On 24 November 2014, the Philippine Embassy, led by Minister and Consul General Leila Lora-Santos, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., attended the 11th Anniversary of the Mother Ignacia Del Espiritu Santo (MIDES) Filipino Community at the Pontificio Oratorio di San Pietro in Rome, and celebarated with the MIDES members and volunteers the Feast of Christ the King.

The anniversary mass was con-celebrated by Father Erwin Balagapo, Spiritual Director of the MIDES Community; Father Ricky Gente, Chaplain of the Sentro Filipino Chaplaincy, Father Greg Gaston, Rector of Colegio Filipino and Father Stanley Baldon, Director of the San Giorgio Parish Filipino Community. The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a cultural presentation showcasing Filipino talents.

Minister and Consul General Lora-Santos in congratulating the community on its anniversary, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in the success of every community.

The MIDES Filipino Community is a faith-based organization founded in honor of Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santos, a Filipino religious sister, known for her acts of piety and religious poverty. Mother Ignacia was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.