Final vol 21 no 3 february 6 19 2017 for web

Ugnayan

THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 21 No. 3

February 6 - 19, 2017 C1

Stand Firm in the Faith!

CFC IC Gives Out Marching Orders at the Int’l. Leaders Conference

By CFC Global Communications “Be on your guard, stand firm in t he fait h, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done wit h love.” ~1 Corint hians 16: 13-14

COUPLES for Christ leaders from Metro Manila, the Philippine Missions and the International Missions congregated at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for the annual CFC International Leaders Conference last January 14, 2017. Men and women—16,000 strong—came to listen to CFC President George Campos, Chairman Joe Tale and Director for Pastoral Formation Rouquel Ponte as the trio gave out the marching orders for 2017.

His Excellency The Most Reverend Ramon Arguelles, now a retired Archbishop, was main celebrant in the Mass that kicked off the afternoon event. Msgr. Allen Aganon, CFC International Council Spiritual Adviser, together with Fr. Ronald Magbanua, CICM (Mongolia), Fr. Marco Coloma (Ecuador), Fr. Joel Jason, Fr. Thomas Villanueva, Fr. Carlos Santos OFM (Spiritual Director of CFC Israel), Fr. Anthony Layog (Dagupan) and Fr. Bruno Genilla (Tagum) concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily, Archbishop Arguelles reminded, “All of us are one body with God. Our humanity is joined with Christ’s divinity. Christ is accompanied, and we accompany Him.” He added, “We are a community of communities. The blood that flows in the community is the blood of Christ.”

A New Spirit In the first session, Campos described the church in Corinth at the time of St. Paul—divided, disorderly, beset with difficulties. In one way or

Power afternoon, clockwise from top left: Archbishop Ramon Arguelles celebrating the Mass, 16,000-strong CFC leaders from all over the world gathering to worship; Rouquel Ponte launching the first of a series of books on the history of CFC; Joe Tale delivering the second session; George Campos encouraging everyone to seek the Lord and renew their spirit; retired General Willy Ona leading the worship.

another, he added, the situation then is still true now.

“There are challenges and uncertainties that will shake us, slow us down, or make us afraid,” Campos shared. He added, “It is for this reason that we need revival! How? By having a new spirit in Christ.”

Renewed individuals, a renewed community, made possible through St. Paul’s instructions in this year’s theme—this is how Campos envisions CFC for 2017.

At the end of his talk, Campos reminded those gathered to continue

MM MISSION CORE HOLDS WEEKEND RETREAT

seeking the Lord in order to have this new Spirit.

“Let us consecrate our hearts to the Lord. It is his presence that will make CFC unstoppable,” Campos enthused, before leading the body in a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Stand Firm in the Faith For the second session, Tale enumerated four points on how CFC can stand firm in the faith: know and deepen the faith, apply faith in every day life, proclaim the faith, and STAND FIRM, C2

Elders Assembly Meet on Proposed Changes

Faith and fun at the MC Weekend, clickwise from top left: daily celeration of the Mass; retreat moderators Manny & Ditas Garcia; session speakers Shok Ariola and Bong Arjonillo; Jimmy Ilagan with other leaders; Joe Yamamoto; Lito Tayag; CFC Chair Joe Tale and wife Babylou enjoying a light moment during the fellowship night.

THE COLD weather in Baguio failed to dampen the fire in the hearts of more than 2,000 members of the Metro Manila Mission Core who attended the annual weekend retreat.

The retreat, held last January 20 to 22, had the theme “Strong and Faithful.” The theme is based on CFC’s theme for 2017: “Stand Firm in the Faith”, anchored on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love.”

The theme “Strong and Faithful” was reinforced by the army boot camp stage design and the precisionlike pacing of all the talks and sharings. The entire weekend’s talks were knit together into a cohesive whole through a couple (Manny and Ditas Garcia)

who not only presented the prologue and epilogue or the introduction and the summary of the talks, but who also connected one talk with another.

Talk 1, given by Shok Ariola, spoke of “A New Springtime.” The talk, meant to inspire, urged the participants to recognize in themselves a newness in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, to engage in deeper introspection with eyes of faith, and to reveal and remind themselves that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Shok exhorted everyone not to lose sight of values which he embodied in the acronym SPRING which either enhance or obstruct the newness of spirit: a Sense of wonder; the power of Pride to rule in our

hearts; the Release of our own strength; Intimacy with God; our tendency to downplay Newness within us; and Gratefulness. He ended by encouraging everyone to continue to cling to Christ.

Bong Arjonillo presented Talk 2; “Keep Alert.”

The talk presented the ideals of marriage based on St. Paul’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:48, identified hot-button issues that disrupt the harmony and peace in the home and listed the ways couples can keep alert and thus keep conjugal love alive. The issues he presented found resonance in the couples present and led them to the realization that indeed, they have to be alert to the signs and obstacles to a harmonious and Spirit-filled married life.

Talk 3 was all about how to “Stand Firm in the Faith.” Jimmy Ilagan defined what is authentic faith and described Jesus as the model of faithfulness. He also enumerated some ways by which every Christian can stand firm in the faith.

Jimmy defined faith as believing in God by listening and seeing Him move in our lives. He also emphasized that standing firm in the faith means denying ourselves, taking up our crosses daily and following Jesus.

Joe Yamamoto tackled one of the verses in the CFC theme – “Be Strong and Courageous.” The talk aimed to inspire everyone to confront the issues they need to overcome. These issues are our own Jordan River, and like Joshua, we MC WEEKEND, C2

EA annual gathering, clockwise from left: Msgr. Allen Aganon celebrating Mass at the Elders Assembly; Toffee Jeturian leading the powerful worship; more than 220 members of the EA attended the assembly.

THE ELDERS Assembly held its first regular meeting of the year on January 15, 2017 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Lay Formation Center in Guadalupe, Makati.

Msgr. Allen Aganon, spiritual adviser of the International Council, celebrated the Mass that kicked off the day’s activities. Toffee Jeturian, National Director of CFC USA, led the members in a highlyspirited and Spirit-filled worship.

The first order of business was the determination of quorum. Bong Arjonillo, CFC Board Secretary, announced that 224 members or 78% of the total membership of 288, were present, leading CFC Chairman Joe Tale to remark that this was the highest attendance yet.

The main agenda of the meeting was the presentation of two Strategic Imperatives being proposed for implementation – Focused Evangelization and Organization Design and Governance. Joe Tale informed the members that the presentations were the result of more than nine months of meetings and consultations with key leaders from the sectors and provinces and people from a cross-section

of CFC community, including fulltime pastoral workers and staff from the Global Mission Center. The first presentation of the strategic imperatives was made in June 2016 during the EA regular meeting. Joe Tale acknowledged the help of James Dio and Ed David in the many consultative meetings that were held over the past months.

Some key feedbacks that formed the basis of the meetings and consultations were: CFC leaders are burdened with too many activities, some leaders have too many service positions; leaders need to be further developed and strengthened, and there is a need to go back to the basic core of CFC which involve mission and family.

Joe Tale further remarked that CFC is a 35-year old community and this is the time to reflect on where we are. He emphasized that while CFC has a corporate identity and thus needs to practice good governance, it is also basically and more importantly, a pastoral community with the family as the center.

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February 6 - 19, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 03

A Stand for True Freedom: Say No to Massive Condom Distribution

CBCP Monitor

On the Road to New Media Evangelization

The CFC Youth for Christ Stands Against Massive Condom Distribution in Philippine Schools IN LIGHT of the recent plan of the Department of Health to distribute condoms to public schools in order to address sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted early pregnancies, CFC – Youth for Christ stands firm in its conviction of opposing such move and instead educate the youth towards the adverse effects of premarital sex and the use of contraceptives. We are one with the government in their desire to fight the proliferation of STDs and unwanted early pregnancies but we oppose the method being planned by the government in addressing the said problems.

As a community that promotes family and life, we therefore stand by the declarations made

by Article II, Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution “[t]he State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.” It is, therefore, the role of the government to solidify the moral upbringing of the youth by promoting and supporting the role of the parents in rearing their children especially on matters relating to sex. The plan of the government to distribute condoms to students compromises the parents’ right and duty to rear their children towards the development of their moral character.

As condom distribution will encourage sexual intercourse, it will also increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) instead of preventing it because condom use is not effective against all types of STDs. Condoms do not protect its user against STDs affecting the outer layers of the skin like scabies infections and molluscum contagiosium, among others. Scientific studies show condom use is, after all, prone to failures that might even exacerbate the problem that it aims to address. Therefore, as sexual activity increases, certain STDs will consequently have increased probability, defeating the very purpose of their plan to prevent STDs through the condom distribution.

In reference to the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau’s HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines, higher incidence of HIV/ AIDS was recorded during the year 2012 when the RH law was passed. An average increase of 35% incidence was recorded from 2011 to 2015.

Considering that the legalization of the RH Law paved way for public access to contraceptives specifically condoms, the exponential increase of the HIV/AIDS incidence can be attributed to the public’s legal access to such contraceptives.

Condom distribution, for free, in public schools or in any public and non-traditional places for free will not help lower teenage pregnancy. Instead, providing free condoms will make the young think that it is socially acceptable and hence morally permissible to engage in safe sex. Moreover, when the youth believe that they will be safe during the activity—meaning they will not be able to procreate during the intercourse—they will be more encouraged to engage in premarital sex. More frequent sexual intercourse will offset the preventive effect of condoms because an alarming percentage of people who use condoms as their only birth control method get pregnant each year.

CFC Youth for Christ advocates 100% Free which believes that the youth possesses the strength to break free from the traps of temptation and sin that cause disorder to God’s truth about life, love and human person. The advocacy thus aims to remind and exhort the young that they are blessed with the strength to say yes to God’s truth and no to everything else that are not in line with it.

It is high time that we wake up to the reality that the government’s plan to distribute condoms to public schools degrades our human character as it insults us and robs us of our right to practice our moral intellect in making informed and responsible decisions to say no to premarital sex which can stop the spread of STD. Massive condom distribution will not answer the problems of STD and early pregnancy. There is still hope for every Filipino youth! Let us not lose hope in them, let us not stop teaching and molding them with the right values of true love, respect, and sacrifice. We believe that THE YOUTH CAN!

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Stand firm, clockwise from top: CFC International Council praying over the newly-appointed leaders and new missionaries; praisefest leader Vince Granado of CFC Vienna with his family; CFC South America singing El Espiritu De Dios Esta En Este Lugar; Pauline Yquin, YFC Bahrain, sharing her struggles and Christ's victories in her life. (Photos courtesy of Arthur del Rio and Joey Tomas)

be a witness of the faith.

Tale asked, “What are the practical ways to respond?” and gave these tangible ways that CFC can do that: 1. Live out one's CFC Covenant • Consistent personal prayer and scripture time.

• Regular dialogue date with spouse and children.

• Faithfully attend household and other assemblies and gathering.

• Serve with all your heart.

• Study and grow as a Christian person.

2. Grow in Virtues • Prudence: is right in action; it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure; the prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment.

(CCC 1806) • Justice: the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give others their due.

The just man is distinguished by habitual right and thinking and the

uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. (CCC 1807) • F o r t i t u d e : t h e moral value that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good. It enables one to conquer fear, even the fear of death, and to face trials and perceptions. (CCC 1808) • Temperance: the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasure and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable.

(CCC 1809) Tale proceeded to highlight the blessings showered on the community for 2016, among them the direction to Strengthen the Core, Expand the Reach; the various means of gateway evangelization; the Amoris Laetitia Workshop for leaders in the Metro Manila and Philippine Missions; Mission with the Poor Retreat,

as piloted by Metro Manila Central A sector; Theology of the Body Workshop; Missions 101 Certificate Course; ANCOP Global Walk, which still pushed through despite the walkers being pummeled by a strong typhoon; the first season of Pluma TV Series; and CFC Project ReForm.

For 2017, CFC has the following to look forward to in order to concretize the direction set last year: • Family Evangelization • KFC Families on Mission • Family Enrichment Retreat • Family members together in the community • Gateway Evangelization • Pluma 2: more stories from the provinces, foreign countries • Radio Veritas Pamilya Mo, Pamilya Ko • Greater Parish Involvement • Basic Ecclesial Communities • Stand Firm in the Faith • Catechism • Youth catechism • Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the goal of which is for every CFC leader to have that desire to

make the pilgrimage and relate it to the CFC life and mission.

• Leaders Development, to be established as another course program of the CFC Institute.

“Brothers and sisters, it is time again that we reaffirm our commitment to be part of God’s army and to follow our Commanderin-Chief,” said Tale in his conclusion. “He gives us a choice. Let us take His words to heart. It is time to make our recommitment.”

He added, “As we do so, may we follow Joshua’s commitment and make it our own:

“If it is displeasing to you to serve t he Lord, choose toda y whom you will serve, t he gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve t he Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Faithful Love to the End In the last session, Ponte emphasized the last verse in the theme’s anchor: Your every act should be done in love. (1 Corint hians 16:14 – NABRE) STAND FIRM, C4

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Padre Pio, venue of Day 3 of WACOM, which the Alcorizas were blessed to have served.

“SWEETHEART, I think we need to have an official page for CFC Batangas. What do you think?” Jacky, my husband, asked me one afternoon while we were driving back home after attending a CFC event.

“Oo nga kasi marami tayong pwedeng ma-reach, ma-inspire at ma-attract kung mado -document natin ng maa yos at mapo-promote online ang mga events ng CFC dito sa atin,” I replied.

We had long been discussing about our local community’s online presence.

We felt there was a need to have an official page, at least on Facebook, and really use it for evangelization. There are so many people who spend a lot of time in the digital world who may not have heard about Couples for Christ, or at least have encountered something inspiring that could somehow impact their lives. Though we recognize the value of maximizing social networking for evangelization, we were clueless on how we can get started and set one up for our local community. As a regular CFC member who just transitioned from Singles for Christ, we felt we don’t have any “right” to initiate or suggest to our leaders to explore other means of evangelization like the internet.

But God must have heard our conversation. A few weeks after, we received a call from the CFC provincial mission center and we were told that we were being endorsed to attend the New Media Evangelization Training at the CFC Global Mission Center in Quezon City.

It was such a blessing to have attended the two-day intensive training on new media evangelization. We gained so many helpful insights from seasoned media practitioners from varied Catholic media organizations which we took back home to our province. We realized that truly, the digital highway is a street abounding with people who are often hurting, suffering. Social media is full of men and women looking for hope and by means of the internet, helpful Christian content can easily reach them and the rest of the world. New media is such a powerful tool where we can establish connections, relationships and build communion.

All these learnings will be put to waste if we didn’t apply it to our local CFC community. And so, days after the training, we prepared a report and recommendation and submitted this to our Provincial Mission Center for their review. We suggested that we create official CFC Batangas accounts on known social media sites and start the creation of our own website.

It was during our provincial conference and First Fruits festival when we officially dedicated a documentation team to do real-time posting and updating of the event in our page. Aside from the usual photos and videos, we also captured the

important and striking messages of the speakers, sharers and even prayers uttered by our leaders and shared them online.

That day, we were able to garner more than 18,000 organic post reach and thousands of post engagements via shares and likes. We were really happy to see that even non-CFC members shared, liked and interacted with our posts. Truly, social media sites like Facebook is such a great instrument that we can use to reach other people and provide them online encounter with our community.

We never realized how our simple posts can draw and encourage more people to join communities like CFC. Certainly, in a digital world where paralyzing atrocities, fake news and negativities abound, pages like ours can be a gateway of hope, of love, of caring.

Using social media could be an easy way to share to the world our values, our stand, and those that we believe in. Just like what our dear Pope Francis once tweeted, to evangelize is to give witness with joy and simplicity to what we are and what we believe.

Our WACOM Experience: A Taste of the Mainstream Due to our involvement in the New Media Evangelization training, we were tapped to help cover the 3rd day of the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM) held at the National Shrine and Parish of Santo Padre Pio, Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

It was an honor for us to be sharing tables with known journalists from various media organizations. More than serving and giving the best we could to be able to contribute in data gathering, the experience became more of an on-the-job training for our humble team.

More than becoming part of the media team, we felt very blessed to have witnessed thousands of people from all over the world gather together for one great reason—praying together and for one another and lining up at confessionals availing the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. Through the talks and personal testimonies, and the mere sight of the thousands of Divine mercy devotees, we were affirmed that the Catholic Church is indeed a forgiven and forgiving community that celebrates God’s mercy.

The WACOM, having been held in the Philippines, was so rightfully perfect for the eyes of the world were drawn to us, especially with the extrajudicial killings happening in the country. WACOM brought Filipino Catholics hope that in spite of everything that is happening, we can find comfort in the thought that we have a merciful God whose love and compassion for each one of us, whether sinner or saint, never ends. (Gerlie Alcoriza, CFC Archdiocese of Lipa)

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all need to cross it. The talk also gave instructions on how to live out the marks of a true follower of Christ. Joe likened everyone to a soldier of Christ who needs to be strong and courageous in countering evils in the world through a virtuous life.

Talk 5 was “Exuberant Love,” described by Lito Tayag as supernatu-

ral love that comes from above, a gift from God. Exuberant love is the fruit of deep prayer and conversion.

Lito stated that the greatest obstacle to achieving exuberant love is our own self and our sinfulness, weaknesses and wrong habits. Obstacles also include the evils of the world and the

machinations of the evil one. Lito offered great hope when he affirmed that in countering our own weaknesses and the world, we are never alone because we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit who guides us to our true destination- heaven.

(Z. A. Gimenez)

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Zenaida A. Gimenez Editor-in-Chief Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist

Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight

Christina Quiambao Editorial Assistant

Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor 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 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com

CBCP Monitor

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February 6 - 19, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 03

Mirror of the World: How An ANCOP Child Sponsorship Experience Can Help Change Lives

CFC ANCOP USA Opens Multi-purpose Center in Rizal

Sasha meets her sponsored child Akash for the first time.

Dad's ninja move bears fruit One day, on a visit to my parents, my dad once again asked me to sponsor a child. Again I said yes, but this time, my dad got a flyer and plopped it down in front of me to fill out. To be honest, it was the beginning of something very special to my heart.

My very first sponsored child was six-year old Akash from Orissa, India. What really made me happy was that he wants to become a teacher! When I started to receive letters from him, with his photo and his progress in school, the feeling I experienced was like something I had never felt before.

I was so proud and happy and filled with love, because to me, he is my adopted son and I think about him every day.

I couldn’t shake the need to do more, so I asked my dad for another form in order to sponsor a girl from Africa, and my dream came true! Her name is Harriot and is the same age as Akash. Harriot

wants to become a nurse.

I do worry for Harriot as she is a girl in Nairobi and the political and civil unrest makes me nervous.

But I know God will look after my adopted son and daughter and lead them to opportunities that will enhance their lives as well as those around them.

A Christmas trip for keeps This Christmas, I had the opportunity to travel to Bhubaneswar, Odisha to meet with the priests my dad worked with to bring ANCOP to India, and also to meet my sponsored child, Akash.

These priests were so kind and full of joy, laughter and intelligence that it was infectious and inspirational. Spending time with the priests was an eye opener for me. Although we had never met before, they were so welcoming to both my sister and me, and it felt as if we were family from the beginning. They took time out of their extremely busy days to drive us around and show us the beauty of Odisha.

We went to visit Dhanmandal where my sponsored child, Akash, lives. But before that, we visited an all-girls orphanage in Goa. It was a beautiful experience to meet the orphans who were so sweet and welcoming as they presented us with beautiful flower arrangements and touched our feet as a sign of respect, which is a custom of their tribes.

After lunch, we distributed the candy, crayons and soccer balls we had brought with us. This brought joy to their faces.

Seeing them play with the soccer balls made me realize how much

I truly take things for granted at home, but at the same time, how life’s circumstances brought me to this position where I am able to help in the way I can.

Finally it came time to do what I had been waiting for the last year; to speak with my sponsored child. Speaking to Akash, through an interpreter, and holding his hand was a big moment for me.

He seemed so shy and surely did not fully understand the scope of what ANCOP is doing, but to me, he is perfect.

He has made me very proud as he is going to an English Catholic school and his sister is sponsored by my grandmother who resides in Goa. My trip to Orissa was a rejuvenating experience. Love can overcome the hatred, anger and destruction of the world. Children, given a chance at education, can contribute to their families, their villages, and society as a whole. By educating one child we educate a whole generation.

I would like to end with this quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness.

We need not wait to see what others do.” (Contributed by Sasha Almeida, Canada, January 2018, edited by Noemi Pamintuan-Jara.

Reprinted from www.cfcancop.org)

The Santos couple (6th & 7th from right) at the inauguration of the OLB Multipurpose Hall

SAN MATEO, RIZAL- A new two-storey building, which houses an education center, a health center and a multi-purpose center, was opened at the Our Lady of Banneux ANCOP Community in San Mateo Rizal last February 5, 2017. The center was built for 84 families who are now homeowners at the community. Their houses were sponsored by CFC ANCOP USA. Roger and Josie Santos of CFC ANCOP USA, donors of the building’s Education Center, said the people, especially the young, who live in the community wel-

come the opening of the new building.

“The students are really looking forward to doing their school work inside the Center,” said Josie Santos.

Other donors are Conrad and Mila Cacho of CFC ANCOP Houston, TX (Multi-purpose Hall), the local Rotary Club (Health Center).

The following ANCOP USA Regions also donated for the completion of the building: Northeast A & B, Northwest A-Seattle, North Central A-Illinois, Southeast A& B and Southcentral- TX. (Manny Caballero)

A CALLING TO PRIESTHOOD

The ANCOP seminarian scholars from Mt. St. Aloysius College Seminary in Quezon

PRIESTHOOD is a vocation, a call to God’s service. Not many are called to be priests and yet the few who are chosen sometimes respond with indifference to the call.

There are various reasons for this but one of them is poverty. Entering the seminary is like putting yourself to college—you need money.

Thus many young men who desire to enter the priesthood sometimes fail to pursue their vocation because of financial constraints.

As Couples for Christ ANCOP Foundation helps a number of youth remain in school despite their poverty, it also helps underprivileged men wanting to enter the seminary.

Currently, CFC ANCOP Canada supports seven seminarian scholars at Mount St. Aloysius College Seminary in Gumaca, Quezon. All seven seminarian scholars are Philosophy majors with ages ranging from 18 to 23 years old. They are Jaime A. Mendez Jr., Matt Laurence

Limbo, John Felix Dapito, John Renze Abequibel, Roland Labegan, Eduard Orogo and Roajulle Jamoragan.

The seminarian scholars come from different backgrounds but they share a common goal—to be a priest.

Matt’s father encouraged him to enter the seminary.

“My father told me I should enter the seminary even though we don’t have much money.”

John Renze happily shares: “I am blessed because I was chosen out of the many who applied for the ANCOP scholarship. I did not expect to be chosen because only seven will be selected.”

For his part, Roland says that “The ANCOP scholarship helped me a lot because I need not worry about my financial obligations here.

With the help of my ANCOP scholarship, I need only worry about minimal expenses.”

Eduard reveals: “I learned how to pray and study hard here in the seminary unlike my experiences when I was

outside. I learned to wake up early to read and study so I can pass my exams. In short, there are many changes I noticed in me since I entered the seminary.”

Because of the ANCOP scholarship, Jaime, Matt, John Felix, Renze, Roland, Eduard and Roajulle can completely focus on their studies and forge their path to priesthood. All seven seminarians expressed gratitude for the support of their generous donors through CFC ANCOP Canada. There may still be bumps along the way but they will surely transcend any trials through perseverance and hard work.

(Andres Querouz III)

Do you want to help ot her seminarians? Contact ANCOP today at Landline (+632)709-4868 local 49, Mobile (+63) 915-118-4552, Email: ancoped ucation@ cfcancop.org to ask about t heir Education Programs!

Read more about ANCOP at www.cfcancop.org

ELDERS ASSEMBLY, C1

Plase reproduce.

MY NAME is Sasha Almeida and I am a 28-year-old female Canadian who has lived a privileged life.

However, my parents always stressed the importance of helping those in need of our help. My parents are members of Couples for Christ (CFC) India and a few years ago, they began participating in the child sponsorship program of Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP). They asked me to sponsor a child.

I agreed to do so but never followed through, because I felt that I didn’t have enough money to sponsor a child. I could barely afford my own expenses.

"

Shok Ariola presented the strategic imperative of Focused Evangelization the basic principles of which are: 1) God raised CFC to raise empowered families; and thus our community’s strength is measured by the strength and holiness of individual families; and 2) the basic focus of CFC are evangelization, family, mission and work with the poor.

In order to be able to abide by these principles, Shok proposed the strengthening of the Mission Core basically by developing the MC as a group that prays more and pastors more. He also proposed the further development of gateway evangelization activities, such activities to be done by nonCFC members but driven by CFC. Examples of these activities are ANCOP programs and the Social Development programs.

With regard to Organizational Design and Good Governance, Bong Arjonillo presented an organizational structure that embodies basic changes that are being proposed for greater effectivity and adherence to good governance practices. There were a number of questions raised with regard to the structure. Joe Tale emphasized that this is still a work in progress and that this matter requires greater discernment and prayers since the changes being proposed will make a significant impact on CFC as a community.

Joe Tale announced that the presentations will be presented in another meeting and invited the EA members to review the presentations and submit their comments so that the International Council can have a better basis for moving forward with the proposals.

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February 6 - 19, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 03

CBCP Monitor

CFC Meets Prefects of New Vatican Dicasteries CFC CHAIRMAN Joe Tale and wife, Babylou, together with CFC Vatican Relations Coordinators, Nick and Norma Borja, formally met in Rome with the Prefects of two new Vatican mega-dicasteries—Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, and Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the new Dicastery for Integral Human Development. These dicasteries were the result of a reorganization instituted by Pope Francis last year which merged several Vatican departments.

His Eminence Cardinal Farrell welcomed the CFC leaders on Tuesday, January 24, at their office in Piazza di San Calisto, Rome, Italy. Joe Tale introduced Couples for Christ and how, from its founding by Ligaya ng Panginoon more than 35 years ago in the Philippines, CFC has now grown to an army of about 700,000 members actively operating in six continents and 111 countries. Joe Tale also updated Nick & Norma Borja, CFC Vatican Coordinators, and Joe & Babylou Tale, CFC Chair, paid a courtesy visit to Cardinal Peter Turkson (top photo), and Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

My Visit to ANCOP USA - OLB IN MY recent visit to the Philippines to attend the various conferences of Couples for Christ, my family and I, together with some CFC leaders from Metro Manila and Rizal, decided to visit the Our Lady of Banneux ANCOP community in San Mateo, Rizal.

The OLB ANCOP community is a glimpse of heaven on earth, their way of life similar to the description of the early Christian communities. The community is situated on top of a hill with lush vegetation, clean air and a million dollar city view. Everyone there is a member of CFC,

SFC, YFC, KFC, HOLD, and SOLD, their stickers affixed not on cars, but on the doors of their houses, each one helping out to build the structures and keep the place clean and secure.

CFC household prayer meetings are commonplace. All the children approached us to show respect (pagmamano). Tita Sam, a community resident, proudly showed us a picture of her daughter who graduated cum laude via the ANCOP Child Sponsorship Program and is now working at GMA 7, a big TV network in the Philippines. CFC volunteers

Tito Warren (an engineer), Tito Rollie (an architect) and Tito Bobby Penalosa, then Sector Head of CFC West B, were there to show us around.

The multi-purpose hall is beautiful with a huge white crucifix as the main centerpiece.

Attached to the main hall is the Ka Roger and Tita Josie Hall, named after ANCOP USA Head Roger Santos and his wife Josie, who spearheaded the funding of the building (God bless their souls!).

The beautifully designed houses are well built, thanks to various donations from CFC USA and Canada,

among others. The community ladies prepared a lunch feast for us al fresco with a breathtaking view of the metro!

There are more structures to be built.

The top priority is the construction of the permanent roof of the church. My prayer is for ANCOP USA to continue to support this special project until completion.

Thank you dear ANCOP USA brethren for all your contributions of time, talent and treasure in helping make this beautiful ANCOP community a reality! (Toffee Jeturi-

the Cardinal on two new CFC programs: “Marriage is Beautiful” and the TV program “Pluma”. Cardinal Farrell expressed his appreciation for these efforts that accentuate the positives of marriage and family.

The CFC leaders recounted that in the beginning, CFC encountered resistance from some clergy. This was resolved when, in response to its avowed commitment of oneness with the Catholic Church, CFC moved to coordinate more closely with the bishops and parishes. Cardinal Farrell affirmed that this was the right direction and highlighted the importance of the laity in the work of the Church which Pope Francis himself continues to emphasize.

The Cardinal noted that CFC seems to have achieved a lot of good results in its evangelization effort, recalling his engagement with CFC members in Dallas, Texas, when he was Archbishop there.

Joe Tale presented to His

Eminence two new CFC books, Grateful @35 and Moved by the Holy Spirit, and invited him to CFC’s 36th anniversary in June, 2017 in the Philippines.

While not committing to the June 2017 date, His Eminence nevertheless expressed his desire to visit the Philippines, saying: “Yes, someday I will go to the Philippines.”

His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Dicastery for Integrated Human Development received the CFC leaders on the same day. This new dicastery combined the former councils for justice and peace, Cor Unum, and migrants and refugees. Joe Tale informed the Cardinal of the various social development work of CFC such as ANCOP, Cornerstone, Migrant Workers Program, and ReForm, the ministry to rehabilitate drug and substance abuse dependents. His Eminence encouraged CFC to continue its efforts to help the poor and the marginalized.

ANCOP CANADA TURNS OVER 95 HOMES IN PANIQUI, TARLAC IT WAS A momentous and joyful day last January 28, 2017 at the CFC ANCOP Vancouver Homes in Tablang, Paniqui, Tarlac when ANCOP Canada, led by its President Ricky Cuenca, turned over 95 homes to its home partners. Lito Policarpio, CFC ANCOP Provincial Ministry Head, reported that of the 95 homes, five were sponsored by Holy Cross of Vancouver and five by the Local Government Unit (LGU).

The event started with a Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Fred Dizon from St. Rose De Lima Parish followed by the blessing of the homes.

Leonardo Roxas Jr., Barangay Captain of Tablang, thanked ANCOP Canada for sharing God’s blessings and encouraged all the home partners to take care of their respective homes as these are gifts from God. Mr. Roxas represented his father, Mayor Leonardo Roxas Sr. who was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.

“Continue doing the work of God by helping

the poor,” said the younger Roxas, echoing his father’s message to ANCOP Canada.

The highlight of the event was the turnover of the symbolic key and distribution of the Certificates of Awards to the new homeowners. Aside from ANCOP Canada, CFC leaders and local government officials of Tarlac were present during the awarding. Following the turnover, Romy Cabunoc, CFC-YFC Coordinator and an ANCOP Canada shelter beneficiary, gave a heartwarming and emotional testimony of how his life was transformed when he joined CFC. “Serve the Lord in unity, love one another and be thankful to Him always,” Cabunoc shared.

Cabunoc is active in his service in the CFC community and helps in the electrical maintenance of the units inside the village.

Members of the Youth for Christ and Kids for Christ rendered dance numbers which added to the festive mood of the occasion. (Malou Clarito)

an CFC USA National Director)

Some of the homeowners showing off their certificate of ownership Toffee Jeturian (extreme right) and his family visit OLB, with CFC MM West B leaders giving them a tour.

STAND FIRM, C2

Ponte underscored how each CFC member’s story in the community began in love—God’s love and each person’s love for God and neighbor.

The bottom line for everything that CFC does—evangelization, the family ministries, the mission to the poor, CFC’s relations with the clergy and the social dimension of the community - are all founded on love, and it is important that each one remembers that love.

He pointed out, “As leaders, we have the obligation to remind our people of the faithful love of God. And in remembering, we will always be grateful to the end!”

He mentioned the book Moved by the Holy Spirit, the first installment on the history of Couples for Christ which records how the Lord has been faithful to the community, and how God has manifested His love to CFC. Moving forward to CFC’s 35th year and beyond, Ponte quoted Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium (cf.27), “I dream of a ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedule, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s modern world.”

Ponte shared, “Every action word in our theme for this year ought to lead to our own transformation and help transform world we live in” and went on to list how CFC must act:

1. Be on your guard: let us not be complacent nor satisfied with the status quo; 2. Stand firm in the faith: let us know what we believe in as a Catholic Christian and as Couples for Christ; 3. Be courageous: be not afraid to make known what we believe and to fight for what is right in the Lord; 4. Be strong: be in constant state of readiness by diligent preparation, training and fitness (both spiritual and physical).

Ponte concluded the session with another quotation from Evangelii Gaudium: “… all of us (are) called to mature in our work as evangelizers.

We want to have better training, a deepening love and a clearer witness to the Gospel.” He highlighted the initiatives of the Pastoral Formation Office in terms of the existing and new teaching tracks, and new offerings of the CFC Institute to look forward to. Finally, Ponte reiterated the value of love, not only to family and those in one’s immediate circle, but more so to those in the peripheries.

“Today, there are still empty spaces in our own life and our life as community,” Ponte shared, adding, “Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill it up not just the human emptiness but most especially, the spiritual emptiness—for us to aim for the higher goal—which is heaven!”

CFC ANCOP USA Meets with VP Leni Robredo

Meeting with the VP, from left: Nathaniel Gomez, Rogelio Vonz Santos, Roger Santos, VP Robredo, Josie Santos, Rollie Balanza, Beth Macaraig and Jun Macaraig.

CFC ANCOP USA leaders paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Leni Robredo at her Quezon City office last February 6, 2016 prior to embarking on a medical mission to Bohol.

The ANCOP USA leaders informed the Vice-President that they will be conducting another medical mission

in the Bicol region next year. They also presented to VP Robredo the ongoing programs of ANCOP USA, namely: shelter for the poor, health programs and calamity response.

According to Roger Santos, ANCOP USA Head, VP Leni showed interest in the calamity response

program and expressed a desire for possible collaboration in times of catastrophe.

For her part, VP Robredo introduced her “Angat-buhay” Program against poverty.

The courtesy call lasted for more than an hour. (Manny Caballero)

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