PIME Missionary Fr. Simone Caelli works in Parañaque in the Philippines in the parish of Mary Queen of Apostles, the same parish in which American missionary Fr. Steve Baumbusch worked during his years in the country. The parish extends over two cities (Parañaque and Las Pinas) and has about 150,000 inhabitants. Fr. Simone explains it is difficult to calculate exactly how many people are in the area as it is a mix of illegally occupied land managed by the government, squatters who set up makeshift homes in a slum, an area with large depots of transport companies, as well as some middle-class homes.
Unfortunately, corruption in the Philippines is widespread and the wealth disparity is huge between the ultra-rich, or “dynasties” as they are known, and the poor. This hugely limits economic opportunities, especially for the Filipino youth. Fr. Simone notes one way out of this vicious circle is through education, and a university education dramatically increases the chances of students finding a good job in the Philippines or abroad. It also improves the situation of the whole family and the local community in general.
In 2024, Fr. Simone reached out to the PIME U.S. Mission Center and its supporters for help with a project to support the higher education of students in his parish, all of whom come from disadvantaged families. His project needs $8,917 USD per year for 4 years (2024-2028) to help 10 young people from 19-24 years of age with their higher education. Aside from helping them with fees, university reporting, materials, clothing, and teaching tools, he will also offer them spiritual training and space for study, as their homes are often inadequate. These 10 students are studying varied careers such as Tourism, Hotel Management, Criminology, Psychology, Information Technology/Systems, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Management. Your support for this project can break the cycle of poverty, helping these young people find opportunity and a brighter future.
LeaderPublished Mon, Feb 16, 26. Written by Kathleen Connors.
Thanks to the contributions of our PIME U.S. supporters of $8,917, it was possible to cover tuition and fees, university reporting costs, clothing, and essential educational materials for ten students at Mary Queen of Apostles Parish in Parañaque in 2024-25. The parish also supported the students by providing spiritual guidance and dedicated study spaces as they continue to pursue their degrees in tourism, hotel and hospitality management, criminology, psychology, information technology, culinary arts, among others.
The pastor of Mary Queen of Apostles, PIME Missionary Fr. Simone Caelli, and these young men and women are grateful to you for helping them break the cycle of poverty to build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their community.
Your support for these youth is life-changing!
