Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa P. Lazaro hosted a welcome dinner in honor of His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales at the Ambassador's residence during the Cardinal's visit to Berne. They were also joined by Fr. Johan Dumandan, Chaplain of the Philippine Catholic Mission in Switzerland, Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Secretary to the Archbishop of Manila, Sr. Merlyn Arsolon, WCW, Pastoral Coordinator of the Philippine Catholic Mission in Switzerland, and First Secretary and Consul Margarita S. Ibayan.

During the dinner, Ambassador Lazaro discussed with Cardinal Rosales the possible role of the Swiss Catholic Church as an institution in assisting Filipino migrants in Switzerland as well as the strengthening of the Philippine Catholic Mission in the country. Cardinal Rosales celebrated Holy Mass in the Cantons of Geneva and Zurich on 14 and 15 March 2009, respectively. Over 1,000 Filipino-Swiss Catholics attended the celebration.

While in Switzerland, Cardinal Rosales promoted his special project called Pondo ng Pinoy, which is the Church's response to address poverty.