Filipinos may now be able to read and reflect on Pope Francis' writings in their national language with the recent release of "Ang Galak sa Ebanghelyo" (The Joy of Evangelism) which aims to translate 12 papal documents into the mother tongue.

Published by Claretian Publications with permission from the Libreria Editrice Vaticana (Vatican Publishing House), the book compiled 12 texts written by the Pontiff, ranging from encyclicals or circular letters, apostolic exhortations or pastoral messages on certain issues, papal bull or decree, and apostolic letters.

Some of these include Lumen fidei (The Light of Faith) which was his first encyclical or circular letter in 2013, Laudato si' (Praise Be to You) which is his 2015 encyclical on the importance of caring for the environment, and the 2016 apostolic letter Misericordia et Misera (Mercy with Misery).

7 years of work
Talking to Daily Tribune, faculty member of the University of Santo Tomas-Institute of Religion and research associate at the Center for Religious Studies-UST Leo-Martin Angelo Ocampo said that the translation of Pope Francis' works took seven years, starting with his Filipino translation of Laudato si.

However, for this book project, Ocampo was joined by Vince Henry Salles, Fr. Joseph Don-Zaldivar, Sir-Lien Hugh Tadeo and Josephine A.S. Sanares.

Ocampo explained that the book title reflects the overall teachings of Pope Francis to Catholic and global communities, including the Philippines where it celebrates the 500th year of Christianity in the country:

"Pope Francis' teachings are rich and wide-ranging, from caring about the environment, caring for our families, and being holy.

However, the main point of his teachings was best expressed during his visit to the country in 2015, when he talked about God's mercy, how He loved us and our calling to express that love for our families, each other, the environment and the poor," Ocampo said.

Indeed, Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in 2015 focused on "Mercy and Compassion," particularly when he visited Tacloban and Palo, Leyte following the onslaught of typhoon "Yolanda" and "Ruby" in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Ocampo said that reading Pope Francis' works in our local language brings a more direct and impactful connection to Filipinos.

"It's a challenge for our translators to hopefully bring the message through other dialects in our country," Ocampo said.

"Ang Galak sa Ebanghelyo" was physically released on 22 November and is available for purchase at Claretian Bookstore in Diliman, Quezon City. It will also be available in online shopping sites Lazada and Shopee.