PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE JOINS FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION CELEBRATION WITH OTTAWA FILIPINO PARISH

Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada

(Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

Ottawa, 17 August 2025 — Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga joined the Filipino Catholic community of Ottawa in celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Assumption Parish, known as the Filipino Parish of the city.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, together with parish priest Rev. Fr. Francis Victor Mateo, OFM Conv., followed by a lunch reception at Immaculata Hall attended by more than 70 parishioners and guests.

In his remarks at the reception following the Mass, Ambassador-Designate Chan-Gonzaga highlighted the deep significance of Marian devotion among Filipinos and expressed gratitude to the Assumption Parish for being a spiritual home for the Filipino community in Ottawa.

He paid tribute to Fr. Mateo for his leadership and ministry, noting the parish’s steadfast support for Embassy initiatives, including the annual Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass.

The Ambassador-Designate also invited the community to take part in Winter Escapade 10 from 1 to 10 February 2026, which will feature Metropolitan Manila, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and Bicol, home to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a patroness beloved by Filipino Catholics.

The event reaffirmed the strong bond within the wider Filipino community in Ottawa, united by faith, fellowship, and the shared commitment to keeping Filipino heritage alive in Canada.