A Catholic prelate on Thursday urged Filipinos in Thailand to join the activities during the three-day visit of Pope Francis.

San Jose Nueva Ecija Bishop Roberto Mallari said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Southeast Asian nation who will join the event, will surely be blessed.

“It will be a blessing to all of us. I’m certain that we will receive the grace that will further strengthen our faith. We should not waste this golden opportunity,” Roberto said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

On the other hand, Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara, who will also attend the event which started on Wednesday and will end on Saturday, said the Holy Father is doing his best in promoting the Gospel.

“Indeed, he is ‘pontifex’, which means bridge builder who shows that our dialogue of life, whatever religious affiliation, enriches our being human and becoming divine. I am blessed to personally witness this historic event,” he said in a statement.

“After 35 years (1984-2019), the Holy See visits Thailand, a country with a minority of Christians and the greater majority of Buddhists,” he added.

Pope Francis is set to celebrate a mass at the National Stadium in Bangkok on Thursday.

There are some 20,000 Filipinos workers in Thailand. (PNA)