CBCP Monitor
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October 12 - 25, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 21
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Love is Our Mission
CFC leaders from the United States and Canada, together with members of the International Council, were present at the World Meeting of Families 2015.
THE WORLD Meeting of Families took place in Philadelphia at the packed Pennsylvannia Convention Center from September 22-25, 2015. The WMOF began a week-long focus on the current situation of the Family but also a celebration of it, in anticipation and preparation for the arrival and visit of Pope Francis from September 26-27. More than 17,000 participants came from all over the world, the largest number in its history. Among these were Couples for Christ from the USA and from other countries, including the Philippines.
“Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive”, the theme of the WMOF, emphasized the challenges and fulfillment that come from living out our God-given design as humans: fully loved by Him and in response, called to love our families and communities. The exploration of the theme spanned over four days, during which thought-provoking speakers engaged the attendees in five keynote sessions and over 70 breakout sessions. The distinguished speakers included Bishop Robert Barron who opened the first morning with his intellect-filled session on living as images of God. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle genuinely spoke from the heart on the family as a home for the wounded heart on the third day. Other notable speakers included Cardinal Robert Sarah, Professor Helen Alvare, Dr. Scott Hahn , Dr. Juan Francisco de la Guardia Brin and wife Gabriela de la Guardia Brin. Pastor Rick Warren and Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley tag-teamed the closing session of the WMOF.
Holy Mass was celebrated daily and beautifully. The Most Reverent Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia and one of the main spokespersons of WMOF activities, presided at the first Mass preceded by a long procession of the world’s bishops and clergy. So long in fact, that the choir re-sung the entrance hymn (“Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom”, the official hymn of WMOF) many times. The conference also featured a three-day open exhibit of booths and vendors. Some “Catholic elite" like Christopher West (Theology of the Body) and Jason Evert (Chastity Project) stationed themselves at their booth and made themselves available for casual conversations with passers-by. Religious congregations (Salesians, Oblates of Saint Joseph to name a few) also did the same, sharing their charism, mission and opportunities for vocation retreats. The different companies sold religious articles from wooden crosses, to holy statues and Spanish mantillas, from“Popeful” shirts and active wear to books. Some also offered services, such as Catholic radio, language services, theology of the body and marriage preparation courses. Some of these were freely given, all of these priceless in value, as they serve as resources that enable the work of all family missionaries. In sum, the World Meeting of Families reminded all of the attendees of the urgency of the common mission of bringing the love of Christ to the families. We pray now for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the Ordinary Assembly Synod of Bishops continues the discussion on the vocation and mission of the family from October 4-25. The next World Meeting of Families is to be held in Dublin, Ireland, in 2018. Until then, may we remain in unity with others and in love with Christ as we move forward in our own mission - families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth. (Ellish Maigue-Talacca, CFC-Youth FTPW)
One Pinoy Voice OVER a thousand people came to support the Global Pinoy Singing Idol (GPSI) USA finals in Elgin, Illinois last Saturday, October 10, 2015. For the past four years, ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. and Couples
for Christ have been working closely with ABS-CBN and DZMM in staging the worldwide competition, which has become not only a showcase of Filipino talent but an avenue ONE PINOY VOICE, C2
THE MISSION OF LOVE AT THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES “LOVE IS OUR MISSION: THE FAMILY FULLY ALIVE” This was the theme for the recently concluded World Meeting of Families held in Philadelphia last September 22-27, 2015. Thousands of people came to the four-day congress featuring well-known speakers, both Catholics and Christians, who tackled the different issues about the families. The WMOF Congress started with a morning Mass followed by Keynote sessions. One of the keynote speakers was Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle who made the audience laugh, cry and fall in love with his wit and grace as he discussed THE FAMILY: A HOME FOR THE WOUNDED HEARTS. His session was about learning practical ways to grow in love, including parWMOF, C2
The DZMM Global Pinoy Singing Idol, a partnership between ANCOP USA & DZMM TeleRadyo, continues to highlight Filipino talent in the US.
CFC Joins Festival of Families and Papal Visit OVER 1500 priests and religious, plus hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful, gathered for the Festival of Families and the Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. We had the privilege to be present at this momentous event and could not help but reflect on the singular honor and blessing of being able to witness a celebration of family, community, and faith! Our reflections were profound. Just by being in that assembly of God’s people got us to thinking that the family is something so important, yet often times people fail to care for something most dear. Pope Francis put it best when he said: “But the most beautiful thing that God did, was the family. God made man, and he made woman- all that love he made in creation, he bestowed it in the family.” Now more than ever, we are affirmed that the family is a crucial part of the development of our society. Like our faith, the centrality of Jesus is essential. In our society, God’s original plan for the family too is crucial. When the Pope said that: “Jesus was sent into the world through a family. God sent him amid a family,” he wants us to remember that “the family is beautiful. The family is like a factory of hope; a factory of resurrection. Let us look after the family. Let us protect the family. Because it’s in the family that our future is at play.” This message allowed us to really internalize one of the two-fold mission of Couples of Christ: to Build the
Church of the Home. Seeing and listening to Pope Francis made us think about the ability of one man to be able to inspire millions. Imagine if each one of our leaders made the decision to raise spirits, embrace a vision and carry that out into reality, our world would be such a different place! This made us realize that it only takes one person to lead with integrity and consistency in order for others to follow. One of the most moving moments during the papal visit was when Pope Francis put away his prepared speech at the Festival of Families. He said, “Once a child asked me—you know that kids ask difficult questions—he asked me: ‘Father, what did God do before creating the world?’ I assure you, I found real difficulty in answering the question. So I said what I’m now going to say to you: Before creating the world, God loved. Because God is love.” The main message for the whole weekend was LOVE. We were created out of love. We are meant to live in union with others through love- through our relationships, through our community life, and through our families. We should not be afraid to love one another. All that love leads us to Him. As people of God, we need to realize that every day LOVE IS OUR MISSION! The whole event was one huge affirmation that our community was right in having as our theme for this year Love More. (Angelo Saludo and Khristine Joy Florendo, CFC - Singles for Christ Full Time Pastoral Workers, GTA)
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October 12 - 25, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 21
The following guidelines are from the Philippine Movement for Transformational Leadership (PMTL), a coalition of Christian faith-based communities who have decided to “come together to do God’s work in the political field, and ensure that God-centered and competent servant leaders get elected into office in 2016 and onward.” Couples for Christ, mindful of the coalition’s noble mission, has chosen to be part of this group. CFC has made clear that it will not endorse any single candidate. However, it will encourage everyone to take a look at the group’s criteria, the GabayKristo, as helpful guides for assessing every single candidate and ensuring that he or she passes the strict criteria. CFC believes that the criteria present a fair assessment of what we should all look for in the leaders we shall soon choose to lead us.
CBCP Monitor
Pope Francis’ UN Address and its relevance to ANCOP POPE FRANCIS, in his address on September 25 before the United Nations General Assembly, reminded the faithful of the true meaning of global poverty. His reminder is a useful guide to CFC ANCOP’s work for the poor. The Holy Father said that in order to empower men and women to escape extreme poverty, “we must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny.” This requires global and national policy decisions to be driven not merely towards the maximization of the economic benefit per se, but rather towards the promotion of integral human development and dignity. In a post-papal visit assessment called in UN language as “Intervention,” Archbishop Bernar-
dito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, submitted to the Second Committee of the 70th Session of the General Assembly on October 8, 2015 a further explanation that “poverty is the lack not only of material goods, but also of social, cultural and spiritual resources and all those less tangible values needed to lead a wholesome and dignified life as individuals and societies." He continued: “For this reason, lifting people out of poverty does not just mean adequate food and water, basic health care and decent work; it also means that all enjoy the realization of their fundamental right to education, to free speech, to religious freedom and other fundamental human freedoms,” (ANCOP USA Communications )
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Jun and Malou Clarito of CFC Canada show the delegates to the World Meeting of Families around the CFC booth.
ticipation in charity, prayer and the spiritual discipline, scripture and the liturgical and sacramental life. His Excellency highlighted his talk with lines from the song “A House is Not a Home”, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding within the family. The following day, during one of the breakout sessions, the audience, in unified chanting, asked Cardinal Tagle to sing A House is not a Home which he sang like a pro to the delight of the audience. The different breakout sessions every day gave the delegates the chance to choose which topic they wanted. Topics ranged from challenges in rearing a child, intimacy
between husband and wife, care for people with disabilities and the elderly, the role of grandparents, the loss of a spouse or child, the effects of divorce as well as cruel impact of immigration system on families and children. The CFC Toronto delegation volunteered in one of the seven sessions with the group called HELPING HANDS in their meal packing event to fight hunger. The goal was to pack 200,000 nutritious meals over three days which will be sent to Africa. The Toronto group was able to pack 32,000 meal packs in less than two hours! The WMOF Congress was capped by the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, as he attended the
Festival of Families on September 26 and presided at the Papal Mass on September 27, where more than a million people from all points of the world came to experience his presence. The Canadian delegations from Toronto drove in convoy to witness this big event, not minding the long train ride that they had to take every day since the hotel was one hour away from the venue. And as they headed home, their hearts were filled with renewed spirit knowing that God has made this event possible so that all will cherish their families as they came fully alive with His presence. (Malou Clarito, Fulltime Pastoral Worker-CFC Toronto)
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Christian Governance in Simple Terms
Cong. Leni Robredo of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur sharedv about her late husband's Tsinelas Principles.
THE STMA (ST. Thomas More and Associates), one of the social development programs of CFC, invited the honorable Ma. Leonor G. Robredo, Representative of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur, to speak on Issues on Good Governance for its scheduled STMA Breakfast Forum last October 10, 2015 at the Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan City. The invitation was extended to Rep. Robredo several months before but because of her many commitments to her home province, the date was moved back several times. Rep. Robredo arrived in the middle of a highly Spirit-filled worship. As she explained in her opening statement, she was so moved by the worship that she was opting to do away with her prepared speech. Instead she delivered an extemporaneous presentation of what Christian governance entailed, the principles of which were ably demonstrated and lived by her late husband, former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. For the STMA members present, these principles are what we too, as Christians, not necessarily as public servants, need to demonstrate in our daily lives. “My husband served for a total of 19 years in Naga before he became Secretary. And these simple tenets, which we call his Tsinelas Principles, are what I and our daughters hold on to now that he is no longer with us,” Robredo began. Why Tsinelas Principles? For one, the late Mayor of Naga was often seen in the streets of the city clad in street clothes and, what else? Tsinelas! (Slippers) “When Jesse died, his friends got together and
created Jesse’s List, a roster of principles that they believe would answer the question, ‘How and where can we find another Jesse?’”, Robredo shared. Number one on the list is faith and family first. “For Jesse, quality time is also quantity time,” Robredo shared of her late husband. She added, “He was also very devotional. He went to confession two or three times a month, and whenever our daughters had exams, he would excuse himself from meetings, go to the restroom, and call me so we can pray the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague together.” Other items in the list were: 2. No entitlement. Be uncomfortable with perks. 3. Simple is beautiful. 4. Be resilient. 5. Cost-effectivity is key. 6. Every individual counts. 7. "Kayo muna bago kami, sila muna bago tayo." 8. Engage, engage, engage. 9. Hanapin ang saysay. 10. Matino, mahusay, may puso. In a way, Rep. Robredo honored the memory of her late husband Jesse in her talk at the STMA Breakfast Forum. Never mentioning her recent proclamation of candidacy for the Vice-Presidency, ostensibly in recognition of the fact that the invitation to her was made way before this development, she chose to focus on what makes one a good servant to others. It was a perfect reminder for all to focus on those principles as well as we serve God’s people. (A. Alvarez)
to raise valuable funds for the education of financially disadvantaged youth in the Philippines. Although ANCOP Illinois hosted the 2012 and 2013 GPSI Regional Finals, this year is its first time to host the USA finals. The pre-show, hosted by events specialist and cultural education advocate Rian Mari Francisco, began with a message from Philippine Consul General to Chicago Honorable Generoso D.G. Calonge, followed by special numbers by talented US-based Filipinos. The main show, hosted by Global Pinoy Singing Idol Director and DZMM anchor Ahwel Paz and Chicago-based theater actress Christine Bunuan, included an invocation led by CFC Regional Head for North Central B Don Paras, a production number featuring the US finalists and World Carazan Global Pinoy Singing Idol winner Jing Wenghofer, a message from DZMM's station manager Marah Capuyan, a welcome speech by ANCOP USA President and CFC USA National Director Eric Villanueva, and a message from ANCOP USA Board Member and Executive Director Roger Santos. No less than the "Concert King of the Philippines" Martin Nievera and TV actress Kaye Abad graced the event as special guests, much to the delight of the audience. The show was broadcast live on DZMM 630, via cable TV on Teleradyo, and online. Eleven finalists from different parts of Illinois, California, Delaware, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Delaware competed for the chance to represent the United States in the 2015 Global Pinoy Singing Idol World Finals to be held in the Philippines. Aside from their impressive singing talent, what was truly amazing about the candidates is their shared desire to be part of the noble cause of helping poor Filipinos gain access to quality education. Each one of them felt deeply honored to contribute to an endeavor that will positively change the lives of deserving youth. Two extremely gifted young ladies were named Global Pinoy Singing Idol U.S. winners. Alodia Alcala is a dual-student pursuing a nursing program while completing her senior year in high school from Florida. Her winning performance was a rendition of "On My Own" from Les Miserables. South Carolinabased college student and model Shane Ericks sang and played the guitar to "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. Ericks has won a number of singing contests and has appeared on the TV shows Your Carolina and Carolina 62. Both are ecstatic to join the other Global Pinoy Singing Idols from all over the world in Manila in a few months. The Global Pinoy Singing Idol 2015 US finals had been in the works for a year. Exactly one year from the event's staging, CFC-ANCOP Illinois Coordinator Laurel Malibiran and wife Minnie reserved the Hem-
mens Cultural Center as venue. Armed with faith in God's provision, strengthened by the encouragement of their Couples for Christ Illinois family, and inspired by ANCOP's hopeful scholars in the Philippines, the Malibirans took on the challenge of being the lead servants of the project. When asked about their most significant insight from the whole experience, the couple cited the awesome way the Holy Spirit has worked in everyone involved in GPSI. Laurel shared, "Sometimes we are not even aware that God through the Holy Spirit is giving us everything we need as we serve. We may be done with one area of service such as an event like GPSI, but the Holy Spirit's gifts implanted in us throughout the process remain in us. When God develops these gifts in us through a particular experience, He doesn't take them back. These gifts are forever ours for God to continue to hone and nurture." Members of the National Council of Couples for Christ USA flew in from different parts of the country for the weekend to express their support. Numerous CFC USA chapters generously contributed to the project, demonstrating true community spirit. Of course, CFC Illinois was in full force as production, marketing, logistics, and finance volunteers. Pinky Santos headed the production team; Efren and Lou Jose together with Mon and Mia Pacheco spearheaded the marketing efforts; Joel and Lourdes Mercurio and Don and Gemma Paras directed the logistics team; and Dany and Beth Dizon led the finance and registration functions. By God's grace, ABS-CBN DZMM continues to make ANCOP Foundation its GPSI partner and beneficiary. Other sponsors and donors include DMI Medical Supplies, MX3, Generics Pharmacy, Philusa Corp, Department of Health, St. Luke's Medical Center, Isetann, Davis Paints, Cebuana Lhuillier, Generika Drugstore, Gambacorta Law Office, Skyline Furniture, Mark Tan, FAMBA, Castle Honda, Nutraway/Carico, Ultra Care Home Health, Dr. Emelita Marquez Wong, Dr. Leo G. Pepa, Primerica, Creative Impressions Plus, Manila Fiesta, Darlene Sales, Care for Life, One Philippines, Pinoy News Magazine, Via Times/CPRTV. The success of the GPSI USA finals means more ANCOP scholarships will be sustained. CFCANCOP Illinois currently supports 20 scholars in the Philippines and continues to find ways to steadily increase this number. In the pipeline are a Valentine fundraiser, which the group held for two previous years, and a major project with a special partner in the Philippines come April or May 2016. (Jane Marie Santos-Guinto)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight
Zenaida A. Gimenez Editor-in-Chief
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist
Evangeline C. Mecedilla Circulation Staff
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
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CBCP Monitor
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October 12 - 25, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 21
AMOR VINCIT OMNIA MORE THAN 250 men travelled to Calgary, Alberta to participate in this year’s National Men’s Conference, put on by Couples for Christ Servants of the Lord (SOLD). The conference was entitled, “Amor Vincit Omnia” which translates to “Love Conquers All”. Truly, this weekend was a demonstration of that. The two-day event was not only well attended but it was also yet another opportunity for the community to come together and “Love More”. This was a monumental undertaking for the National SOLD ministry as this was the first time they were able to put
on a conference of this magnitude and caliber. The conference featured inspiring speakers such as Canada’s National Director, Greg Parillas, ANCOP Canada President Ricky Cuenca, Canada SOLD National Head, Rosco Doromal and CFC International Council member and overseer for the Americas, Joe Yamamoto. Suffice it to say, every man was touched that weekend! The brothers not only listened and learned from the speakers, they were able to share and support one another through group discussions and processing as well.
They were also able to cultivate camaraderie by participating in minute-to-win-it games, a friendly round of dodge ball, and a night of laughter with their first-ever Lip-sync Battle. The weekend flew by faster than anticipated but in its wake, the SOLD brothers are left waiting in joyful hope for what is to come next year. Everyone was simply grateful for God’s provisions and blessings as the conference said goodbye to Calgary and now look forward to next year’s Regional Men’s Conferences in Montreal, Winnipeg and Vancouver.
CFC SOLD took Canada by storm during the Canada National Men's Conference
Catholic Women Shine in The Colors of Love THE COLORS of love shone bright through 225 women who attended the Catholic Women’s Conference 5 (CWC5) on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The women discovered how to LOVE MORE through the inspiring talks and testimonies that were the highlights of the conference. As with every conference of Couples for Christ, each of the delegates came away from the conference with a heightened sense of her relationship with Jesus. Aside from the talks and testimonies, the delegates found the videos and creative numbers a redeeming and joyful experience. Bishop Cornelius Sim’s opening remarks reassured the women, “Sharing the fruits of love and joy is sharing fruits of the Holy Spirit.” The journey of harvesting the fruits of love and joy that day began when the women had to answer the most difficult question that Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” Luisa Obida, the first speaker, emphasized that authentic love means loving the Lord with heart, soul, and strength, leading the delegates to ponder: If God loved me before I was formed in my mother’s womb, what have I done to love him back? Maria Magpusao’s inspiring sharing made it clear that following Jesus is not an easy choice. Magpusao shared how searching for truth about God and learning to love Him more after her husband passed away caused her to rise above her sorrow and allow God to turn her mourning into glorious joy. “Selfless love is what Jesus is asking from every one of us,” explained Lynda Geraldez in the second session. She encouraged everyone to change the way they love, in order to transcend human love into self-giving love, as exemplified by John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, “He must increase but I must decrease”. She added, “Self-giving is to deny oneself, to take up Jesus’ cross and follow Him.” Ammie Alano, in the third session, affirmed that Jesus was true God yet true man. In His humanity, He chose to love more by laying down His life for all. Truly, there was no greater love than this. This session prompted the delegates to reflect if she was capable of laying down her life for others. Tootsie Lopez, in the fourth session titled, “I Will Follow
You”, emphasized that loving more is serving God wherever and whenever help is needed without seeking any reward. The women were challenged to go farther to bring the lost, the last and the least to God as He calls everyone to “feed His lambs, tend His sheep and feed His sheep”. It was overwhelming to see the Couples for Christ - Handmaids of the Lord (CFC-HOLD) encouraging ordinary women to do extraordinary acts of love for the lost, the last and the least, turning lip-service into joyful service. There can be no holding back when people are called to follow Jesus in feeding and tending the lambs and the sheep. Lerie Villanueva shared her struggles in following Jesus amidst her difficulties and trials, not the least of which was learning how to forgive her unfaithful husband and sacrificing her own desires to do God’s will for her life for His greater glory. The last session was a reminder that any follower of Jesus will always testify to love for as long as he or she lives. However, no follower is exempted from facing struggles with herself and with the devil. Nanette Ramos, the last speaker, shared the good news that Jesus would rescue everyone from pride, fears, the sins of the past, inertia and attachments that keep one from loving more. Jesus Christ’s victory can conquer the devil’s four tactics: Deception, Division, Diversion and Discouragement. Blanchie Renomeron testified how she was able to overcome her struggles with Jesus by her side. And, with Mother Mary and her guardian angel as her powerful allies, Jesus rescued her from her past painful experiences and made her a faithful servant leader. The transforming love of Jesus restored everything that was good in her. That goodness painted her life with a burst of colors – pink for love that is sweet and thrilling, green for love that hopes, blue for love that is loyal and sincere, yellow for love that is expressed in service, purple for love that hurts but endures, orange for love that is intense, red for passionate love, white for love that is pure and gold for love that is made perfect in heaven. Indeed, every word of every story in CWC5 painted Love in beautiful colors and allowed every woman present to Love More. (Maria Theresa Pagaduan-Cordova, CFC-Brunei member)
Mission in the Land of the Pyramids SEPTEMBER 18 was a significant date for CFC-Egypt because of the Bible Congress. This Bible Congress was so important to CFC Egypt because the content was centered on the family. The presence and involvement of the clergy and lay people from diverse communities at the congress and the fact that CFC is still establishing a foothold in Cairo, presented a great opportunity for expanding CFC presence in this part of the world. The CFC mission team from UAE and Philippines, headed by International Council member George Campos and wife Cynthia, flew to Egypt and stayed from September 15 to 27, 2015. It was the third CFC mission trip to Egypt this year. The Bible Congress 2015, which was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zamalek, Cairo is an annual event which started in 2010. The congress’ main title this year is “Family Mission in the Bible” which coincided with the Synod on the Families and the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia, USA. A variety of lectures by various presenters from Catholic and other denominational circles in different languages provided a unique learning experience. The first lecturer was for the Italian speaking community, which discussed “The Family Today”, followed by a session in Spanish, which tackled a topic regarding, “Honoring our Fathers and Mothers”. In the afternoon, it was mostly talks for the English speaking community although it started out with a single discussion in French about “Instructions for the Family”. Other English language forums centered on ‘Being a Father and a Brother’ and a talk on “Interfaith Relationship and Families” which culminated in a lecture and practical teaching on Marriage, Divorce and Annulment in the Bible entitled “When Love gets Broken”. The organizers of the Bible Congress, headed by Fr. Alberto Sanchez and host Fr. John Korir, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, involved Couples for Christ for the first time. Taking into consideration the charism of the Family Ministry of CFC, Fr. John requested Joel Sarmiento and his wife, Lany, CFC-Egypt Country Head, to provide for a lecturer/resource person to discuss “Marriage, Divorce and Annulment in the Bible” George and Cynthia Campos gave a talk primarily primarily anchored on the experiences they had in the Synod of the Families in the Vatican last year. Through his lecture, George was able to expound on the subject as well as introduce CFC, its vision and mission and
the work it has been doing in the area of Family Ministry in the global scene. CFC’s involvement in the Bible Congress was not restricted to the lectures alone. Joel, the person in-charge of coordination with the clergy together with the CFC-Egypt team, were active weeks prior to the event for the preparation and during the event itself. They provided for the logistical and technical requirements of the congress, i.e. the audio-visual needs of the breakout sessions and final worship for the closing ceremony in the main church. Support for the Bible Congress 2015 was not only confined to those who were in Cairo. CFC-UAE; the CFC Global Mission Center (GMC) from Manila also extended a helping hand. Ramuel and Beth Garcia, CFC North Africa Regional Coordinator, provided much needed support with their prayers and approval to send a mission support team to Cairo. Additional support was provided by the CFC Middle East Regional Mission Center (RMC) which organized the SFC Mission Exchange for the second time this year. Joel led the vibrant closing worship, ably aided by the SFC MEX 2 from UAE, at the St. Joseph Main Church. The SFC MEX 2 was composed of Gibs Mariano and Melay Gomilla (team leaders), and mission volunteers Cecille Catapang (SFC Abu Dhabi), and Chanel Bruce and Rhea Dinglasan (SFC Jebel Ali, Dubai), who were also in charge of documenting the event. Father John Korir ended the Bible Congress by thanking all the people who contributed to the event. Afterwards, a joyful fellowship dinner was hosted by the parish for all the attendees. The Bible Congress was truly a blessing for Couples for Christ. The relationship that was created with the clergy assures the sustaining support for the mission of CFC in Cairo, expanding its reach from Maadi to Zamalek and hopefully, by God’s grace in other districts of Cairo and the whole of Egypt. After the Bible Congress, the team continued with the preparation for the Coptic Arabic CLP to be conducted in October by giving Evangelization and CLP training to the CLP team and general membership. To wrap up the weekend, three simultaneous Pastoral Formation (PF) teachings were held for the Handmaids of the Lord and Singles for Christ with the Handmaids Enrichment Retreat (HER), Knight’s Tale (KT) and Princess Diaries (PD), respectively at the Anafora Monastery. (Roni & Malou Rasco, CFC Eg ypt Country Coordinator)
CFC President George Campos speaking at the Bible Congress on their Synod experience last year.
CFC Agusan del Norte turns 24
CFC Agusan del Norte, grateful for 24 fruitful years, clockwise from top: CFC Agusan del Norte leaders with IC members & elders from Manila; Bong Bautista leading the worship; CFC local leaders ready for the boodle fight; retired Bishop Ite Jimenez inspiring the membership in his homily.
HOLD ICore member Lynda Geraldez (left) and Bishop Cornelius Sim were among the bearers of the Good News to the women of Brunei.
THE 24th Provincial Anniversary celebration of CFC Agusan del Norte in Butuan City last October 4, 2015 started with city-wide motorcade, followed by the morning worship, various games competition and contests, exhortation, and a sumptuous lunch enjoyed by everyone. The anniversary Mass with Bishop Ite Jimenez (retired) followed. The presentations by the various sectors and family ministries added to the festive mood of the anniversary. CFC President George Campos, in his anniversary message, encouraged all to love, and love more.
The weekend was a wonderful time to gather & affirm friendship, strengthen CFC family, and be in the company of brethren. Around 4,000 people were there to experience the joyful celebration. Earlier, in the evening of October 3, a conference for all CFC leaders of the province was held at the SMS Gym. The conference highlighted inputs from Campos, and the personal testimonies of his wife Cynthia, and the Banaynal couple, Dodong & Inday, who are long-time leaders in the area.
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October 12 - 25, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 21
Couples for Christ and ANCOP USA Participate in the World Meeting of Families
CFC International Council members Joe and Babylou Tale (extreme left) , Joe and Mila Yamamoto (second from right) and Jimmy and Lorna Ilagan (extreme right) pose for a souvenir photo with Roger Santos of CFC USA and Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadephia
COUPLES for Christ (CFC) encouraged all of its members across the globe to participate in the once in a lifetime World Meeting of Families, the highlight of which was the Papal visit, from September 22 to 26, 2015. The response was positive as the CFC International Council, together with CFC members and their families from across the USA, Canada, Australia, Africa and the Philippines, came as WMOF delegates, volunteers or simple attendees in the Papal Mass. CFC attended the Papal Mass in Philadelphia and Madison Square Garden in New York. Roger Santos, CFC New Jersey, was invited by the Holy See to be present for the Papal Visit to the UN on September 25, 2015. Aside from physical contributions, CFC-USA put up a booth to showcase the community mission and vision to all delegates of WMOF. The booth was open during the WMOF Congress from Tuesday, September 22 till Friday, September 25. CFC USA led in the preparations for the meeting. Their pre-event work included setting up website registration to track
all CFC attendance; booth space registration; booth structure rental; arranging alternative hotel sites for CFC members, hosting and transport arrangements; and handling the registration of volunteers/ The CFC USA team headed Roger Santos as over-all coordinator and Alex Algarme as Regional WMF Coordinator. Members included Ricky Coronel, South West B Region Head, Norby Perin, Northeast-B Regional Head and Romy Dacayanan, Northeast-A Regional Head. CFC-Pennsylvania was given the task to serve during the Mass of Archbishop Tagle for all Filipino delegates. Through the booth display and participation, CFC-USA had good exposure to all WMOF Congress attendees who came from 150 countries, mostly members of the clergy and leaders of different Catholic organizations. CFC USA’s active participation and proactively offering of support at this event made it possible for the community to recognize its strength and value in supporting the Church in America and in fortifying its relationship with the clergy.
CBCP Monitor
The Challenge to Plug In to the Ultimate Power Source CATHOLIC communicators from different dioceses, organizations and religious congregations, including the delegates from the various communication groups of Couples for Christ, gathered at the Sta. Rosa, Laguna City Hall Auditorium for the fourth year of the Catholic Social Media Summit (CSMS v4.0) last October 10-11, 2015. The event officially opened with Holy Mass celebrated by the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media Office, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, concelebrated by the priest-delegates in the event. The Hon. Arlene Arcillas, Mayor of Santa Rosa City, welcomed the participants by quoting Pope Francis: “Faith does not remove us from the world, but draws us more deeply into it. Each of us, in fact, has a special role in preparing for the coming of God’s kingdom in our world.” The message was also an affirmation of what Msgr. Quitorio shared in his homily about social media as a responsibility and as a powerful tool to spread God’s message to the world. The fourth wave of the summit, organized by Youth Pinoy, invited speakers to
talk about the five focus topics: Content management, crowd sourcing, mobile technology, online marketing and gaming. Sean Patrick Lovett, Vatican Radio’s director of English Language Section and the summit’s keynote speaker, encouraged the participants to be effective social communicators by using what they have and by practicing what they post. He delivered the talk in a creative way, including a brief sketch of how talking to God on the phone would be like. Lovett shared, “Whenever we talk to God, (we) are the ones who hang up. He never hangs up the phone.” One of the core messages from the summit was also shared by Rommel Lopez, Head of Marketing, Communications, and PR of Knowledge Channel, Inc. He emphasized that the purpose of media is to inform, entertain and educate. As OMGs or Online Missionaries of God, the challenge posed to the participants was to use social media as a tool to spread and communicate the Gospel and to use technology to enhance each person’s spiritual walk as he or she ‘plugs in’ to God, the Ultimate Power Source. (Yvonne Dolorosa)
Personal Testimony
CFC at the WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES: Some Thoughts THE FIRST World Meeting of Families (WMOF) was started by then Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1994, the International Year of the Family, to strengthen the sacred bonds of the family unit across the globe. That very same objective is underscored all the more 21 years since that time because its author is now venerated as Pope St. John Paul the Great after his canonization by the Holy See. This year the World Meeting of Families celebrated the theme “LOVE IS OUR MISSION: The Family Fully Alive.” Pope Francis wrote to the 2015 World Meeting of Families that: “the mission of the Christian family, today as yesterday, is that of proclaiming to the world, by the power of the Sacrament of Marriage, the love of GOD. From this very proclamation a living family is born and built, one which sets the hearth of love at the center of its human and spiritual dynamism...” Following the pontiff’s lead, a spring of overflowing wisdom shared by a long list of notables touched on a variety of topics ranging from the Image of GOD, The Family, Marian Themes, Parents as Pri-
CFC International and National Council representatives, regional and local members, and guests from distant lands of the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Canada, up to the far reaches of North America and across the globe indicative of our worldwide family. Stimulating workshops that offered varied applications in order to achieve the central theme were conducted during the remaining half of the day. As a CFC, I enjoyed the blessing of having been hosted by Alex and Enely Algarme. They were a lovely couple with two sons and five daughters. Alex’s parents live with them in a colonial house in the prairie. They are the typical CFC praying family who braved the long queues, rushed for the train, walked for miles, stood for hours on end to hear the Papal Mass and participate in the Festival of Families. I practically lived out the congress during my brief stay with them. Their family epitomized everything that was talked about in the sessions. All in all, the 2015 Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the United States
they will receive the same Gospel daily lived by them. And such a family becomes evangelizers of many families. (Dr. Scott Hahn) On Family life – The family is the basic unit of society, it is the gateway to the future. The family is challenged by forces hostile to the Christian family. The best defense to the threat on the family is the Christian family. (St. JPII)
CFC Plugged in, clockwise from top: KCOM with Sean Patrick Lovett, Vatican Radio’s director of English Language Section; Bishop Buenaventura Famadico of the Diocese of San Pablo celebrating Mass; Rupert Ambil II, Executive Director of Move.PH talking about the importance of social media during disasters.
The Son rises in Quebec
VISION
We are “Families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth.” – The most beautiful thing God made – so the Bible tells us – was the family. He created man and woman. And he gave them everything. He entrusted the world to them: “Grow, multiply, cultivate the earth, make it bear fruit, let it grow”. All the love he put into that marvelous creation, he entrusted to a family. (Pope Francis) MISSION
Our two-fold mission in response to our vision is: Building the Church of CFC Youth Canada––upholding the Church and sharing the joy of the Gospel in Quebec
The WMOF was indeed a blessing where CFC leaders were able to take home inspiration, wisdom, and new-found friends.
mary Catechist, Unity in Multicultural Diversity, Sanctity of Marriage, Vocations; to Respect for Life, Social Justice, Grandparents and Great grandparents, Celibacy, New Evangelization; even some dealing with Divorce, Separation and Interfaith Marriages to name a few. To be part of the World Meeting was like entering into another dimension of supercharged spirituality. Imagine four days of high Mass presided by cardinals and bishops and concelebrated by a retinue of even more cardinals, archbishops and bishops. Gregorian hymns were sung in Latin by a choir in full symphonic range accompanied by a pipe organ bellowing harmonies of heavenly worship! The Liturgy of the Word illustrated through exhortative homilies that culminated in Holy Communion was the daily starter. Then came the keynote speakers totally grace-filled, inspiring, oftentimes hilarious yet profound, life changing yet subtle in approach. Fine cuisine over hearty banter was the brand of fellowship during lunch break. Everyone would troop to the expo for the afternoon recess where commerce intertwined with social networking echoed from the booths. The logbook at our CFC WMOF exhibit booth read like a who’s who of God’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. On the list were high-ranking princes of the church,
segueing from the World Meeting of Families and commencing with the Festival of Families was a powerfully glorious master plan that heralded the message of “LOVE IS OUR MISSION: The Family Fully Alive” not only in Philadelphia but to the farthest corner of the globe. Dr. Scott Hahn quipped “Pope Francis is the High Definition” of Pope St. John Paul’s divine initiative. The flurry of activities gradually shifted from best to AMAZING! As I sat down to gather my thoughts at post conference, I asked the LORD “What is your special message to me?” The revelation came clear as a bell. I was moved to draw parallelisms between my being a CFC member and correlating that with lessons from the WMOF. I picked up quotes and paraphrases that took shape into the following affirmation:
CHARISM
Couples for Christ is blessed with the charism of Evangelization – Pope Paul VI said, “The family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted, and from which the Gospel radiates.” A family that is conscious of this mission have all the members evangelize, as we are evangelized. The parents not only communicate the Gospel to their children, but from their children;
the HOME. Pope Francis, in his last encyclical, Laudato Si, urges us to care for our common home, and to take care of the gifts; to be protectors of the gifts. He so often urges us to take care of each other. That’s why we’re here, to build a civilization of love; to be that field hospital that makes present the merciful love of Christ. (Dr. Scott Hahn) Even Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s keynote speech was entitled The Family: A Home for the wounded heart. On Building the Church of the POOR – Everyone struggles with painful situations such as loneliness, poverty, disability, illness and addiction and unemployment. In our families and churches, we must walk with each other in love and support, even carrying those with great need. Social justice is the natural progression of family love. But what are the links between love within a family and the Christian imperative to follow the example of the Good Samaritan? How is this possible in a busy, distracted, expensive world? Part of the answer lies in an ongoing examination of conscience and continual conversion according to the lived example of Jesus Christ. It also lies in developing practical habits of living as a man or woman for others. (Cardinal Tagle/ Prof. Helen Alvare) (Ricky Coronel, CFC SoCal)
SHERBROOKE, QC- "May our souls be revolutionized!" exclaimed Rolando Medina, 21, as he led the opening praise and worship at CFC-Youth's July 17-19 Eastern North American Conference held in Bishop's University. Medina, a CFC-Youth Chapter Head from Montreal, was one of the more than 700 CFC-Youth delegates from all over Eastern North America in attendance. A fun-filled weekend of keynote sessions, workshops, testimonies, competitions, praise and worship, and daily Mass, the conference rallied the delegates to be part of the 'Love Revolution', the conference theme inspired by the Scripture verse, John 21:15-17. The 2015 Eastern North American Conference was one of several conferences conducted across the globe -- in Southern California (Western North America), Belgium (Europe), the Philippines (International), and across the Middle East -- within a span of weeks from each other. Delegates did not just meet new people and make new friends. They met brothers and sisters who are from different cities, even countries, yet are part of the same global community, sharing the same Catholic faith. This was evangelization for the Web 2.0 generation or crowd- sourced evangelization. Sharing one's faith is no longer just through Bible Study nights; the conference suggested many creative ways by which faith is communicated using the audience's own language. The CFC-Youth production team extensively used Snapchat, lnstagram, and other social media platforms to not only broadcast the event, but to provide content during and after the conference - allowing those present or away to fully share the experience. With hashtags such as #LoveRevo2015 and #IMLove2015, delegates were encouraged to become themselves promoters and evangelizers, by either reposting official content or making and posting their own - a model intended to be brought back to their local communities so they can continue the Love Revolution. Keynote sessions focused on opening minds and hearts to empower the youth to proclaim the Good News. No punches were pulled as the speakers touched on topics relevant to young lives today. "None of us can ever dream beyond what God has planned for us. Sometimes we forget. Sometimes we lose sight of the love and strength God gives us. Sometimes
we lose sight of the goodness of the Lord." Lawrence Quintero, CFC-Youth International Coordinator, explained during the first keynote session of the conference: 'The Truth Exposed'. The teenagers present shared about their loneliness and love life, about struggling with constantly wanting more from the world, and about constantly seeking love and affection from others. But all of them, after going through the struggles, found one truth - the only true necessity is God. Nic Escalona; International Coordinator for the CFC Kids for Christ Ministry, led the second session entitled 'Declaration of Dependence'. The highlight of the session was the compelling sharing of a young woman who detailed her struggles, since the age of 16, to fit in and to find herself. She grappled through anxiety and bulimia, fought with emotional numbness, resorted to self-mutilation, and relied on drugs, sex, alcohol, and partying to maintain her euphoria to escape her reality. The session taught that whether we are at the highest or lowest point in our lives, Christ always chooses to walk with us, as His love is constant. The third and fourth keynotes were led by Yvette Malicay (Chicago) and Kevin Muico (Toronto), lay missionaries for the CFCYouth community. Both sessions were about the response to God's invitation and His love for us. As the weekend wound down, the youth learned the necessity of coming down from a mountain, leaving behind the safety and the joy of each other's company, to bring the Gospel to their communities and neighborhoods. The biggest revelation of the weekend was the degree of talent young people have. The conference featured a full-scale production: staging, projection lights, sounds, dance routines and bands filled the main venue for sessions and worship concerts, coupled with the coordination of all the other competitions and workshops. It seemed like a professional event but this was run, led, choreographed, and animated mostly by high school and university students. The weekend gave the youth a glimpse of the Church of tomorrow—a Church that is alive and thriving. The 2016 CFCYouth National Conference will be hosted by Toronto, Canada. (Brian Vidal & Martin Angeles, in collaboration with Ville Marie Online)