Filipino members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Toronto Ontario Stake held their annual Filipino Heritage Month celebration on June 15, 2024. June was designated as Filipino Heritage Month across Canada in 2018.
Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, said, “During this special month, let’s learn more about the traditions of Filipino Canadians through the cultural and traditional activities happening across the country. Canada draws its strength and resilience from its diversity. Each day, let’s embrace inclusion and celebrate our diversity” (“Statement by Minister Khera on Filipino Heritage Month,” June 1, 2024).
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Toronto Ontario Stake celebration focused on the theme of “Celebrating the Beauty and Vibrance of the Filipino Culture.” The four-hour celebration featured historical displays, cultural songs and dances, musical presentations and authentic Filipino street food. Decorations included two photo booths depicting a traditional bahay-kubo (nipa hut) and a jeepney. The colourful traditional folk dances were the highlight of the event.
Several local government leaders participated at the event, including four members of Parliament: the Honourable Shaun Chen, Scarborough North; the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Don Valley West; the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, York Centre; and the Honourable Salma Zahid, Scarborough Centre. Other invited guests included Philippine Consulate General Angelica Escalona, Consul RJ Sumague and Canada Toronto Mission leaders Rulon and Linda Stacey. As part of the celebration, the government leaders received a certificate of appreciation for their work in the community.
Oliphant said, “I want to acknowledge the good relationship between Canada and the Philippines over many years and thank the Filipino Canadian community, not only in my riding but across Canada. Your hard work and contributions to business, health care and the arts have enriched Canada.”
Bishop Nelson Gonzalez of the Christie Ward commented, “All the performers did a fantastic job, and the [Filipino Church members] made everyone feel at home and part of the community. The food was delicious, the decorations superb and the costumes very beautiful. It was obvious how much hard work, time and preparation was put into making this event such a great success.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a vibrant, growing faith community of 17 million members in 190 countries. Latter-day Saints represent many cultures, speak more than 120 languages and come from unique personal backgrounds.
The diversity of the Church’s worldwide membership is a notable characteristic because the gospel of Jesus Christ transcends every culture, race, nationality and language. Cultures and peoples worldwide gather geographically to form local congregations that worship together.
Church members value the recognition and celebration of cultural backgrounds. Acknowledging our unique heritages teaches us to appreciate our diversity and better understand one another.