It was a beautiful, sunny morning on June 21, 2025, as we gathered once again for our Annual Family Funday and celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
We arrived at the picnic area at exactly 10:00 AM. The first to arrive were Ate Billy, Kuya Piet, Jenny, and Teun, warmly welcoming everyone with smiles while enjoying coffee. It was heartwarming to see the spirit of togetherness among friends who are like family through faith.
As more members arrived, Martin and the boys began setting up tents, a true display of Bayanihan (unity and cooperation). At 11:00 AM, Elpi Guttierez led the opening prayer, thanking God for bringing us together once again.
We then sang the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, with a beat led by Rena van Kleunen in honor of the Philippine Independence Day in the month of June.
We held football games for the children, refereed by Alex van Rhijn. Team Gio won against Team Lucas. Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed dancing and socializing.
There was an abundance of food, and we had lunch at 12:30 PM. Guests continued to arrive throughout the day, including a visitor from Hoofddorp and Fr. Marcel, who led the parlor games.
At 3:00 PM, we held the tombola raffle draw. Elpi Guttierez was recognized as the top seller and received a special prize. The raffle winners were:
1st Prize (€50 cash, #562): Imee
2nd Prize (Sack of rice, #601): Catherine Hartman
3rd Prize (Grocery items): Trini Ruiz
Consolation Prizes: Lita Henke, Eve & Pascal Kroeze, and Catherine Hartman
We also shared stories and life experiences, both joyful and challenging, highlighting the true meaning of family and community.
The event ended at 5:00 PM with clean-up and heartfelt goodbyes. It was truly a memorable day filled with love, unity, and blessings.
We thank everyone who helped make this event a success. Through your support, we raised €500 net. Special thanks to our volunteers, donors (including Joylyn Subtenente, FiHansieel, Jochella, Aziatisch Kleding Reparatie), anonymous sponsors, and all attendees. Even if you couldn’t be with us, you were in our hearts.
We look forward to seeing you next time.
Together, as one community under God, we continue to support each other and work towards our shared goals.
God bless our FCC-Gouda community! Thank you, Jenny Luna, for capturing these moments with all these photos.
Since February 2025, Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua of Cebu has been the charge d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature on Carnegielaan 5 in Den Haag. The Apostolic Nunciature serves as the Vatican’s Embassy in the Netherlands. In recent months, Monsignor Limchua has been getting acquainted with the Catholic communities in the Randstad by saying Mass for the FCC Rotterdam and FCC Dordrecht.
On 31 May 2025 he invited representatives of the various Filipino Catholic Communities (FCCs) to a Meet and Greet. FCC Gouda e.o. was represented by Amor van Os, Mary Jane Streefland, Jenny Luna, and Mary Lynn van Dijk.
A beautiful 19th-century building houses the Apostolic Nunciature, which in Monsignor Limchua’s words is where the Holy Father will stay when he is in the Netherlands. There is a wide and long graveled driveway on the right (from the street) leading to a smaller building where a chapel is located on the first floor. A curved pathway connects the main building with the chapel building. The entrance to the beautiful main building is on the side (not facing the Carnegielaan), and both the main building and chapel building are surrounded by well-maintained lawns.
The FCC Gouda contingent arrived on time, and met the FCC Dordrecht representatives, Marissa van der Graaf and Glenda Huisveld. Agnes van der Beek of the FCC Den Haag, who contacted the various FCCs, also arrived at the same time.
Marissa pressed on the doorbell of the main building, and it was the Monsignor himself who opened the door for us. We could not help but be impressed by the stately interior. He led us to a formal dining room on the right where a long table with a pristine white tablecloth had already been laid, not by himself, he said, but by the nuns. At one end of the dining room was a corridor where a shorter table with a white tablecloth had been prepared for the food we brought with us. After arranging the food, and lighting the tea lights to start warming up the food, we went into the dining room. On one smaller table were bottles of water and soft drinks, and on another, close to the corridor, cutlery and dishes. Then we were led to the beautiful chapel which had dark wood paneling, a beautiful painting of the Holy Family behind the altar, a beautiful painting of St Pope John Paul II on the left wall and windows on the right. To one side of the altar was an almost-life sized statue of the crucified Jesus.
There was to be a Mass at 17:00 and dinner would follow afterwards. As the Mass was an anticipated Mass, the readings were for the following Sunday, Ascension Sunday. After he read the Ascension Sunday Gospel of Jesus taking leave of the Apostles and ascending to heaven, for his homily Monsignor Jan talked about leaving, the pain of leaving, and in Jesus’ case, that He had to leave as He was preparing rooms for His disciples in God’s home in heaven, and so that the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, could descend on the Apostles and guide and strengthen them on their task of evangelization. This task is a task we all Catholics have, to share our faith, to live like Jesus did. Monsignor Jan also said that we Filipinos have very good traits, but we also have some bad ones. We need to make sure that we let our good side rise above our not-so-good habits or practices.
This was the third time Jane and I had heard a homily from Monsignor Jan, and we felt that it was not too short nor too long, but it was to the point, and inspiring, too. We found ourselves agreeing with what he said.
Since Ambassador Malaya was also present, the Monsignor asked him to say something.
After the Mass, the Ambassador suggested that we have our photograph taken in front of the altar. We eagerly took our places. The Ambassador then suggested that a second photograph be taken on the front steps of the main building. We moved out of the church, into the curved walkway connecting the chapel with the main building. On the front steps, we took our places, and had our smiles preserved for posterity. Both photographs can be seen on the FB page of the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands.
Then we queued up for dinner in the formal dining room. On a table by the windows were delicious empanadas and tacos which the nuns had made especially for us.
While people ate, people talked with each other. After dinner, Monsignor explained just what it was his reason for inviting the Filipino Catholic Communities (FCC) to the Apostolic Nunciature. As with his homily, he wanted us to live the faith, and do what Jesus commanded His disciples to do when he said goodbye to them. We were to work together. We would not just make sure that there were Masses for Filipinos in the Netherlands to attend but also make sure that we take care of each other spiritually.
He would request the Dutch Bishops’ Conference for a full-time Filipino priest to be hired to provide us with pastoral care. Take for example the Italians, he added, who have three communities in the Netherlands and get together and have a Mass said in Italian regularly. Perhaps the Filipino communities could set up a joint Santacruzan, or Simbang Gabi.
(Note: This year, the organizer invited FCC Gouda to join the Santacruzan in Hoofddorp, but since the fourth Sunday of May coincided with Fr Marcel’s birthday, we had our very own modest Santacruzan. After the Mass, we helped Fr Marcel celebrate his birthday with Filipino food, songs and dances. In the past two years, the various FCCs arranged for each FCC to organize one of the Simbang Gabi masses. FCC Gouda took care of the Simbang Gabi mass on 18 December 2024. This year, too, a number of FCC Gouda e.o. members went to Haarlem to participate in the Divine Mercy mass the Sunday after Easter.)
Later on, he asked each of us to introduce ourselves and to mention when the community we belonged to, held Mass. It turns out that most Masses were held on the fourth Sunday, and as it is the Sunday when we have our Mass in Gouda, we will not be able to attend Mass at other FCCs. But FCC Rotterdam schedules their Masses on the second Sunday while FCC Dordrecht holds theirs on the third Sunday. FCC Den Haag has Masses on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. So it is possible for some of us to attend Masses on the other Sundays, either in Rotterdam, Dordrecht or Den Haag.
Amor explained that at FCC Gouda we facilitated baptisms, we had preparation sessions for First Communion, we also gave assistance to bereaved members for when their (usually Dutch) partners passed away, and also provided assistance to families back home, when parents, children, or siblings died, or were victims of fires or natural disasters. We also held Recollections, and community-wide events such as the Family Fun Day in June.
Marvin Martin of FCC Rotterdam talked about the community holding a Retreat, and activities like the Family Sports Day, in addition to the monthly second Sunday Mass. FCC Rotterdam also had programs to assist seamen, and au pairs having difficulties with their employers or guest families, as well as the Filipino elderly (and those from other nationalities) in Rotterdam who needed food and other assistance.
(Note: In April, there was a very sick seaman who needed spiritual guidance and care. The group was able to avail of Fr Gilbert Razon, SVD, to go to Rotterdam and minister to this ailing seaman. For that reason Fr Gilbert was not available to say the Mass in Dordrecht but Fr Nico who had lived in the Philippines for many years and who speaks very good Bisaya was able to concelebrate that Mass with Monsignor Limchua.)
Ambassador Malaya took the opportunity to reply to these concerns of our fellow FCC-ers in Rotterdam. Regarding the seamen who stay in Rotterdam for a very short time (usually they disembark in Rotterdam from their latest assignment, stay a day or two before boarding another ship for their newest assignment) the Embassy had considered requesting that a full-time Labor Attaché be assigned in the Netherlands. But it was determined that the Attaché would be needed only half the time, so they decided that any problems with the seamen can be referred to the Labor Attaché in Berlin, Germany, or to the embassy in Den Haag. On the problems some au pairs are having, the Ambassador said that the embassy was aware of the problem and the government is considering whether to end the au-pair program. He assured us that in case of problems of seamen and au pairs these can be referred to the embassy which has resources to provide assistance.
At Monsignor’s statement that he would be asking the Bishops in the Netherlands for a full-time Filipino priest to serve the Filipino Catholic Communities, Marvin said that for now, hopefully Fr Gilbert can remain as de facto Filipino pastor. Fr Gilbert says the Masses in Dordrecht, and when there are other Sunday Masses, like on a fifth Sunday, he also officiates the Mass in Rotterdam. He also serves as Retreat Master.
Marvin added that FCC Rotterdam members (and in the past, FCC Gouda members, too) have also attended workshops, the first of which is “How to Be a Church Volunteer”. This workshop had always been offered by the Bisdom (Diocese) of Rotterdam, albeit in Dutch. Our late Fr Dan Ceballos, msc, gave these workshops in English, although he used the printed Dutch-language material the Bisdom provided. Marvin said that these days it seemed that the Rotterdam Diocese was going to hold these workshops in English.
There were two Filipino couples who were the people behind the Couples for Christ organizations in Amsterdam and Den Haag; they, too, also organize masses. In June because we celebrate Philippine Independence Day, their monthly mass would be held on a Saturday. Also present at the Meet and Greet were representatives from the FCCs in Tilburg and Nijmegen.
Now Agnes had asked everyone who attended to provide the FCC where he/she belonged to, and their mobile phone number and e-mail address on a form that was passed around. Ambassador Malaya said that this list could become a database, the beginning of inter-FCC activities and mutual cooperation. He asked if Agnes, who had contacted the various FCCs to the Meet and Greet, would act as coordinator. She would.
Ambassador Malaya also mentioned that during his assignment in Malaysia he organized activities and one of the FCC representatives would be the chair and assisted that year by a representative of another FCC who would be co-chair. The next year, the co-chair of the previous year would become the chair, and a member of another FCC would be co-chair, who would be chair the following year, with a co-chair from yet another FCC. This way, the program could be continued with the co-chair gaining valuable experience the previous year to use as chair the following year.
Monsignor Limchua repeated that he would like to see the FCCs get together and plan joint activities, with the aim of following Jesus’ footsteps. There are Masses in the chapel on Mondays and Tuesdays in English at 07:30, on Wednesdays at 08:00, and from Thursday to Saturday the Masses would be said in Spanish. On Sunday the Spanish-language Mass will be at 10:00. Everyone was invited. At that, our Meet and Greet ended, and we went to put away our dishes and rechauds. There was plenty of leftovers some of which were taken home and some left for the nuns to enjoy. We said our goodbyes and thanked the nuns, too. By the way, Ambassador Malaya’s assistants cleared our plates for us.
February is a month of love, unity, and connection for Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda and its surrounding (FCCG) that gathered to celebrate not only the bond between couples but also the love that unites us all. A special Mass was held to mark the occasion, offering a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection and heartfelt blessing.
The highlight of the Mass was the couples’ blessing, where couples as well as other attendees gathered to receive a special blessing from Father Cyril. This beautiful tradition honors the couples’ commitment to one another and their shared journey of faith and love. As the couples stood together, hands clasped and hearts open, they received prayers for strength, health, and continued growth in their relationships. It was a moving moment that reminded all of the power of partnership and mutual support.
Flowers for All: A Symbol of Appreciation
As a gesture of gratitude and love for every attendee, the church also provided flowers to each person present. These flowers were more than just a decoration; they symbolized appreciation for the love and presence of each individual in the community. For the couples, it was a token of their shared bond, while for singles and families, it was a reminder of the beauty and significance of all relationships.
The gesture was simple yet meaningful, and the vibrant colors of the flowers brought an extra sense of joy and warmth to the celebration. The act of giving flowers reflected the church’s message that love, in all its forms, should be celebrated and cherished.
The Filipino Catholic Communities in the Netherlands celebrated the joyous season of Advent and Christmas with a series of meaningful events that brought together members of the community in Gouda and Hoofddorp. These events not only fostered the spirit of togetherness but also deepened the faith and traditions of the Filipino Catholics living abroad.
Simbang Gabi at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 18, 2024)
The festive celebrations began with the much-loved Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), held at Josephkerk in Gouda on December 18, 2024. Simbang Gabi, a tradition deeply cherished by Filipino Catholics, is a series of nine early morning or evening masses in anticipation of Christmas. For the FCCG, this event marked the beginning of their Christmas celebration, bringing together families and friends to pray and prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ.
This special mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, who led the congregation through a spiritually enriching service. His homily resonated deeply with the attendees, as he shared messages of hope, faith, and the importance of family during this holy season. The FCCG organized this event as a way to keep the Filipino Christmas traditions alive, even while living far from home.
Simbang Gabi at Joannes de Doper Kerk, Hoofddorp (December 19, 2024)
The Simbang Gabi continued the following evening at Joannes de Doper Kerk in Hoofddorp, where the Filipino Catholic Community members gathered to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Like the previous night in Gouda, this mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, and was equally filled with prayer and reflection.
Both Simbang Gabi celebrations were sponsored by the Filipino Catholic Community Gouda and its Surrounding (FCCG), a vibrant and welcoming community that offers support to Filipino Catholics in the region. These events allowed participants to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their shared faith and cultural traditions.
Christmas Mass and FCCG Christmas Party at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 22, 2024)
The festive atmosphere continued on December 22, 2024, with a special Christmas Mass at Josephkerk in Gouda and was facilitated by Fr. Marcel. This mass marked the culmination of the Christmas celebrations for the FCCG. The church was filled with joy and reverence as the community came together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Following the mass, the FCCG Christmas Party took place, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. DJ Norie provided the music, ensuring that the event was filled with energy and excitement. The highlight of the evening was a special performance by Merlinda Dano, whose voice resonated with warmth and love, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holiday season.
In addition to the music, the evening was filled with Christmas caroling by the FCCG choir, which performed beloved Filipino Christmas carols. The choir’s beautiful renditions of traditional Christmas songs brought the crowd into a spirit of celebration and unity.
A Season of Joy, Faith, and Fellowship
The FCCG’s celebration of Simbang Gabi, the Christmas Mass, and the Christmas Party was a testament to the strength of faith, family, and Filipino traditions. It was a heartwarming way for members of the community to share joy, build lasting memories, and reflect on the significance of Christmas, even as they were far from home.
On November 24, 2024, the Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda and its surrounding areas (FCCG) gathered to witness a significant milestone in the lives of Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi. Teunis and Kevin received the sacrament of Baptism, while Elpi was confirmed, with Fr. Marcel officiating the ceremonies at H.-Josephkerk in Gouda. These sacraments hold profound significance in the Catholic Church, marking essential stages in a person’s faith journey.
Baptism, the first of the sacraments, symbolizes spiritual rebirth and the cleansing of sin. For Teunis and Kevin, their adult baptisms were a conscious and heartfelt decision to embrace the Catholic faith, signifying their commitment to beginning a new life in Christ. Through Baptism, they were welcomed into the Church, entering into a sacred relationship with God and the faith community.
Confirmation, which follows Baptism, strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit and deepens one’s connection to the Church. For Elpi, receiving this sacrament was a reaffirmation of her faith, equipping her with the grace and strength to live more fully as a disciple of Christ. It also marked her readiness to take on a more active role in the Catholic community, carrying forward the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Fr. Marcel led the ceremonies with care and reverence, guiding Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi through these transformative moments. The members of the FCCG gathered in joyful support, bearing witness to this profound step in their spiritual journeys.
Through Baptism and Confirmation, Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi were not only strengthened in their faith but also deepened their connection to the Catholic Church, embarking on a new chapter in their spiritual lives. Their commitment serves as an inspiration to the community, reminding everyone of the beauty and power of faith.
The Filipino Catholic Community – Gouda and Its Surrounding (FCCG) hosted a vibrant and meaningful social gathering on November 9, 2024, at Antoniuszaal 2 in Gouda. The event was a beautiful celebration of faith, fellowship, and fun, offering members a chance to connect, reflect, and strengthen their bonds as a community.
The evening began with a warm welcome for all guests, creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere. This was followed by an Opening Prayer led by Father Marcel Uzoigwe, who invoked blessings and peace upon the gathering. The prayer set the tone for a night rooted in faith and shared purpose.
A key highlight of the evening was a Workshop led by Father Cyril Inam. The workshop is designed to deepen spiritual understanding and foster personal and community growth. In particular, the workshop’s focus was on the topic of gossip within communities.
The word gossip has an interesting history that might surprise you. It actually started out as a positive term in Old English, called god-sibb or god-sibling. Back then, it referred to godparents—people chosen to sponsor a child during baptism. Over time, the term also came to describe women who supported a mother before, during, and after childbirth. These women weren’t just there to help with the baby; they were part of a circle of trust, offering care, companionship, and guidance during such an important time.
But as the years went by, the word gossip took on a very different meaning. Instead of being about close relationships and support, it started to describe casual or “idle” talk, often about other people. This kind of talk could be harmless or evaluative, sometimes unnecessary or excessive. Today, when we hear the word gossip, it’s often tied to rumors or speculative conversations about others, and it’s usually seen in a negative light. While rumors can be about anything, gossip always involves people—whether the information is true or not. And even now, the word still carries a hint of judgment or disapproval.
During the workshop, Father Cyril provided an insightful and balanced perspective, defining gossip as idle talk or rumors about others that can both connect and divide people. He highlighted the dual nature of gossip. On the negative side, it can lead to misunderstandings, spread false information, and create divisions, fostering mistrust within communities. However, Father Cyril also emphasized its positive aspects, such as its ability to build social networks, strengthen relationships, and help people understand social norms and values.
The key takeaway was a call for mindful communication. While gossip can help people connect, it needs to be handled responsibly to minimize harm. Father Cyril’s thoughtful reflections left a lasting impression on attendees, encouraging them to foster healthier and more constructive interactions.
After the workshop, the evening transitioned into moments of entertainment and joy, showcasing the community’s diverse talents. Arnold and Lillia performed a delightful musical piece, followed by an energetic dance performance by FCCG members, captivating the audience and lifting spirits.
Adding to the fun, David Beeren led a Bachata Dance Lesson, teaching participants the lively and sensual moves of this joyful dance style. The lesson brought everyone together, reflecting the FCCG community’s vibrant and inclusive spirit.
The night concluded with a lively Disco Party, where everyone let loose and danced the night away. This energetic finale was a perfect way to celebrate the bonds of faith, fun, and fellowship that had been strengthened throughout the evening.
The event highlighted the vital role of faith in connecting and uplifting communities while also underscoring the importance of balancing reflection with joy. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships are built through shared experiences, thoughtful communication, and moments of gratitude and celebration.
The FCCG Board extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. This gathering was not just a celebration but a testament to the power of faith, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.
