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8 February 2024, Ottawa – The Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa joined the Philippine Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria on Wednesday, 7 February 2024, in a simple yet meaningful Thanksgiving Mass, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations.

The Mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, was presided by Rector Rev. Fr. David Bergeron, c.c., and concelebrated by Filipino priest Rev. Fr. Francis Mateo OFM Conv., of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. It was attended by the members of the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa, including members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 215.1st Division, and Knights of Rizal-Gatineau Chapter. Member of Parliament Michael Kram (Regina-Wascana, Saskatchewan), who is also a member of the Canada-Philippines Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group,  joined the event.

During his homily, Fr. Bergeron highlighted the loving and hospitable nature of Filipinos, both in the Philippines and in Canada.  The celebration was accompanied by Tagalog liturgical songs sung by the Filipino choir of the Assumption Parish in Ottawa with Mr. Roberto Madlansacay as pianist. 

The oldest and largest church in Ottawa, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic minor designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, featuring its neo-classical and gothic architecture.

The Thanksgiving Mass is the Philippine Embassy’s inaugural event to kick off a  series of commemorative activities to mark this important milestone in Philippines-Canada relations. END