Oblate News

The History and 20th Anniversary of FILCHAMP: A Filipino Community of Faith, Support, and Service

With thanks to Meriam Cadaweng

The Filipino Community in Harmony of Action, Mobilisation, and Prayer (FILCHAMP) was founded by a group of former members of the El Shaddai Charismatic Prayer Group. Their journey began with gatherings in London to pray the Rosary and hold Praise and Worship sessions in the homes of friends and acquaintances. As their numbers grew, they sometimes met in local parks, even braving bad weather to continue their devotion. The support and guidance of lay leaders helped them sustain these prayer activities.

On July 4, 2004, nine members of the group joined the choir at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Quex Road, Kilburn, where Fr. Ray Warren, OMI, served as parish priest. Within a few months, Fr. Ray granted them permission to formally organize as a Filipino community within the parish, with a mission to support one another in remaining strong in faith while navigating the challenges of migrant life in the UK. FILCHAMP was officially established on October 4, 2004.

The group was initially known as The Filipino Charismatic Community Prayer Group (TFCCPG) but eventually evolved into the Filipino Community in Harmony of Action, Mobilisation, and Prayer (FILCHAMP), reflecting a broader vision and a commitment to serve its members in a more holistic way. With the support of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy, led by Fr. Cirino Potrido, CM, and the guidance of Fr. Joel Bernardo, CM, FILCHAMP undertook a series of lectures and workshops. These activities helped them develop a clear and comprehensive statement of vision, mission, and goals, formalizing their purpose and objectives.

On October 20, 2024, FILCHAMP celebrated its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Remembering the Past with Gratitude, Living the Present in Faith, and Moving Forward in Hope.” The celebration was held at De Mazenod Hall and was divided into three parts: Praise and Worship at 2:30 p.m, followed by the Eucharistic Mass at 3:00 p.m., and a program and dinner beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Claro Conde, who served as the first Filipino Chaplain when FILCHAMP was formed. Now the parish priest of Corpus Christi with St. Joseph in the Diocese of Portsmouth, Fr. Conde was joined by concelebrants Fr. Tom Devereux, OMI, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fr. Johnson Susairaj, OMI, Fr. Ilango Jesuraj, OMI, and Fr. Irvin Morastil, OMI.

His Excellency Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., the Philippine Ambassador to the UK, attended as a guest speaker. In his remarks, he praised FILCHAMP for its role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among its members.

The celebratory program featured performances by FILCHAMP members who showcased their singing and dancing talents, entertaining the audience and adding joy to the evening.

Certificates of Recognition were awarded to thirty-four members who have been with FILCHAMP for five years or more. A special honour, the Pillars of the Community Award, was presented to five members who have been part of the community since its inception. 

Fr. Tom Devereux, OMI,presented  these awards to Nilda Panambo, Susan Alvarez, Jocelyn Ventanilla, Florencio Alvarez, and Floraida Edrozo, commending their tireless efforts, unwavering support, and dedication to the community.

Mary Ryan, President of the Parish Council of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, also addressed the community, expressing her best wishes for FILCHAMP’s continued growth and for many more years of anniversaries and achievements to come.

With thanks to Meriam Cadaweng.