20 December 2007 - The Philippine Embassy in Brussels hosted a reception on 11 December 2007 in honor of the centennial of the arrival of Belgian missionaries of the Congregation Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) in the Philippines. CICM priests who previously served in the Philippines led by Fr. Louis Mellebeek, currently the vice-rector of the CICM in Belgium, attended the event.

 

ASEAN Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, Belgian officials led by Mr. Jacques van Ypersel de Strihou - Chief of Staff of the Belgian monarch King Albert II, former Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Christiaan Tanghe and Former Senator Paul Hatry, Monsieur I'abbe Eric Vancraeynest, Vicar of Brussels in-charge of foreign catholic communities, were among those who attended the celebration.

 

CICM Philippines started off the celebrations as early as November 2006 and culminated last month with the launching of the coffee table book entitled "Carrying on the Mission: the 100 Years of CICM in the Philippines".

 

The Embassy took part in the year-long event by launching the book in Brussels, bringing the celebrations to the very land where it all started.

 

In her speech, Ambassador Cristina Ortega remarked that the Philippine Embassy is proud that in a small way, it became part of the celebration. She added that "the centennial book not only reminds us of the many achievements that CICM has done in the Philippines but a living memento that inspire us to continue the mission of CICM through caring and compassion for our fellowmen".

 

Ambassador Ortega also underscored the impact that CICM has left in the Philippines not only in the Catholic Church but in society as a whole. Aside from pastoral works, CICM still remains very active in building communities and strengthening catholic education in the country.

 

The Philippine Ambassador expressed her appreciation to the CICM priests, Ambassadors and diplomats and Belgian officials who attended the event which was also an opportunity to celebrate the 60th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium. END