Uplifting Filipino families with faith-focused programs

December 18, 2024

The Kasalan sa SM, one of the projects of Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, aims to deepen the bonds of couples and families, providing them with a special moment to celebrate their love and commitment while fostering a stronger sense of community.

For Filipinos, faith is a dynamic force seen through daily life. It helps them turn challenges into opportunities for resilience and hope and reconnects them to a more expansive sense of self and community.

The deeply rooted faith of Filipinos serves as the heartbeat of their identity, a guiding compass through life's complexities. This resolute faith inspired the establishment of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation (FTSFI) in 2008.

Guided by the values instilled by its namesake, the foundation builds and revitalizes churches and chapels in the country, creating spaces where individuals can reflect, pray, and deepen their spiritual connection.

Some of the chapels and churches it supports are Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord, SM Megamall; Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, SM Aura; Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, MOA Complex; Mary the Queen Chapel, Iloilo; Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Gen. Uno, Cavite City; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, SM North EDSA; Holy Family of Nazareth School, National University; Cross Tower, Cebu.

Beyond refurbishing places of worship, FTSFI fosters active spiritual engagement through training programs for lectors and commentators and seminars on enhancing liturgical services, including floral arrangements.

Mrs. Sy also believes that family is the most important foundation in a community, and with this belief at its core, the foundation has continued to support initiatives that strengthen family ties. One of the most meaningful of these initiatives is Kasalan sa SM, a mass wedding event that has successfully hosted nine weddings to date.

With this program, the foundation aims to deepen the bonds of couples and families, giving them a special moment to celebrate their love and commitment while fostering a stronger sense of community.

Through initiatives with a strong focus on the Filipino faith, the FTSFI aims to continue building community bonds and ensuring that the values of faith are fostered in Filipino homes.

Mrs. Felicidad T. Sy (third row, fifth from left) joins one of the recollections of SM Group employees at Sunshine Place, Makati.

FTSFI builds chapels in malls, offering Catholic mallgoers a dedicated space for prayer and the opportunity to attend mass.

The Felicidad T. Sy Foundation (FTSFI) also oversees a program that provides Catholic SM Group employees the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

FTSFI opens chapels in malls, bringing faith closer to Filipinos.

Deacons and young church servers conduct rehearsal sessions for their roles during Mass at the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary in SM City Grand Central.