Communicants will participate in their Review Days in May. The first two parts of the review will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while the third part will continue on Sunday, May 10, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. These sessions will help the children review the catechism lessons they have learned throughout the year and prepare spiritually for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
On Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 AM, the children will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate their First Confession, an important step in preparing their hearts for Holy Communion.
The joyful celebration of the First Communion will take place on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, during the Holy Mass at 3:30 PM. Before the Mass, the First Communicants and their families are invited for picture-taking at 2:00 PM in the church garden.
Parents are kindly reminded to prepare the First Communion candles and appropriate First Communion clothes for their children.
The First Communicants are also warmly invited to join the Corpus Christi celebration (Fronleichnam) of the Archdiocese of Berlin with Bishop Heiner Koch on Thursday, June 4, at the St. Hedwig’s Cathedral and Bebelplatz. The celebration will begin with Holy Mass at 6:00 PM, followed by a Eucharistic procession around the city block. First Communicants from different parishes and communities throughout the archdiocese will participate. As in previous years, the Philippine Community has again been invited to organize a Filipino food stand among the international culinary booths.
Finally, the First Communicants are encouraged to continue serving the Church by becoming new altar servers of our community. The first meeting together with the older altar servers will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 12:30 PM in the Jugendheim.
We congratulate our First Communicants and their families and assure them of our prayers as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
May
Flores de Mayo Prayers
Throughout the month of May, the Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin will hold the traditional Flores de Mayo prayers every Sunday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion will take place in the church after the Eucharistic Adoration, which begins at 2:00 PM.
The Flores de Mayo prayers will start at 2:45 PM and will be led by the community catechists together with the children. This beloved Filipino Marian tradition is a beautiful way of expressing love and devotion to Our Lady through prayer, songs, and the offering of flowers during the Marian month.
Children are especially invited to participate actively in the devotion as flower bearers and prayer leaders. Through Flores de Mayo, the younger generation is encouraged to deepen their faith and appreciation for Filipino Catholic traditions centered on Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The community warmly invites families, children, and all devotees of Mary to join this prayerful celebration every Sunday in May as we honor Our Blessed Mother together.
May 3
Santo Niño Pilgrimage to Prague
More than 60 members and friends of the Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin joined a joyful pilgrimage to Prague, in honor of the Holy Child Jesus of Prague, patron of the city. While some pilgrims travelled by car, most departed very early in the morning aboard a rented bus. Throughout the journey, the pilgrims prayed, sang, and shared moments of fellowship, making the trip itself already a meaningful spiritual experience.
The highlight of the pilgrimage was the Filipino Mass celebrated in Prague together with the local Filipino Catholic community. The Mass was celebrated by our chaplain, Fr. Simon Boiser, and concelebrated by Fr. Imman Noel Abelana, OSA, founder of the Filipino community in Prague, who warmly welcomed the pilgrims from Berlin. The Filipino Chorale from Berlin provided the music during the liturgy, helping create a prayerful and joyful celebration in honor of the Santo Niño.
The pilgrimage became a memorable expression of faith, devotion, community spirit, and Filipino hospitality. Many pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pray together in one of the most beloved pilgrimage sites dedicated to the Holy Child Jesus.
We thank all who helped organize the pilgrimage, especially the coordinators, volunteers, choir members, drivers, and everyone who contributed to the success of this beautiful day of prayer and fellowship.
Below are some pictures from the event.
May 10
Mother’s Day Celebration
The Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin will joyfully celebrate Mother’s Day during the 3:30 PM Holy Mass on Sunday, May 10, at Heilig Geist Church. In a beautiful tradition of gratitude and appreciation, the Men’s Choir of the community will sing the Mass songs in honor of all mothers.
A special blessing for mothers will take place during the Mass, as the community entrusts all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures to the loving care and protection of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
After the Mass, everyone is invited to a short Mother’s Day program in the parish hall. The gathering will include songs, greetings, and moments of fellowship as the community expresses its gratitude for the love, sacrifices, faith, and dedication of mothers in family and community life.
All are warmly invited to join this meaningful celebration as we honor and thank our mothers for their loving presence and witness in our lives.
May 16 - Marian Pilgrimage
15th Filipino Marian Pilgrimage in Bochum-Stiepel
The Filipino Catholic communities in Germany are warmly invited to take part in the 15th Filipino Marian Pilgrimage on May 16, 2026 at the Cistercian Monastery in Bochum-Stiepel. The annual pilgrimage carries the theme: “With Mary, our companion and guide to fullness of life in God.”
This special gathering is an opportunity for Filipino Catholics from different communities to come together in prayer, fellowship, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Marian month of May. The pilgrimage will take place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and will include prayers, reflections, Marian devotions, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The main celebrant for this year’s pilgrimage will be Rev. Msgr. Gerry Santos, Ed.D., PC. The Filipino Chorale Berlin will provide the music and sing during the Mass, helping create a prayerful and uplifting celebration for all pilgrims.
The annual Marian pilgrimage has become a meaningful yearly tradition for many Filipino faithful in Germany, strengthening both faith and community spirit through shared prayer and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
We invite everyone to join this day of grace and spiritual renewal.
May 17 and 18
Basic Formation on the Creed of the Catholic Church
The CREED Formation Program continues to invite adult Catholics to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and strengthen their spiritual life through a more meaningful understanding of the Creed we profess each Sunday.
The upcoming sessions will focus on Christology (The Study of Christ) and will explore the life and mission of Jesus Christ — from His Incarnation to the beginning of His public ministry — revealing God’s love made visible in Him.
Upcoming Sessions
Session 4
May 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(in-person session with Fr. Manny)
All interested adults are warmly welcome to join the program.
For inquiries and registration, please contact:
Mrs. Liberty Tanangco
Email: ltanangco@hotmail.com
Mobile: +49 1512 9182526
Come and journey with us in deepening our faith and understanding the Creed of the Catholic Church.
May 24
The Feast Choir at the “Night of the Open Churches”
The Praise and Worship Choir and Band of the Philippine Catholic Community from Heilig Geist will participate in this year’s “Night of the Open Churches” (Nacht der offenen Kirchen) on May 24, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at St. Canisius Church, Witzlebenstr. 30, Berlin.
After the evening Mass, the church will host a special “Liturgical Night” with psalm prayers and various musical performances. Participating artists include Cherim Adelhöfer (organ), a saxophone duo, a duet with piano accompaniment, accordion from the band “SODA” featuring swing, jazz, and chanson music.
Our Filipino community choir and band will contribute songs of praise and worship as part of the evening program.
Everyone is warmly invited to join this prayerful and musical celebration.
May 25 - Pentecost
Pentecost Monday Mass
The Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin is warmly invited to join the Pentecost Monday Mass on May 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Bernhard Church, Königin-Luise-Straße 33, Berlin.
This special celebration will gather the different communities of the English-Speaking Mission in the Archdiocese of Berlin for a joint Eucharistic celebration and fellowship. Our Filipino community will actively participate in the liturgy and the gathering after the Mass.
Pentecost reminds us of the unity of the Church through the Holy Spirit despite different languages, cultures, and nations. All members and friends of the Filipino community are encouraged to attend and celebrate together with the international Catholic communities in Berlin.
May 31 (Santa Cruzan) & May 17 (Presentation)
Santa Cruzan Celebration
The Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin will celebrate the traditional Santa Cruzan on Sunday, May 31, 2026, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and remembering the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena. This beloved Filipino Marian tradition brings together faith, culture, and community in a joyful celebration during the month of May.
The celebration will begin with the Holy Mass at 3:00 PM, followed by the traditional Santa Cruzan procession at 4:00 PM. The different Reynas and participants will take part in the procession as a public expression of Marian devotion and Filipino cultural heritage.
After the procession, all participants are invited for a group picture-taking at the stairs of the church. The cultural program will include the Philippine and German National Anthems, welcome remarks by our chaplain, and a message from our ambassador H.E. Maria Teresa Almojuela. Highlights of the afternoon include the presentation of the Biblical Reynas and cultural performances by the Filipiniana Dance Group and the Kasayahan Dance Group of the Philippine Community.
As part of the preparation for the Santa Cruzan, there will be a presentation of all Reynas on May 17, immediately after the Mass in the church, two weeks before the main celebration.
The community warmly invites everyone to join and support this beautiful tradition of faith, prayer, and Filipino culture.
June
June EVENTS
Fronleichnam/ Corpus Christi
Thursday, June 4
Bebelsplatz, St. Hedwig Cathedral
Holy Mass at 6:00 pm
Procession at 7:00 pm
Filipino Food stand
Family Day of the Phil. Community
Saturday, June 13
Warnemünde, Rostock
Holy Mass in chapel „Maria Meeresstern“ at 11:00 am
Lunch & games at the beach
Plenary Council Meeting
Sunday, June 14
Parish Hall after the Mass & Fellowship
Pfarrgemeindefest Heilig-Geist
Sunday, June 28
German & Phil. Food Stand, Cultural Program
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.
June 13, 2026
Family Day in Warnemünde, Rostock
The Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin warmly invites everyone to this year’s Family Day on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Warnemünde, Rostock.
The day will begin with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 11:00 AM at the chapel “Maria Meeresstern.” After the Mass, the community will gather at the beach for lunch, games, fellowship, and family activities.
Lunch will be a potluck gathering, and everyone — individuals, families, or groups — is warmly invited to bring and share food with the community.
Family Day is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to spend time together outside Berlin, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a joyful day of prayer, relaxation, and togetherness by the sea.
All families, children, and friends of the community are warmly welcome to join this special summer gathering.
Missionary Families for Christ
Every Wednesday: Online Virtual Intercessory Prayer
May 1: General Prayer Assembly.
Once a month: Household prayer meetings in all sections:
Couples
Handmaids
Singles
Kids
May 28- 29: Online Virtual , World Handmids Congress ( WHC ) will be held in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Shalom Community / Tinig Shalom
May 17 at 3:30 pm: Tinig Shalom Choir Service
Loved Flock
May 10 & 17 - Prayer Meeting
May 23 - 2000 Hail Marys
May 24 - (Pentecost) -Praise & Worship
May 31 - Intercessory Prayer
Catholic Women’s Singing Group
Choir Service schedule at Haus Malta on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM:
May 20
June 17
July 29
August 12
September 16
FEAST Light Berlin – Family Day
May 16, 2026
1:30 PM
Britzer Garten
Sangerhauser Weg 1, 12349 Berlin
This will be a potluck picnic. Participants are welcome to bring food to share, as well as picnic blankets, games, or balls.
For more upcoming activities and current schedules, please visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/thefeastberlin
Catholic Women’s League
▪︎ Regular Meeting: May 17 at 1:30 pm
▪︎ Joint Pilgrimage to the islands of Malta on June 24-30 with the CWL-Hamburg
Regular Church Events
Children’s Catechism – May Schedule
Our children’s catechism sessions will take place from 3:30–4:15 pm at the Prayer Room of the Jugendheim.
Schedule & Topics:
• May 10 (Mother’s Day) – “The Holy Spirit Helps Us Love” (John 14:15-21). Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and help us love others with kindness and care, just like our mothers do every day.
• May 24 (Pentecost Sunday) – “The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper” (John 20:19–23). The Holy Spirit helps us do what is good, love others, and follow Jesus every day.
We warmly invite all children to join and grow in faith together.
First Week Devotional Masses
Notice: Weekday Mass Schedule (May–August 2026)
Please note that there will be no Masses on the 1st Wednesdays, 1st Fridays, and 1st Saturdays from May until August, due to our chaplain’s duty-bound absence during these months. The regular schedule of these weekday Masses will resume in September.
The Marian devotees are encouraged to continue praying their novenas on these days. You are also welcome to join the evening Masses at 6:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Thank you very much for your understanding and continued support.
Sunday Mass
Celebrate with us every Sunday:
2:30 PM: Adoration
3:00 PM: Rosary
3:30 PM: Mass
Blessing Schedule
Our community comes together after the mass for special blessings throughout the month. Join us for these meaningful celebrations:
May 3
Birthdays - every 1st Sunday
May 10
Wedding and anniversaries - every 2nd Sunday
May 17
Religious Items - every 3rd Sunday
May 24
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
May Birthday Celebrants
1 Ryan-Marc Wegmeier
2 Kari Emma Pochert
3 Ma. Rubie May Saquine
5 Maureen Roa
6 Raymund Eul
7 Norma Kirste, Luke Wonderlich, Aaliyah Vollbrecht
8 Melanie Domingo
9 Josephine Bödecker, Edene Kunze
10 Lia Kelani Mürdter, Mameng Pilapil, LeticiaWiedhorn
H.E. Ambassador Maria Teresa Almojuela
13 Karen Faye Miyaki, Brian Mike Sicat,
Zenaida Sael-Hanne, Alexander Paul Heinze
16 Mia Kristin Erwes
17 Heribert Röhrig, Azucena Dudzik
18 Eladia Silang
19 Kystal Orate
20 Jasmin Heinze
23 Thomas Heinemann
24 Margaretz Holzner
25 Angelina Pochert, Rebecca Lemke,
Jennifer Canlas, Riza May Fabila
26 Olivia Wong, Robert Brandeis
28 Father Jun De Ocampo
29 Ma. Theresa Jaralve, Joy Umahoy
31 Jakob Kehrberg
If you wish to be part of our birthday celebrants, feel free to register and reach out to any of the pastoral team members.
Data Protection Notice: If you do not wish your birthday to be published, please let us know. We will delete your data from our birthday list upon request.
If you would like to support our church with a donation, please send your contribution to the following bank details:
Bankverbindung: Erzbistum Berlin Phililpp. Gemeinde Bayernallee
IBAN: DE06 3706 0193 6001 4610 18
BIC: GENODEDIPAX
Kontonummer: 6001 461 018
BLZ: 37060193 (Pax-Bank eG)
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Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin
Bayernallee 28, 14052 Berlin
Germany
