CBCP Monitor
C1
Vol. 18 No. 07
March 31 - April 13, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Canadian High School Sends Volunteers to CFC ANCOP
Holy Cross Crusaders, counterclockwise from top: the students wearing their bright green AGW shirt; getting ready to board for Manila; some initial activity after touchdown; dancing for the AKC ANCOP scholars; playing with kids from AKC.
By Alma Alvarez Thirty-two students from Grades 11 and 12 of Holy Cross Regional High School, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada came to the Philippines last March 18, 2014 to participate in what they call the Holy Cross Mission Trip 2014. The trip, organized by ANCOP Canada in partnership with CFC ANCOP in the Philippines, brings students from Catholic schools in Canada to immerse in the Building the Church of the Poor program of Couples for Christ, particularly the ANCOP Shelter Program. Holy Cross is the biggest high school in British Columbia, and it is their first time to immerse in ANCOP. Last November, the Toronto Catholic District School Board sent a simi-
lar delegation for this program. The students, chaperoned by 7 members of the Holy Cross faculty and Fr. Patrick Tepoorten, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Delta, British Columbia, arrived at 7:30 AM Manila time. After a quick freshening up, they were ushered to the ANCOP Kapatid Community (AKC) in Caloocan City. While there, the ANCOP scholars of CFC Metro Manila North A entertained the guests with cultural dances. The Holy Cross kids also had the chance to play with the children and dance with the teens. Working in ANCOP The next day, the Holy Cross group had a taste of working under the sweltering Manila heat. After the Mass officiated by Fr. Patrick, the group received instructions from Ganny Evangelista, the Shelter Program Coordinator of Metro Manila West C sector. The students and teachers worked up until they breaked for lunch. After their lunch break, the group
Holy Cross Regional High School at the Our Lady of Banneux ANCOP Community
resumed working until about 4:00 in the afternoon. This was a typical day for the enthusiastic workers, which went on for the next 6 days. But it was not all work and no play. In between shoveling, carrying debris, laying bricks, and painting houses, the Holy Cross missionaries found time to have fun with the children, teens, and even the moms and dads in AVANAI. On Day 3, the group held a talent show where both the kids from AVANAI and Holy Cross showcased their talents. On Day 5, the AVANAI teens played a mean game of basketball with the Holy Cross Crusaders. March 25 was the group’s last day in ANCOP AVANAI. After the day’s work, the community hosted a dinner/ serenade for the Canadian guests. The following day, the group went up to the Our lady of Banneux Community in San Mateo, Rizal. It was a different experience for the students and teachers, from urban AVANAI
Building homes... touching lives... more fun in the Philippines! Students and teachers from the Holy Cross Regional High School did not mind the sweltering Manila heat as they worked and played with the residents in AVANAI.
Holy Cross / C2
A welcome break from the construction work was the trip to Saint Martin de Porres Children’s Center in Tondo, Manila and the historical tour of the Intramuros.
SOLD International Conference: Turning Point Almost 500 men from the Servants of the Lord and CFC spent the last weekend of March in fellowship, fun and faith during the SOLD/ CFC Men’s International Conference 2014. The Conference, titled “Turning Point”, was held at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio City. The balmy weather in the country’s summer capital made the PBTS an ideal venue for these true men of God to encounter the Lord and Mother Mary—to “Behold and Ponder”.
SOLD and men in CFC—called to be True Men of God!
Speakers and shares alike delivered inspiring messages that brought profound insights to the participants. The outdoor a c t i v i t i e s w e re n o t o n l y e n j o y able, but also spirit-led, making each activity an avenue for the participants to feel the brotherhood and camaraderie unique to the ministry. At the end of the weekend conference, the SOLD and CFC men went home with renewed conviction in becoming more and more true men of God.
Ugnayan
C2 Ricky Cuenca
Vol. 18 No. 07
March 31 - April 13, 2014
Holy Cross / C1
Just call me Lolo I am now a lolo (grandfather). And whenever I am asked how it feels to be a grandfather, I cannot hide the excitement and happiness I feel. You see, for me, becoming a grandparent is a stage of life and I know that we will eventually come to that. And having an apo (grandchild) is truly a blessing! In fact I have two, one each from my daughters, who came one after the other. My daughter Jacqueline and her husband JP were the first to make me a lolo when their daughter Jillian Elise was born. Tw o w e e k s later, it was my daughter Crissy and her husband Jose who gave us our second, Aria. In my trip to the US and Canada last February, our family celebrated a very joyous occasion. Aria, my granddaughter who lives in Canada, was baptized last February 9. It was a very small party—we were only in one table. But it was truly a spirit-filled event! As a new lolo, I am giddy with excitement over my grandchildren. Masarap pala! (I never knew it would feel great!) I remember someone asking me, “What would you like your grandchildren to call you?” I replied, “I want them to call me Lolo! Hindi naman halata, di ba? (It doesn’t really show, does it?)”. And speaking of serving in CFC, I can see that my apos will grow up to be God-fearing, obedient,
CBCP Monitor
kind and generous individuals because they would grow up in the community. Both my children and their spouses are actively serving as leaders in Couples for Christ, and I truly look forward to seeing my grandchildren grow in the Lord. I remember one time, when Aria was three months old, the doctor specifically told her parents not to take her out because of the extremely cold weather. However, there was a leaders’ training Crissy and Jose were scheduled to attend. And so Aria had to come with them, all bundled up and cozy. I remember experiencing this with our own daughters who grew up in a CFC environment. Irma and I would take them everywhere— Household prayer meetings, assemblies, and all of the CFC activities. And the Lord always protected them from the elements. Even when they were growing up, God shielded them from bad company. In fact, one of my daughters wanted to become a nun, and almost entered the convent! Who knows, my granddaughters might become nuns later on. The strong Catholic foundation that these children would be raised in can make that possible. And that would truly bring us joy. As a matter of fact, my daughter’s nun-friend has consecrated these little ones to the Lord. What a joy it is to be a grandfather!
to the quiet and rural OLB Community. Yet, the Canadian missionaries experienced the same warm welcome from the families living there. Visiting Saint Martin Among the places the Holy Cross delegates visited was the Saint Martin de Porres children’s center in Tondo, Manila. After the Mass concelebrated by Fr. Pat and Msgr. Matt Garcia, the high school kids spent time with the children and gave them gifts. One of the students, 12th grader Courtney Barich, prior to her trip to Manila, had pledged to raise money for the said center when she opted to forego the purchase of a gown for her graduation dance. Instead of an expensive gown, she decided she would wear a dress made from a potato sack, use the money she’ll save to start the fund-raiser, and hopes to send $10,000 to Saint Martin. (See Courtney Barich story at http://tinyurl.com/k9w5hct). After that encounter with the street children of Tondo, Vida Cuares, CFC ANCOP Coordinator for Canada, took the party to a brief historical tour of Manila, with a kalesa ride being the highlight of the tour. Personal mission Among the missionaries were the motherdaughter tandem of Wendy and Rachel Beauchamp. Wendy, who is also a teacher at Holy Cross, came to Manila with another goal—to fund the building of a house in honor of Tessa, her daughter who had died of cancer a year ago. In a symbolic turnover, Wendy and Rachel personally awarded the house to a family in AVANAI, together with framed photographs of Tessa. “Through this home, I know Tessa will have a family here in the Philippines,” Wendy added.
‘We came as strangers…’ Judging from how these kids related with the children in the places they immersed in, it can be surmised that the Holy Cross students, and even the teachers, made a mark in the lives of the families in ANCOP AVANAI and the OLB Community. As the kids shared during their last day in AVANAI, they were amazed how they were treated like celebrities. But more than the “royal treatment”, what truly made an impact in the students’ lives was the fact that although they arrived as strangers, they were leaving as family. For Rachel Beauchamp, the experience opened her eyes to the realities of life. According to Fr. Patrick, although the Holy Cross kids come from middle class families, the experience has made the students more appreciative of what they have back home. They were likewise amazed at how hardworking the volunteers in AVANAI were. The huge ‘gulf’ that somehow separated the young people from AVANAI and Holy Cross in the beginning was quickly bridged at the end of six days. Gifts were exchanged between the missionaries and the residents. Even the younger children of AVANAI, OLB and Saint Martin de Porres appreciated the gifts from the kids from Star of the Sea Elementary School. For the students, the bake sales, the Dollar for Jeans Day, the lumpia (spring rolls) sales, participating in the ANCOP Global Walk 2013 in Surrey (they raised $12,000 from AGW alone), and the other creative ways they did to raise funds for the trip were all worth it. As of press time, the group has flown back to Canada, eager to share their stories and hopefully inspire more students, even from the other Catholic schools, to have the same experience with CFC ANCOP.
CFC Toronto In a Courtesy Visit to Cardinal Collins
Present during the meeting are (L-R)Kevin Muico – Fulltime Pastoral Worker for CFC-Youth; NoliArzadon, Regional Head (RH)-Western Canada; Greg Parillas, CFC-National Director; Jun Clarito, RH-Eastern Canada and wife Malou; His EminenceThomas Cardinal Collins; Eric delos Reyes, Country Coordinator-Couples for Christ Canada and wife Carina; Jimmy Arzadon, Area Head (AH) Vancouver; and Francis Yap, AH-Toronto and wife Jessie.
By Francis Yap Couples for Christ Toronto was given the privilege to pay a courtesy visit to His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto last March 10, 2014. During the meeting, CFC updated His Grace on the community’s work towards New Evangelization, stressing out CFC’s mission of Building the Church of the Home, which is focused on Family Evangelization, and Building the Church of the Poor through ANCOP. His Eminence
was also very pleased to hear about updates with CFC Youth’s active presence in schools and the ministry’s coordination with Fr. Frank Portelli of the Office of Catholic Youth. For his part, His Eminence mentioned the importance of supporting movements that focus on family like Couples for Christ and would like to see the community spread throughout the whole diocese. He likewise spelled out the Archdiocese’ Pastoral Plan which focuses on
evangelization and caring for the needy which is an affirmation of the work of Couples of Christ. He ended by thanking the community for all the work CFC is doing in the archdiocese, exhorting the leaders and members to continue to stress on the virtues, provide alternatives and draw energy towards the good. The short visit ended with His Eminence blessing the whole Couples for Christ community and humbly saying, “You pray for me and I will pray for you.”
Global Pinoy Singing Idol USA Finals to be held in Orlando By ANCOP USA Communications
For the third year, ABS-CBN/ DZMM and CFC ANCOP USA are co-sponsors for the grand finals of the USA Global Pinoy Singing Idol (GPSI) competition in Orlando, Florida on April 5, 2014. Fourteen singers from seven states will compete. They are Aaron Caras (FL); Giselle Delos Reyes (MN); Vanessa Quillao (FL); Michael Toledo (FL); Ian Ramos (FL); Kyle Mercado (FL); Cheryl Badiola (FL); Jozen D De Leon (TX); Jolilorlyn Q Wenghofer (IL); Michael Rey Calalang (NJ); Alessja Morales (CA); Martin Honor (MD); Maria Raina Rivere (MD); Rodel Sajor (CA). Singer Pops Fernandez and actor Gaby Concepcion will be the guest performers during the competition. Awell Paz and Melody Garcia-Muniz of DZMM will co-emcee the five-hour singing contest that will be carried live by DZMM in all it coverage areas around the world. According to Roger Santos, Executive Director of ANCOP USA, two first prize winners will be awarded $1,000 each, plus free round-trip tickets and weeklong stay in Manila for the Global Finals of GPSI sometime in January 2015. Proceeds from the event will go to CFC ANCOP USA’s ongoing projects for the poor in the Philippines, including the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
CFC ANCOP helps build Samar Church
By Rizal Ting On the rainy afternoon of March 22, 2014, CFC ANCOP, composed of Eastern Leyte PAH Willie Padida, PAD Roger Chua, ANCOP Head Jun Derion and CFC ANCOP HQ Operations Rizal Ting, visited Barangay Bua Bua, Salcedo, Samar in response to the request of ANCOP Bermuda regarding their effort to help the parishioners of the Our Lady of Salvation Parish to rebuild their church. The town of Salcedo was badly hit by Yolanda and most of the residents were living in tents. The group arrived at around 3:00 in the afternoon. Barangay Chairman Severino Bagon introduced them to the Parish Priest, Fr. Alfonso “Pony” Asis. Upon inspection of the parish church, the team found that the roofing was ripped out, and there was heavy damage at the altar area. A temporary shelter was made at the back of the parish where the priest celebrated Mass, and a small room at the side of the church served as the room of the parish priest. The parish priest welcomed the support of ANCOP Bermuda and presented the group an estimated BOM amounting to Php1.530M to provide roofing for the church. This did not include the labor and other incidentals. CFC ANCOP pledged to get back to the parish as soon as the donation of ANCOP Bermuda is finalized. The funds will be downloaded thru CFC ANCOP Eastern Samar’s account. Likewise, ANCOP proposed for the area to be part of the adopt-a-barangay Community Development program of ANCOP, as there has been an established relationship with the parish priest and the barangay officials. ANCOP hopes to be back early April to download the approved funds for the parish roofing and firm up the proposal to help rebuild the community thru the ANCOP Shelter Program.
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com facebook.com/CFC.Global.Mission
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Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 07
March 31 - April 13, 2014
CoFC Manila holds 14th GA and Board Elections
C3 Jun Uriarte
CFC in the New Evangelization (Part 2) THE following is the content of the talk of Bro. Jun Uriarte during the 2nd Global Leaders Empowerment Convention last January 12, 2014. Part 1, from the February 3, 2014 issue of the UGNAYNAN, discussed the Scope of and Need for New Evangelization. This second part tackles the Strategies of evangelization as employed by St. Patrick and St. Francis Xavier.
CoFC gets ready for year 15, clockwise from top: the Board of Directors, both incoming and outgoing; Chairman Victor Hizon presiding over the assembly; members line up for the automated elections; the five new members of the Board.
Co-ops for Christ Manila conducted its 14 th General Assembly and elections of the members of the Board of Directors last March 29, 2014 at the Obispado de Cubao in Quezon City. After the declaration of a quorum by Secretary Margarita Uy, CoFC Chairman Victor Hizon called the meeting to order.
After the consideration of the Minutes of the last regular General Assembly and Special General Assembly and the matters arising from the minutes of the meeting and the approval thereof, Co-ops General Manager and COO Letty Jayme gave the Management Report to the body.
This was followed by the election of 5 members of the Board of Directors from the 8 nominees. After the canvassing of the automated election returns, the following were elected to the CoFC Board: re-electionists Tess Cecilio, Baby Dacanay, and Ted Topacio; and new members Emil Reyes and Nick Olivar.
ANCOP USA turns over equipment, medicines
Dr. Raul Banias presents the medicines to Governor Defensor.
After the inventory, these medical equipment were turned over to WVSUMC.
The team makes a through inspection to make sure the equipment that each would be in optimum condition.
Dr. Jerry Alabado inspects the medical equipment and supervises the inventory of the items.
By Nathaniel Gomez
ANCOP USA, following their recent medical mission to Iloilo, turned over medical equipment and medicines to the province via the West Visayas State University Medical Center and the provincial Governor. The equipment and medicines came from Direct Relief International, a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life by bringing critically needed medicines and supplies to local healthcare providers worldwide. The donation was made through the initiative of Rene Palma of AUSA. Gerry Alabado, Provincial Area Director of Iloilo, who is a physician himself, and CFC Iloilo AGT member Dr. Giovanni delos Reyes, VP for Medical & Allied Sciences, and OIC, Medical Center received the brand new medical equipment for WVSUMC. Afterwards, the group proceeded to the Provincial Capitol where they turned over the medicines to Governor Arthur Defensor and City Administrator Dr. Raul Banias.
Cornerstone tutees move up
At the end of each school year, Cornerstone conducts a Moving Up Day to honor the students for their perseverance and hard work, as well as the public school teachers and principals who embrace what Cornerstone embodies. During the Moving Up ceremonies, tutors and coordinators give out certificates and special cita-
tions to the students in order to give recognition and continue inspiring them to become better in the next school year. Aside from the Moving Up rites, high school students under the Cornerstone Program were also given leadership and capability training in order to equip them even after graduation.
What will be the approaches to new evangelization as defined initially by Pope Benedict, and, then now, clearly, in Evangelii Gaudium? However, for us to be able to state the approaches that CFC should take, I’d like to bring you over quickly and share with you some vignettes— short stories—about evangelization in the past. And then perhaps we can learn from them. I used to work for the United Nations in Thailand for 8 years, and so I travelled to the U.N. Headquarters in New York very often. I always stayed in a hotel that was within walking distance from the U.N. Headquarters, and at the same time also within walking distance from the Cathedral of St. Patrick. There is always an early morning Mass, at 7:00, and so, even during winter, I would walk from the hotel to St. Patrick to hear Mass daily. After Mass, at around 7:30, I go to this nice restaurant near St. Patrick and have breakfast there before heading back to the U.N. Headquarters for our meeting. During those years that I’ve been going there, I always reflect and ponder, and marvel at that great Cathedral of St. Patrick and try to remember the person whom that Cathedral was named after. St. Patrick was born in the west coast of the British Isles in 398. At the age of 14, he was captured by a raiding party and became a slave in pagan Ireland. After 6 years he escaped, and he returned to his family in Britain. Later he studied in Gaul (which is now modern-day France) under Egyptian monks. He was ordained a priest and later became bishop. And then he was sent as a missionary to Ireland. The conversion of Ireland was due to great missionary work of St. Patrick. In evangelizing and converting Ireland, St. Patrick had a strategy. And this is the reason why we want to recall these vignettes about past evangelization—to learn what were their strategies that worked so that we too might be able to adapt those in our work of new evangelization. What did St. Patrick do? He put particular emphasis on the evangelization of the aristocracy. It’s not my recommendation, it’s not the IC’s recommendation, it was St. Partick’s strategy. And I am merely sharing with you these vignettes. He said that once the aristocracy converts, the others would follow. And the aristocracy provided protection for the converts from the lower class, from the masses. And it worked. Because we know that Ireland is strongly Catholic. Learning from St. Patrick I did not only live in Bangkok for 8 years, I also lived in Jakarta for 12 years. Let me share with you some vignettes of the missionary work in Indonesia. When we arrived in Indonesia, there was a small group of Couples for Christ, but they were not growing. And so we adapted a strategy, and I remembered the strategy of St. Patrick. And so I said, “Why don’t we evangelize the expatriates first?” The expatriates were very well paid in Indonesia at that time. We get them converted, we convert their wallets too. And the Holy Spirit allowed it. I remember when I was the head of the expatriate group in Indonesia, we had people tithing regularly at $2,000 a month! And then we said, “What about the locals?” and so we modified the strategy. We evangelized the locals who can speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently—and there were many! And so we purposely and strategically invited them and we were able to bring them into the community. And then they were able to go out with resources that have been provided. And with their fluency in the local language, they were able to travel and spread the gospel in the community in Indonesia. Then we said, “Well, the expatriates are purely Filipinos. What about the other expatri-
ates?,” and that was difficult. A Filipino lecturing to Caucasians? “Aha! Let’s invite Jack Burgoyne!” Those who remember our brother Jack Burgoyne know that he’s tall, Caucasian-looking, but he is Filipino and speaks Tagalog. And so we invited him to come over to Jakarta and told him, “Jack, don’t ever speak Tagalog! Always speak in English. They’ll think you are an American.” I said, “You give the first three talks.” That was the strategy. And he did. He came over, and to cut the long story short, there was one time we had 13 nationalities in our community in Indonesia—we had British, Australian, Indian, New Zealand, Singaporean, Malaysian… And the best proof of that success in that strategy is that now, the leadership is within Indonesians, proven by our brother Alex and sister Suaning. A brief history of evangelization Christian evangelization began in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Peter was the first to convert, we know that from the Acts of the Apostles—3,000 people in one day. Christianity was first established in Jerusalem and in Antioch, where the followers of Jesus (followers of the Way) were first called Christians. Bartholomew preached the Gospel in northwest India, Thomas established the church in Malabar in south India, but the greatest missionary to Asia was St. Francis Xavier. In just a decade, St. Francis converted an estimated 700,000 people. He established Christian communities along the western coast of India, from Goa to Cape Comorin. He established Christian communities in Sri Lanka, Malacca, and Japan. Now here is the secret, and we hope we can discuss this in the workshops because this is the very purpose of GLEC: the success of his evangelization is attributed to 6 things, from the reflections of those pondering about this saint’s writings: 1. Visible holiness – not just holiness, but visible holiness; people seeing Christ in us, which comes out of a life of constant prayer. 2. Unceasing preaching – the equivalent to this at this moment is constantly inviting people to our Christian Life Program. 3. Unrelenting pastoral work – the equivalent to this being the unceasing mending of our nets. We should not lose people that we have “caught”. We have to continue to mend our nets. Remember, ne as defined by Pope Francis already includes pastoral work. 4. Techniques unique to each situation and methods consistent with conditions of the people – in practical terms, to be an effective evangelizer, we must learn the language of the people we are trying to reach. 5. Minister to the sick – like what St. Francis did. For CFC, that is our BCOP. 6. Preach the gospel in our Christian Life Program – Francis wrote and taught and catechism. We need to know our religion, know who Jesus Christ really is. We need to know the story of Jesus. And he established a school in Goa to train missionaries. That’s what Francis did. So after three years in India, he went to Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. And then there was a convert in Goa, a Japanese named Anjirō who was later on baptized as Paul. In 1549, Francis and Paul (Anjirō) went to Japan, and in two years were able to convert 2,000 in Japan. And it was the love and concern for each Japanese that brought many to Christianity. But then, here is again another very important strategy—Francis noted that the Japanese looked up to China as the source of civilization. And Francis said, “If I can convert the Chinese, since the Japanese look up to the Chinese, the Japanese will follow.” Sounds familiar? This was St. Patrick’s strategy also. And so Francis returned to Goa, he prepared for a mission to China and in 1552, he sailed from Goa to China. He reached the island of Sancian near Canton, but God had another plan. Francis became sick and he died before he could enter China. And so the other Jesuits continued the evangelization of China, the most important being Fr. Alessandro Valignano. (To be continued)
CBCP Monitor
Ugnayan
C4
Vol. 18 No. 07
March 31 - April 13, 2014
Central Luzon MC Members gather for the Beloved Weekend More than 1,700 mission core members of CFC Central Luzon gathered at the Baguio Convention Center on March 15-16, 2014 for the Beloved Weekend. The Conference service team was the province of Bulacan, who warmly welcomed representatives of the different provinces as they practiced their entry for the Songs of the Beloved. Day 1 of the program started with the praying of the Rosary, followed shortly by the celebration of the Mass by Fr. Allan Antonio, the spiritual director of CFC Bulacan. CFC Central Luzon Regional Head Romy Alfaro gave the Prologue, highlighting CFC Central Luzon’s spiritual journey with Mother Mary from 2012 until today, and relating them to the topics to be discussed on this two-day gathering. The first talk, Ponder, the Family of Love, was given by Family Ministries Director Mannix Ocampo. His wife Aileen and their children inspired the audience with heartfelt sharing about their family life and how they are blessed by God as they put complete trust in the Lord. The sharing of the family of Rey and Anne Atessor also confirm how God takes good care of his faithful servants. Mon de Leon, through a video sharing, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to them in serving CL. The whole Central Luzon offered prayers for the complete healing of his wife, Penny. The former provincial area heads and area directors were also acknowledged for their sacrifices and dedication in leading the community to where it is now. The afternoon session brought the attendees to a deeper reflection, as
former International Council Member Joe Yamamoto, who was celebrating his birthday on that day, gave his insights on the second talk, Ponder, the Manger’s Message. His wife Mila shared her humble beginnings, their sacrifices and the people who have been used by God to support her in becoming a good doctor. The ANCOP scholars further gave testimonies on how their lives have been changed and how they have become spirit-filled individuals full of hope and gratitude. The third talk, Behold, The New Mission given by the CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca kept the audience excited as he shared his own experi-
ences in doing evangelization work in foreign lands, and how his strong faith in God and devotion to Mama Mary led him to people who paved the way in undertaking the CFC mission. His wife Irma, in her sharing, recalled how their lives have been transformed, from a worldly to a spirit-filled life, through fasting and prayers of their first household leaders. She also stressed how the full support she extended to her husband led them together in joyful service to CFC worldwide. Chito Magsajo shared how CLPs can be undertaken in the workplace here and abroad, while his wife Chichi talked
CFC Migrants Program in SM Global Pinoy
about their journey of hope in the Lord when Chito was diagnosed of cancer 12 years ago while serving as area head of Pampanga. Young couple Raymond and Minette Rimando likewise inspired the audience with their courage and creative approaches in evangelization. The high-energy level of the attendees continued until evening for the Songs of the Beloved segment hosted by Bulacan Provincial Area Head Raffy Ballesteros and his wife Amie. Pampanga’s rendition of the song Mahal Naming Ina, composed by Kenneth Makapugay won first prize. Bulacan’s entry Birheng Maria by Gil Cruz and Dexter Domingo
and Nueva Ecija’s entry titled It’s About Love by Perry Modesto, ranked second and third place, respectively. The songwriters of entries from Aurora, Bataan, Tarlac and Zambales were also given plaques of recognition for their participation. The winning province brought home an image of Mama Mary who will continue to journey with them. The second day, after the recitation of the Rosary, Aurora PAH Mon Bañas led the inspiring worship. The last session begun with the sharing of Jei and Winkie Aligada, whose full trust in the Lord allowed them to be healed of their illnesses and be blessed with a baby girl, despite complicated and late pregnancy of Winkie. Mimai Parangue, who was afflicted by cancer, shared how she was healed because of her faith and full support from the community, family and neighbours. CFC Executive Director George Campos, who delivered the 4 talk, Behold, The Beloved Son, stressed on how CFC can become another Christ, a beloved son and daughter. His wife Cynthia shared about the challenges in their married life and how God’s grace has kept their union intact, and how they are able to fulfil their mission of serving the Lord as a family. To close the conference, Ben Babilonia led the attendees to a powerful praise fest. It was followed by the Holy Mass with Fr. Allan Antonio as celebrant. The two-day echo conference was truly spirit-filled. And as it ended, the conference opened the new journey to becoming beloved sons and daughters of God, and by being the ears, the mouth, the hands and feet of the Lord.
ANCOP Global Walk 2014 — Make dreams come true
By Jess Ferrer The partnership between the CFC Migrants Program and SM Global Pinoy will push thru with its initial activities starting April 1, 2014 and all succeeding Tuesdays of April thereafter. Through the partnership, CFC shall be conducting the Moral Values Reorientation Program (MVRP) using the Family Circles module to
benefit the members of SM Global Pinoy who are families of OFWs. The Global Pinoy Centers are present in 35 SM Malls all over the Philippines out of the total of 48, and is part of SM’s Corporate Social Responsibility for OFW Family members. Below is the schedule of the activities:
First Set, April 1, 8, 15 & 22 Mall
Venue
SM City North EDSA
3rd Floor City Center
SM City Sta. Mesa
Events Center
SM City Bicutan
Bldg. B Events Center
SM Southmall
Events Center
SM City Rosario
Events Center
SM City Sta. Rosa
Activity Grounds
SM City San Pablo
Events Center
SM City Lucena
Events Center
Second Set, July 1, 8, 15 & 22 Mall
Venue
Confirmed dates
SM City Baguio SM City Tarlac SM City Pampanga
Events Center
All dates confirmed
SM City Rosales
Atrium / Cinema area
All dates confirmed
SM City Marilao
Cinema
All dates confirmed
SM City Lipa
Events Center
SM City Consolacion
Events Center
All dates confirmed
SM City Bacolod
Food Court
All dates confirmed
SM City Davao
Annex Events Center
All dates confirmed
SM City General Santos
Events Center
All dates confirmed
SM City Cagayan de Oro SM City Manila
All dates confirmed except July 15 due to PR event
Events Center & Enclosure 215-217
All dates confirmed
Seafarer Center
SM City Iloilo Events Center will be the venue for all Tuesdays of September. SM Fairview, Taytay, Valenzuela and Dasmarinas, Cavite schedules will be announced later on. The sessions will start at 1:30pm and end at 3:30pm. Snacks will be provided for the participants and facilitators. Furthermore, participants who will finish the 4 sessions will be given a Certificate of Attendance. With this partnership, apart from the Global Pinoy registered members who will be invited to attend the MVRP, the SM GPC
also expects CFC members to attend and participate in the workshops. Further, it would also be an opportunity for our CFC members to appreciate the Migrants Program and learn from these sessions. As such, CFC leaders of the sectors and provinces are encouraged to participate, support and learn from these engagements. This would also be an opportunity for non-CFC participants to feel the warmth, expressions of faith and solidarity of CFC at the venue in the hope of affecting them positively.
Since the ANCOP Global Walk was launched in 2011 during the 30th Anniversary of Couples for Christ, people from all walks of life (and even dogs) have walked and sent more or less a thousand scholars to school. But did you know that 51 scholars who were recipients of the AGW scholarship have graduated? This means that the lives of at least 51 families have been given the opportunity to live better lives through education! This May, give them the gift of an ANCOP scholarship once again. And make an impact on the lives of these children. Register for the ANCOP Global Walk. It’s high time we WALK THE TALK!
CFC Mission Team Pays Courtesy Visit to Laos Bishop
After a Spirit-filled weekend conducting the Covenant Orientation, Spiritual Warfare, and the Healing and Deliverance Talks last March 22-23, 2014, CFC Laos Country Heads, John Jevy and Rea Ancog, together with the Manila Mission Team led by Country Coordinators, Manny and Grace Panagsagan, Mila Ladrido, Phil de Guzman and Tony and Tess Concepcion, met with the Apostolic Vicar of Vientiane, Laos, Bishop Jean Khamsé Vithavong, OMI. Bishop Jean warmly welcomed the group with a smattering of Filipino words, learned during his four-year stint at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila. He spoke fondly of his
stay in the Philippines, particularly with the close friendship that he has with His Eminence, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, who also belongs to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) congregation. The group gave Bishop Khamsé an update on the CFC programs in Laos, including the program to plan to reach out to Laotians. Bishop Khamsé expressed hope that there will be positive developments in the renewal of the Catholic Church in Laos, with the Filipino clergy and laity playing a vital role in the call to new evangelization. On behalf of CFC, Manny Panagsagan invited Bishop Khamsé to attend the Clergy-Lay Congress on June 19, 2014 during the CFC 33rd Anniversary Week.