Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 22 No. 07
April 2 - 15, 2018 C1
‘TRUE MEN’ OF GOD FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ‘RISE ABOVE!’ Dionisio Neil A. Balite, CFC Bohol
TO "Rise Above" like an eagle—this was the call for the three-day gathering of Catholic men from all over the world at the 17th CFC Men's Conference held from March 23 to 25, 2018, at the Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This annual meeting of men is under the supervision of the Servants of the Lord (SOLD), one of the family ministries of CFC. It was a challenge which struck at the hearts of the more or less 600 men as they listened to the sessions anchored on Isaiah 40:31—“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. The event commenced at 5 PM of Friday, March 23, with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. In his homily, Bishop Uy expressed his astonishment at seeing a rare sight—a multitude of men and only a handful of women at the Mass. The prelate thanked the conference delegates for responding to the call to defend family and life as the group had also decided to join the diocesan-led March for Life scheduled the next day. After the Mass, Mr. Isabelito Tongco, who represented Bohol governor Edgar M. Chatto, and Amit Yu, provincial area director of CFC Bohol, formally welcomed all the delegates. The night of Day 1 ended with a guitar fest competition, with Mart Ray Borromeo of CFC Bohol winning the competition hands down. Day 2 started at 8:00 AM with Holy Mass, with Msgr. Jonathan Pacudan, parish priest of the Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion parish of Guindulman, Bohol, Diocese of Talibon as main celebrant. Msgr. Pacudan reminded the delegates that to be a true man of God, one should be ready to carry the CROSS (Christ – Redemption – Obedience – Suffering – Sacrifice). Msgr. Pacudan also exhorted everyone to ask, “What would Jesus do?” every time they are faced with difficulties. The following sessions followed the Mass: Talk 1 “Life in the Fast Lane” by Boyet Rafael, with Charly Laiz as his sharer; Talk 2, “Long Run” by Willie Padida, with Manny Garcia as sharer; and
Bishop Uy expressed his astonishment at seeing a rare sight—a multitude of men in one convention!
10th GAWAD ANAK OFW TOSDOSA Awards Held MANILA, March 28, 2018 – The Migrants Program of Couples for Christ, together with the CBCP Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (ECMI), recently staged the national search for the 10th Gawad Anak OFW Ten Outstanding Sons and Daughters of OFW Student Achievers (TOSDOSA) Awards. The TOSDOSA Awards is an annual event of CBCP ECMI which aims to give recognition for the scholastic achievements of children of OFWs. Hi Excellency The Most Reverend Ruperto Santos, Bishop of the Diocese of Bataan and Chairman of ECMI, graced the awards ceremony, held at the National Commission for Culture and Arts in Intramuros, Manila. Fr. Resty Ogsimer, ECMI Executive Secretary, and Edmund Ruga, ECMI Luzon Program Coordinator, were also present. CFC Migrants Program Head Jess Ferrer, Ferdie Garcia of CFC Metro Manila West B, and Noel Flojo of CFC MM West C, helped organize CFC in Metro Manila for the hosting of finalists and their families from the Visayas provinces. Together with other judges, CFC Migrants Program’s Tony Obien of Laguna and Ailene Pamintuan of Cavite spent the whole morning screening the finalists to determine this year’s winners.
Talk 3 “The Best of My Love” by Joemar Salumbides, CFC Servants of the Lord International Coordinator, with Jojerry Mercado as sharer. The talk titles were all inspired by the songs of the famous band of the 1980s, the Eagles. The delegates participated in the March for Life that started from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish church and ended at the St. Joseph Cathedral. The march was initiated by the Commission on Family Life of the Diocese of Tagbilaran with the various renewal groups, church-mandated organizations and nearby parishes joining the cause. The evening was capped by the Eagles Band Competition. The local CFC band of Bohol emerged victorious from among the eight bands coming from the other countries and provinces. The last day was highlighted by the Palm Sunday ceremony and Mass. Fr. Valentino Pinlac, rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) presided over the celebration. Fr. Val's homily emphasized the need for sacrifice and underscored the inclination of some people to cowardly evade problems and resort to shortcut solutions or processes, which are unacceptable for a true Christian. Fr. Val thanked CFC for its support to the seminary. Through ANCOP USA, the IHMS was a recipient of several personal computer workstations and servers, which cater to the computeraided design lab requirements of the seminary. He also reminded the CFC leaders present of the commitment of ANCOP, through its Child Sponsorship Program, to support 10 seminarians through college, the applications for which are still under process. The Mass was followed by the last session of the conference. Lawrence Quintero, CFC Family Ministries International Director, delivered the talk “Love Will Keep Us Alive”. His sharers included Mon de Leon, former CFC Central Visayas regional area head, and Hermie Hermillosa, both of whom, despite being widowers, continue to serve the community. A spirit-filled praisefest concluded the conference, ably led by Marthin Pil, SOLD VisMin coordinator. CFC Bohol’s MC Band provided the lively music for the event. Next year’s International Catholic Men’s Conference is slated to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, another conference that will be eagerly anticipated by these true men of God.
CARDINAL TAGLE visits Vancouver
CBCP ECMI’s Edyzza Pumarada and Frankie Naranjilla of CFC MM East A had a lot of fun hosting the afternoon’s awards ceremony. The event’s keynote speaker was Senator Cynthia Villar representing the Villar SIPAG Foundation, an avid supporter of the TOSDOSA awards for several years. Rene Sandoval, a Grade 10 student from Canossa Academy of Lipa, Batangas topped this year’s event for the high school category, while Raphael John Dasalla, a Grade 6 student from St. Mary’s University of Nueva Vizcaya, topped the elementary category. The other finalists represented the following schools: Angeles University Foundation Integrated School, University of Batangas, Caloocan National Science and Technology High School, St. Scholastica’s Academy of San Fernando Pampanga, Holy Family Academy of Angeles City, Angeles University Foundation, St. Teresa College of Batangas, St. Paul College of Makati, St. Mary’s University Nueva Vizcaya, Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School, Holy Family Academy of Angeles City, Malanday Elementary School, Dela Salle Lipa, Our Lady of Casasay Academy Taal, Our Lady of Peace Antipolo. (Frankie Naranjilla, CFC Migrants Program)
The 10th TOSDOSA winners in the Elementary category with Fr. Resty Ogsimer (extreme left), Bishop Ruperto Santos (5th from the left), Edmund Ruga (6th from left), Frankie Naranjilla (9th from the left).
ON MARCH 19, 2018, the Archdiocese of Vancouver welcomed His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila. Cardinal Tagle first visited the office of the Archdiocese of Vancouver to meet Vancouver’s Archbishop Michael Miller, as well as the archdiocesan staff. Hours later, His Eminence celebrated Mass on the feast day of St. Joseph at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver. The Mass was jam-packed, attended by almost 1,500 people, with both the Cathedral and the adjacent Holy Rosary Hall completely filled up. Still others waited outside to catch a glimpse of the prelate. Couples for Christ Vancouver were among those who eagerly waited for the Cardinal. In his homily, the Cardinal reminded and challenged the congregation to be transmitters of the faith within their families, and outwards to the bigger family of the world. The homily was a sneak peek into his talk in the evening. The evening program was held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre where, after an opening prayer
and worship, the local Vancouver musical Right Here, Write Now performed a condensed version of their production. Taking off from the musical’s message of appreciating and writing one’s own life story, Cardinal Tagle spoke of the value of one’s own story and shared his own stories to the 3,000 people present. The Cardinal once again encouraged parents, children and siblings to be transmitters of the Catholic faith, stressing that as much as it is important to keep the family in the faith, it is just as important to keep the faith in the family. Cardinal Tagle spent only around 24 hours in Vancouver but for those who waited eagerly to meet and spend time with him, it was time well spent. Everyone commented that in the midst of the countless people who rushed to greet him, asking to take selfies, or just to shake his hand, Cardinal Tagle always had a wide smile. That smile, for us who were there, was a sharing of the Cardinal’s joy in the Lord. (OJ Rivera, Fulltime Pastoral Worker – CFC Youth)
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April 2 - 15, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 07
Easter Message from the International Council BELOVED brothers and sisters in our Risen Christ, a blessed Easter to you and your families! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. For the stone is moved, His tomb empty—God our Savior is alive and victorious! As our families proclaim "Alleluia" this Easter, may the Spirit of the Resurrected Lord, who fills our celebration with joy beyond compare, also rekindle and illumine our hearts with these three shining and compelling truths about His great love: 1. Your life and soul are immeasurably beautiful and important that Christ lived so that He can die for you! “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10) Do not allow the evil one to deceive you by using anyone or anything to make you feel unloved or demeaned. Our genuine worth is not based on how society measures us, or how others in secular authority "appraise our performance". Our true worth is bestowed by God who has created us in His image, who loves us faithfully, and who has affirmed us by what Christ has done for us on the Cross! 2. You are a winner, designed by God for victory - a triumph made definitive by Christ's rising! "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Cor 15:57). We may encounter real struggles in our work, family and mission in Couples for Christ. But you and I, like Paul and Timothy, are empowered to finish the good race and win the good fight! Easter victory reminds us that our strength to overcome trials does not depend on wealth, position, fame or individual skill, but on the great power of the Spirit who breathed life and light upon a dark tomb for the Easter Resurrection, the very same Spirit who now lives in you and moves your family, work, and mission! “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11) 3. You are blessed to be part of the most important and inspiring job in the world the job of Christ Himself! Regardless of your current work or mission environment, your motivation to wake up, energized on a Monday morning, should not be dictated or limited by the kind of office culture or boss you have. Rather, God's solemn charge and calling upon you commands great blessing to stir and renew unperturbed joy and inspiration in your heart, so that you can offer your excellent work back to Him! If God calls and sends you to be in your current company of employment, business, or community, then that office or business venue becomes not just a place of work but a place of mission! And, taking on the mission of Christ Himself, you will surely share not just in His work but in His sure victory and Heavenly reward! As the Spirit rekindles His light upon our paths let us move forward in one united direction to fulfill the Ministry He calls us to - towards Holiness in Him, strengthening families, and serving others, especially those in the peripheries. Brothers and sisters of the Easter morning, "let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven! (Matthew 5:16). Once more, a very Happy Easter to you and your families! For the CFC International Council:
MELO VILLAROMAN, JR. Chairman
CFC Institute discusses ups and downs of parenting PARENTING kids these days may be a tough job for some parents, considering the factors that affect them as they grow. With this in mind, the Couples for Christ Institute (CFCI) offered a free lecture on “Parenting Today’s Children: The Z and Alpha Generation Kids”. The lecture was held on March 17, 2018 at the Christ the King House of Spirituality, Quezon City, with Shiela Marie G. Hocson, Ph.D., president of
the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, as the keynote speaker. CFC members, educators and parents attended the lecture, gaining significant insights on how to pastor the kids of this generation. Hocson began, “There’s no perfect ingredient to become a parent. It’s really a long, long process.” Hocson then proceeded to dish out pieces of advice and
narrated true stories of how parenting has evolved throughout the years, and how parents were able to overcome the challenges of raising their kids. One of the noteworthy advice from Hocson’s lecture is how a parent should empathize and have a caring attitude. To show their love, parents must be compassionate and adapt the traits of being genuine, friendly, and kind, backed up by firm discipline. (Yvonne Dolorosa)
CBCP Monitor
He began to wash the disciples’ feet (John 13:5) A BLESSED Holy Week! On Holy Thursday, with our two sons and daughter-in-law, we all went to confession at Sto. Domingo Church. Then we attended Mass at our parish church and spent the evening praying and reflecting in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Years ago, when the children were still small, our family used to do the usual Visita Iglesia, but now we prefer to spend more time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. On Good Friday, we skipped breakfast and had only bread and water and one boiled egg for lunch. We read the Gospel accounts of the Passion of Christ while listening to Gregorian Chants sang by the Benedictine monks of St. Wandrille. In the afternoon we attended the church service, joined the long line to kiss the large, lone Crucifix, and received the Eucharist. As usual, the Mass on Holy Thursday included what is called the Holy Thursday Mandatum. This rite takes place after the homily where selected members of the congregation, wearing the apostles’ garb, have their feet washed by the priest. It commemorates what Jesus did during the Last Supper as reported only in the Gospel of John: “He rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.” (John 13:4-5). In keeping with this practice, Pope Francis, during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, washed the feet of inmates at Regina Coeli Prison in Rome. Originally built as a Catholic convent in 1654, Regina Coeli was converted into prison in 1881. It now holds prisoners from more than 60 countries. Twelve men from seven countries were chosen for the ritual of the washing of the feet: four Italians, two Filipinos, two Moroccans, one Moldovan, one Colombian, and one from Sierra Leone. Eight were Catholic, two were Muslims, one Orthodox, and one Buddhist. The rite of the washing of the feet is of great antiquity. It is contemporaneous with the beginnings of the Christian Liturgy. The ceremony derives its liturgical name, Mandatum, from John 13:34 when Christ says: “Mandatum novum do vobis: ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos.” (A new command I give you: love one another as I have loved you). But this rite had not always been accepted, as evident in St. Augustine’s letter to Januarius: “As to the feet-washing, since the Lord recommended this, … the question has arisen at what time it is best, by literal performance of this work, to give public instruction in the important duty which it illustrates, and this time [of Lent] was suggested in order that the lesson taught by it might make a deeper and more serious impression. Many, however, have not accepted this as a custom, … and some have denied it any place among our ceremonies.” But the washing of the feet has a long tradition, particularly in the East, and the Scriptures provide a number of examples. “Looking up, he (Abraham) saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, he said, ‛Sir, if I may ask you a favor, please do not go past your servant. Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then
rest yourselves under the tree.” (Genesis 18:2-4) “The two angels reached Sodom in the evening, as Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he got up to greet them, and bowing down with his face to the ground, he said, ‛Please, gentlemen, come aside into your servant’s house for the night, and bathe your feet; you can get up early to continue your journey.’” (Genesis 19:1-2) In countries with dusty roads and during the time when people went barefoot or wore open sandals to protect the soles of their feet, it was necessary that the feet be washed frequently. Thus, it was natural and spontaneous to offer a basin of water to a guest coming into one’s house. And it was the height of courtesy and hospitality for the host himself to pour water over the feet of his guest. Not to offer water to a guest was, therefore, a manifest sign of disrespect and inhospitality. And this was what Jesus complained about when he visited the house of Simon, a Pharisee. “Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.’” (Luke 7:44) St. Benedict wrote a code on how guests were to be received by the community: “All strangers are to be received as Christ would be received. The kiss of peace is exchanged; the Abbot himself pours water over their hands, the Abbot and all the brethren together wash the feet of the guests.” The Council of Toledo in 694 encouraged this practice: “Since Our Lord has not disdained to wash the feet of His disciples, why should we refuse to emulate the example he gives us? It now happens that, partly from slackness, partly from custom, in sundry churches the priests no longer wash the feet of the brethren on Maundy Thursday.” The Council then threatened with excommunication bishops and priests who refuse to follow. Following the instruction of Pope Francis, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in a Decree titled In Missa in Cena Domini issued on 16 January 2016, changed the practice of having only men in the washing of the feet: “In order that the full meaning of this rite might be expressed to those who participate, it seemed good to the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis to vary the norm which is found in the rubrics of the Missale Romanum: ‘The men who have been chosen are led by the ministers…’, which therefore must be changed as follows: ‘Those who are chosen from amongst the people of God are led by the ministers…’, so that pastors may select a small group of the faithful to represent the variety and the unity of each part of the people of God. Such small groups can be made up of men and women, and it is appropriate that they consist of people young and old, healthy and sick, clerics, consecrated men and women and laity.” The washing of the disciples’ feet demonstrates Jesus’ word that he came to serve and not to be served. It should be the same with us. While it is no longer necessary for us to wash the feet of people coming to our homes, we ought to practice the lesson it teaches: serve and love one another. It is the lesson of the Holy Week. st
CFC Negros Occidental Holds 1 Family Ministry Summit
HOMILY: What does Easter Mean to Us?
Reflection during the Mass of Easter Sunday at the MM MC Assembly I AM very certain that even before we started the Eucharistic celebration, you have already started greeting one another, “Happy Easter!” That is what we say during Easter. We also greet people Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. However, if we do not know what these greetings mean, then they become just ordinary words, devoid of significance. “Happy Easter” means Christ is risen, He is alive. Madaling sabihin ‘yun pero kung titingnan po yung buhay natin, makikita mo ba na sa buhay natin nabuhay talaga si Kristo? Meron po sa atin, parang ang buhay ay di kababanaagan na si Kristo ay muling nabuhay. Even Pope Francis noticed this, “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. And there are those who look like someone who has just come back from a funeral.” Brothers and sisters, we are called children of Easter Morn, Alleluia is our song, and the basis of our faith is the Lord’s resurrection. Our lives then must sing and profess it and therefore the resurrection of Christ must create new histories in our lives. But not just new histories, but new stories, a new meaning in life. My dear brothers and sisters, if we claim to be Christians and children of Easter Morn, there should always be these new stories emerging from our lives; a new meaning created; new ways of looking at things because we have experienced ourselves the Good News and the joy of Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection of Christ also brings us hope. What are these new histories that spring forth from our encounters with the Lord? In the Gospel today, we hear of the empty tomb. In the Gospel, Mary found the tomb has been opened, and the body of Jesus was not there, which made her think that people may have taken or stolen the body of Jesus. When Peter and the beloved disciple came to the tomb, they found it as reported by Mary Magdalene. One detail for this account deserves some attention. Aside from the fact that the tomb was empty, we take notice of the detail that the burial cloth and the cloth that covered the face of Jesus, were found apart from each other. The other one,
Fr. Roy Rexelle Decena
the napkin that covered the face of Jesus, was rolled up neatly set aside. In the Jewish custom and food etiquette, a servant must be very careful to read the signs being sent by the master through his table napkin. When the master simply leaves the napkin on the table, it means the master is done. Tapos nang kumain kaya pwede nang iligpit ng alipin ang pinagkainan. But when the napkin is folded and properly set aside, the master is actually saying, “Wait, I’m going to return to these, please do not keep yet.” So my dear brothers and sisters, that account in John’s gospel is telling us something along this line, “This is not the end. Something is coming next. Something is going to happen. The master is coming back.” Hindi sa kamatayan o sa libingan lamang matatapos ang lahat. And so many familiar songs have attested to these truths, yung mga kantang may ganitong lyrics, “There’s got to be a morning after…”, “May bukas pa sa iyong buhay…”, or “… laging mayroong umagang kay ganda, ‘pag sikat ng araw may dalang liwanag.” And that is the message of the empty tomb. “Something is coming next. It is not the end. The tomb is not the end.” One day, I celebrated Mass in a parish where I was formerly assigned. After the Mass, I saw a tall guy, someone who most likely HOMILY, p3
CFC Negros Occidental held its first Family Ministry Summit in Bacolod City on March 8 with all the provincial Family Ministries Couple Coordinators and CFC elders attending. The summit aimed to strengthen the foundation of each family ministry coordinator through appreciation and direction setting. About 250 couple coordinators and CFC leaders attended. Jimmy Basal, CFC Negros Occidental Family Ministries Head, gave the first session titled, “One CFC and Family Ministries” which emphasized the blessing
of the Family Ministries to the entire CFC community. The CFC Transition Policy or the “Seamless Transition” program was also discussed by Jigo Trinos, YFC Negros Occidental Provincial fulltime pastoral worker. Bebot Caceres, CFC Negros Occidental Provincial Area Director, presented the direction of CFC Negros Occidental, particularly the role of Family Ministries. A workshop followed with the delegates grouped per area in order for them to better assess their
present realities and come up with their respective strategies. After the workshop, each area presented their assessments and strategies. At the end of the summit, Wilmon Peñalosa, SFC Negros Occidental Provincial Couple Coordinator, led the Praisefest. Overall, the summit was a successful event with everyone expressing the hope that the Family Ministries of the province, the future of Couples for Christ, will be further strengthened and empowered. (Jigo Trinos)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight Zenaida A. Gimenez Editor-in-Chief
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
Andrelene D. Veloso Editorial Assistant
Yvonne Grace J. Dolorosa Staff Writer
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 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org
CBCP Monitor
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April 2 - 15, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 07
Ateneo Students Immerse in OLB Community
LEARNING is not confined to the four corners of a classroom. Experiences can also mold students to become the persons they are destined to be. In pursuit of this experience, students from different levels of Theology classes of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) partnered with CFC ANCOP for an immersion program in CFC ANCOP sites. CFC ANCOP welcomed the students on March 2 at the Our Lady of Banneux Community in San Mateo, Rizal. The students arrived in the morning and went straight to an orientation talk on CFC ANCOP and its programs, as well as a brief history of the OLB community, given by Romeo Medina, ANCOP Communications and Events head. The students met with their foster families after the orientation. By the time they shared lunch, the students were fully engaged with their host families.
The students spent the second day of the immersion learning about the community's livelihood program. The community women taught them how to weave wallets from recycled materials. They also spent the weekend playing with the children and preparing for the solidarity night. During the solidarity night, the students thanked and honored the community members for welcoming them and treating them as part of their own families. The residents and students shared a meal together, played games and showcased their talents for the entertainment night. On the last day of the formation program, the students had their processing session with Ms. Jeans Claveria, Praxis Program Formator of ADMU, where they communicated their individual realizations and how the program created an impact in their lives.
For the students, the experience was an eye opener since they had a chance to witness the challenges and issues the area is experiencing. After the session, they went back to their assigned families to say their goodbyes and give their tokens of thanksgiving and appreciation. Evaluating this immersion experience, Claveria said, “The OLB Community has accommodated us well, opened their hearts and their homes; despite difficult struggles. We are thankful for witnessing the strength, courage, and love of these families when they treated us as part of their own." Prior to this particular immersion, from February 23 to 25, 2018, another group spent time with families at the ANCOP Community in Paniqui, Tarlac. The first immersion partnership between ANCOP and ADMU was in September 2017. (ANCOP Communications)
Cornerstone Moving Up Day in the Visayas
THE CORNERSTONE Program in the Visayas completed another school year. Moving up were children at different levels or phases of learning, all of them benefited by the Cornerstone program of teaching them how to read. Thirty-five elementary schools and 20 high schools conducted their respective Moving Up ceremonies and High School closing activity during the month of March. There were also several Kids Day/ Camps, Youth Camps and CLPs conducted for Cornerstone tutees and their parents. The Cornerstone program is CFC’s gateway to evangelization for the children and their families. Ms. Lorna Samuya, principal of Tiangue Elementary School in Cebu, commended Cornerstone for its efforts, not only in reading tutorials but more so for the values formation program given by the volunteers to the parents. According to Samuya, she has witnessed a big change in the behavior of her pupils, who have become more respectful and motivated to go to school.
Ms. Aireene Godines, Soong Elementary School principal, who was hands-on during the Moving Up day, and who has been a staunch supporter of the program, shared the same sentiments. The children showcased their talents in dancing and singing as their way of entertaining their delighted parents and other guests. Some Grade 5 and 6 pupils in Tiangue Elementary School received awards of appreciation for helping their little brothers and sisters to also learn their ABCs. The awardees were once tutees in the same school, and were recognized for paying it forward even in their own simple way. Though celebrated differently from school to school, children and parents always came in their best attire for Moving Up Day. However, some had to wear their school uniforms because they could not afford to buy new shoes or clothes for the occasion. In spite of this, the pride in the tutees’ faces and the joy in their parents’ eyes could not be extinguished. (Ma. Cresty Tomenio)
CFC-OSM Character Enhancement Program Goes to Batangas THE first Character Enhancement Program in the province of Batangas was held in the Municipality of Nasugbu, on February 8, 2018 at the Nasugbu Municipal Hall. The Order of St. Michael, Couples for Christ’s program for uniformed personnel conducted the CEM 1 “Only for the Brave” for the BJMP personnel, PNP and Traffic Management Office (TMO) enforcers of the town. Fifteen participants from these offices registered—6 from BJMP, 4 from the PNP, and 5 from the Traffic Management Office (TMO). Among the participants were JCINCP Manuel T. Villas, Jr., Jail Warden of Nasugbu Municipal Jail and PNP Deputy Commander, Police Chief Joel Ilagan. Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon gave a welcome address, expressing his gratitude and honoring the OSM team for giving their time to conduct the CEM. He commended CFC-OSM for the program that he said will be of great help to the police force, BJMP personnel, and traffic enforcers of his home town as they serve the community. He said, “I’m very hopeful that these personnel who participated in this program will gain more knowledge and values in the dispatch of their duties and responsibilities in their respective area of service. Treat prisoners with more compassion... some of our prisoners are innocent… share with them and with your organization what you will learn out of this forum.” The service team was composed of 5 from the OSM Core, 2 from Laguna; 24 from Batangas led by Mel Zarraga, Dennis Orencia, and Prison Ministry Coordinators Cris and Eva Soriano. The rest were from different SOCDEV Programs. Batangas Provincial Area Director Dante Ilagan was also present to observe and support the proceedings. The speakers, sharers, and facilitators effectively brought the message of God across. Francia Bianzon, sharer for Talk No. 3, narrated her life as the wife of a police officer who was given a five-year assignment in a place that was far away from her and their
children. She and her children had to endure the effects of her husband's prolonged and continued absence. However, prayers united them during challenging times of being physically apart, especially in helping her husband overcome temptations in infidelity. Cris Soriano's story for Talk 4 (“Forgiveness”), was heart-breaking as he shared his experience about growing up with absentee parents. He had to pursue his dreams of getting into college and succeeding in life solely through his sheer determination, perseverance, and hard work. He overcame hardship, graduated from college, and obtained his license as a Mechanical Engineer. The lessons on forgiveness came later in his life. At the plenary sharing, the participants showed that they had indeed imbibed the lessons the program meant to teach. They unanimously expressed the importance of family, promising to put premium on quality time with their children/ family and in having a God-centered family. All were explicit in their pronouncement of serving our country and abiding by the rules and instruction of their leaders/organization. Jail Warden Villas, during the Commander's time, sincerely expressed his appreciation for the new things they learned from the talks, particularly on the aspect of integrity. He led the BJMP group in all the workshops and group presentations. He shared, “I'm so ashamed of our lack of participation. I didn't expect that the program· would be this good. If I had known how important and good your program is, I would have exerted more effort to invite the PNP and other groups.” Villas added, “But I promise, next time you do this program, it will be different. I will invite all the police officers and have them encourage their people to attend. They need this program.” The CEP ended with all the participants and even the CFC-OSM volunteers showing love and affirmation to everyone. It was obvious that everyone will take away from the seminar God's love and affirmation. (OSM Docu Team)
Hulo Elementary School Cornerstone Volunteers Become Emotional at Moving Up Rites HULO Elementary School, one of the CFC Cornerstone Program schools, held their Moving Up Ceremonies last March 24, 2018. Roldan Maico, Hulo Cornerstone Team Head and an active Singles for Christ member said, “Sa Cornerstone ko na feel maging totoong teacher, kasi nararamdaman ko sa mga bata ang love.” (I felt like a real teacher as a Cornerstone volunteer because I receive so much love from the kids). A teacher by profession, Maico conveyed that being a Cornerstone volunteer gives rest for his heart. He said, “Cornerstone is a rest day, dahil doon nakakapagpahinga ang puso at kaluluwa… Dito ko din natutunan na unahin ang iba kaysa sa sarili. It is happiness deep inside.” (Cornerstone is a rest day because it is where my heart and soul can rest… I also learned to put others above myself. It is happiness deep inside.) The day was also a celebration of every child’s progress. Flormida Rafallo, a Grade 2 teacher and a faculty in-charge for Hulo Cornerstone, witnessed the progress herself. She said, “Through Cornerstone, nagkaroon sila ng second family. Nag-improve sila
sa academics. Natulungan din ng mga bata na ma-improve ang confidence in terms of socialization. Kasi aside from regular reading tutorials, nai-improve din yung talents nila.” (They found a second family through Cornerstone. They showed considerable improvement academically, and the program has helped the students improve their confidence in terms of socialization. Their talents were also enhanced.) There were also story-telling and a showcase of talents from both tutors and tutees during the ceremony. To commend the students for their hard work, the volunteers handed out awards according to the fields the children exceled in and for the outstanding values they have exhibited all throughout the year. Arnel Palaran, CFC Cornerstone Sector Coordinator of Central A, also imparted his hopes for the students of Hulo Cornerstone. He reminded them to always cherish their school life by being passionate about studying and praying. Palaran also honored the volunteers, “Hindi natin to magagawa kung walang
pagmamahal.” (We couldn’t have done this without love). This month, all Cornerstone schools in the 12 Metro Manila Sectors and 32 provinces across the country closed the school year with Moving Up ceremonies. The program is now looking forward to another fruitful school year of service to Filipino students. The Cornerstone Program is a partnership program for Education between CFC ANCOP and Ateneo Center for Education (ACED). It reaches out to the elementary students who are struggling with reading and comprehension. Volunteers from CFC Community, corporate partners and students from different universities and colleges render their time as reading tutors and values formators to the children. Cornerstone also gives Leaders and Values Formation programs for high school students. The program is currently present in 219 schools across the country. The program also opens the gates for evangelization to the children and to the young adults for Kids for Christ (KFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC). (Diana Mendoza)
HOMILY, p2
did not attend the Mass, but he was waiting outside the gate leading to the convent. He approached me and said, “Father, pwede po ba kayong makausap?” My heart skipped a beat, and I asked myself “I wonder what he needs…” I wanted to reason out that I was in a hurry to get back to the seminary. But you know at that moment, there was an inner voice that was telling me, “Go. Welcome this interruption. Kausapin mo. Para sa’yo talaga ito.” So we went inside the church and the man began to share about his family and his problems about providing for the needs of his wife and two children. He spoke about so many frustrations in his life, how many times, despite being a hardworking person,
he could not still find a regular job. He spoke about how, just before he came to me, he had contemplated doing any of the three options that he felt were left to him—not coming home, or jumping off a bridge, or standing in front of a moving bus. As a priest, I was just supposed to listen to him, assure him and lead him to understand that there are still far better options and that the solutions he had in mind were not the solution to his predicament. But instead, I surprised even myself when I did something totally unexpected. Without him asking for it, I found myself giving him an amount which could help him get by. He cried, perhaps out of gratitude, or from relief at having unburdened himself to someone.
You know, there comes a time in the life of a priest or a consecrated person when we also doubt if we are still making a difference in the lives of people. Questions like, “Am I still bringing Christ to them, as a priest?” or “Have I led people to a real encounter with the Risen Christ?” suddenly pop up. After this encounter, I did ask those questions. I did not know the answer. A month after that, while I was signing some Mass Attendance Sheets of students, a woman was waiting to talk to me. She was a regular Sunday Mass goer but she would often go alone. She said, “Father, hindi po ninyo ako kilala pero kilala namin kayo.” Kinabahan na naman ako. “Natatandaaan niyo po yung isang gabi pagkatapos ng Misa ninyo, may
kumausap sa inyong lalaking payat at matangkad? Mister ko po ‘yun. Salamat po kasi meron siyang nakausap ng mga oras na ‘yun at kayo ang nakausap niya. Kung hindi, balo na po ako ngayon at wala nang tatay ang mga anak ko. Inamin po niya sa akin na naisip niya ang bagay na yun kaya salamat po. Sa susunod na weekend po, siya naman po ang magpre-PREX (Parish Renewal Experience).” Today, that man is a Eucharistic Minister. His wife is now a reader and collector, and his son an altar server. Dapat po ganito ang ating mga engkuwentro sa pagmumulat. There should be a new history being created every time we encounter the Risen Lord in the people around us. Second, our encounter with the Risen Lord should transform our
lives. And if the Lord Jesus transforms our lives, it is for a purpose. For our mission is to witness and testify. Our mission is to evangelize, to be heralds of Good News, to give testimony that the Lord is risen, that He is alive. Hindi ba’t ito po ang hamon sa atin, mga kasapi ng Couples for Christ? To witness that Jesus is risen, that Jesus is alive and He is in our midst. Perhaps an Easter resolution which we could embrace is, “I will open myself to the gift of God’s joy everyday and by so doing, I can become an instrument of joy to others, bringing the risen Christ to them." Hopefully in having seen and encountered Jesus today and the days that will come, others may also see and encounter the Risen Jesus through us.
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April 2 - 15, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 07
CBCP Monitor
CFC says yes to marriage, no to divorce AS ONE community, Couples for Christ says “YES!” to stronger families and rekindled marriages, and “NO!” to divorce. During significant events and conferences, CFC leaders and members nationwide have publicly voiced out their opposition to the recently submitted divorce bill. The CFC International Council released a statement about the community’s stand on the issue. The letter from the International Council says: “We are Couples for Christ. We are transformed through our core values by being ProGod, Pro-Poor, Pro-Family, and Pro-Life. We are called for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. We are called
to rekindle the precious gift of our marriage. We are tasked to fulfill our primary ministry of being “Families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth.” We have committed ourselves to the Lord and to one another so that we may grow in maturity as men and women of God and fulfill our primary vocation of raising families grounded in Christian values, in the service and love of God. We are children of God. We are a part of the family of Christ. As one family, we are called to rise in defense of the family, which is God’s work. As Couples for Christ, our teachings are one with the Catholic Church as ex-
pressed in our expanded vision statement. We stand with the Church in upholding the sanctity of the family structure.” Recently, top leaders of the community sat down for a meeting with Senator Vicente C. Sotto III to present their stand, with hopes of gaining the Senate’s side on this issue. In the statement, CFC continues to emphasize that every member of CFC is a prophet, or as the dictionary states, someone who is the “proclaimer of the will of God” and encourages all members to let this issue become a platform for each member to proclaim God’s word and truth. (Yvonne Dolorosa)
CFC Colombia Holds First Marriage Enrichment Retreat “NO tengas miedo porque Jesús prometió estar con nosotros.” (Do not be afraid because Jesus promised to be with us.) This was the statement that struck the hearts of the CFC Parejas Para Cristo leaders who attended the first Marriage Enrichment Retreat 1 (Primera Retiro de Enriquecimiento de Matrimonio) in Colombia from 16 to 18 of March 2018. Sixteen couples from different parts of Antioquia namely Barbosa, San Luis, Caracoli, Yolombo; Barbosa Santander, and Bogotá came to attend the retreat. Some travelled by air, while others drove for about 3 to 9 hours. It truly was an enriching and Spiritfilled retreat for these couples, especially since the venue was conducted in the serene Monasterio de Benedictinas in Guatapé. The venue was appropriate because the nuns were not only busy serving the participants and the team with sumptuous meals but were also keeping each couple in their prayers during their quiet moments and in their daily Masses. Carlos Bello and Yamile Rangel, CFC Mission Coordi-
nator of Colombia, originally from Colombia and now based in the USA together with their family, Glen Santayana, CFC Regional Coordinator of South America; and Errol and Miggie Martinez, CFC missionaries from the Philippines, were the speakers for the Spanish version of the talks of MER1. The session on Saturday evening concluded with the celebration of Lord’s Day led by Carlos Bello and Yamile Rangel. It was the participants’ first time to celebrate the Lord’s Day. This was followed by a stirring honoring session where each couple expressed their appreciation and love to their respective spouses. The Holy Eucharist celebrated by CFC Antioquia spiritual adviser Fr. Julio Salazar was the most apt ending to the three-day retreat. All the couples renewed their marriage vows at the Chapel of the Benedictine Monastery. The couples went home bursting with much hope and transformed love for each other, and thrilled to go back to their respective areas and homes to share the experiences that moved them during the retreat. (Ma. Migueline B. Martinez)
CFC PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO BISHOP ROBERT HARRIS
(L to R: Kevin Muico, Keegan Fernandes, Ray Leger, Lou Leger, Jun Clarito, Malou Clarito, His Excellancy Most Reverend Robert Harris, Bishop of Saint John, Martin Angeles, Fr. Rolando Suplido, Nora Sabino, Garry Sabino, Henjie San Juan)
CFC Canada had a joyful and affirming meeting with His Excellency the Most Reverend Robert Harris, Bishop of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on February 26. The CFC team, headed by Jun Clarito with his wife Malou, CFC Atlantic Region Coordinators; and Henjie San Juan and Martin Angeles, fulltime pastoral workers for Canada’s Atlantic region, were accompanied by Fr. Rolando Suplido, mission volunteers and local CFC leaders. The meeting, primarily intended to give updates on the different activities of CFC in the diocese, quickly turned into a spirited discussion about the revitalization of the church in the archdiocese of Saint John. The bishop and the group agreed that there is a dire need for evangelization throughout the archdiocese. However, what people need to realize is that it starts with one’s own personal love story with Jesus Christ. Upon hearing the testimonies and personal journeys of those present at the meeting, His Excellency expressed his hope to start a movement within the archdiocese that truly sparks and rekindles the personal relationship between people and God. One of the things Couples for Christ shared was the success of the recent Evangelization Rally and Leaders Assembly, which happened on February 25th in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. The rally brought people of all ages from across the different Atlantic Provinces under one roof, fuelled by the fire of God’s love and what it means to be evangelizers. There were exchanges of sentiments and concerns about the dangers of Catholics losing sight of what it means to evangelize, thinking evangelization is less of a Catholic practice. His Excellency noted, however, that the opposite is
true as evangelization is very much a Catholic mandate as the faithful is called to go and make disciples of all nations. Moreover, evangelization always starts inside the home. To the delight of everybody, Bishop Harris expressed his love for Filipinos and even narrated that he would always know if a parishioner is a Filipino: “When somebody takes my hand and touches his forehead to it, I know he is a Filipino. Such act of respect is admirable.” He also commented that the coming of CFC into his diocese is very timely for the revitalization of the Church. He gave the group some insights on how CFC can proclaim God’s work in simple ways, such as, “Do not be shy in saying grace before meals in public, cancel and rearrange plans to keep Sunday Mass free, or don’t run away when someone asks you about Jesus or the Catholic faith. These are a few ways we can evangelize in our everyday lives.” The Bishop likewise gave very inspiring tips on what Catholics can do during the season of Lent: “If you are not confident enough in proclaiming God’s love and His word, spend time reconnecting with the Lord and challenge yourself to read more scripture or learn more about the teachings of the church.” The prelate added, “Much like how people seek recommendations on restaurants, books or the latest apps and technology, they also seek guidance in life to help fill the deeper desires that the secular world cannot provide. That is, they seek the love of God, and as Catholics, once we’ve experienced that love, how could we not share it? In fact it is our duty to share that love and truth, and simply put, that’s exactly what evangelization is.” (Meagan Webb, CFC Mission Volunteer)
THE MESSAGE of the Lord is truly for everyone, and neither distance nor language can stop the couples from receiving and sharing God’s message. Here are some of the messages given by the couple participants: “Gracias a Dios por disponer todo parabeste maravilloso evento donde fortalecimos nuestra fe en Jesucristo y donde reforzamos, perdonamos, renovamos y nos proyectamos como pareja desde cada una de nuestras familias. Ahora nos corresponde compartir con otras familias.” (Thanks be to God for arranging everything for this wonderful event where we strengthened our faith in Jesus Christ and where we reinforced, forgave and were forgiven, renewed and projected ourselves as a couple to each of our families. Now is it up to us to share with other families.) – Mauro Hernandez, Bogotá “Gracias a Dios por colocar en nuestro camino personas tan maravillosas como ustedes, que nos ensenan cada vez a mejorar los seres que somos, y enriquecernos y fortalecernos
en el Senor; para ser un instrument y ayudar a otros.” (Thank God for placing in our path such wonderful people like you, who give us time to improve who we are and enrich and strengthen us in the Lord; to become an instrument and help others.) – Sandra Patricia Correa, Bogotá “Que maravillosa y divina experiencia. El corazon dilatado y la fe renovada.” (What a wonderful and divine experience! One’s heart expanded and faith renewed.) -Liliana Aria González, San Luis “Gracias a Dios por darnos la oportunidad de participar en este evento de enriquecimiento spiritual. A todos los sevidores que hicieron possible y nos ensenaron a llevar a cabo los mejoramientos que debemos hacer. Y todo para amar, orar, y servir a Dios.” (Thank God for giving us the opportunity to participate in this spiritual enrichment event and to all the servants who made it possible and taught us to carry out the improvements we must make. And in everything to love, pray and serve God.) – Sandra Cañon Correa , Bogotá
YFC Alberta RYC ON MARCH 24, 2018, about 300 youth from across Alberta descended upon Aldergrove Elementary School in Edmonton for the Youth for Christ Regional Youth Conference. Youth for Christ, a Family Ministry of Couples for Christ, holds Regional Youth Conferences (RYC) once a year. According to Youth for Christ Calgary lay fulltime missionary Evony Evangelista, the RYC is all about depicting God’s love in the context of the year’s discerned theme for the community. “One of the main reasons we host this event is to allow the youth to share stories about their faith,” Evangelista said. “Youth sharing to youth is powerful; you never know how or who a story can affect.” The conference theme was “I Declare,” originating from 1 Timothy 6:12. The participants were reminded to boldly profess their faith wherever they go in their thoughts, words, and actions. All elements, pastoral sessions, numerous personal testimonies, praise and worship, exhorted the gathered youth to continue fighting the good fight of faith. Celine Berdin, a Youth for Christ member from Calgary, said the RYC is something she
always looks forward to. “I attend RYC every year because there’s always a different experience and a different message the Lord is trying to tell me each year,” Berdin said. Conference delegates got to creatively reflect on the theme of declarations of faith through creative competitions. Performances ranged from youth band medleys of secular and Christian music, original dances, photography, videography, and original poetry. Fr. Adam Lech administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while Fr. Jojo celebrated the Mass, and encouraged the youth to share their experiences at the RYC with everyone they meet. Cardinal Thomas Collins extended his personal greetings and assurance of his prayers to delegates via video. “Each one of us is called to declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,” Cardinal Collins said. “We should do that through our words and always through our lives.” The first session, titled “I am God’s Beloved”, reminded delegates of their true identity as sons and daughters of God, seeking to empower the participants to recognize the four cardinal virtues as tools people
can use on their faith journey. The talk was delivered by Evangelista and by Edmonton lay fulltime missionary for Youth for Christ Niccolo Arboleda. “With God’s help, we can build ourselves as people with solid character purified with grace in our habitual practice of good,” Evangelista said. Fr. Jhack Diaz led the second session, “I am a Catholic.” He reminded everyone of the precepts of the Church, the powerful potential the Sacraments have, and that membership in the Catholic Church is not just a belief but a lifestyle. “This is the exact Church that Jesus Christ started and sent the Holy Spirit to guide,” Fr. Jhack said. “It’s unique. It is original. It is full of mystery and beauty.” The last session was an empowering rally, which concluded the festivities. Adam Lachacz, a Youth for Christ leader from Edmonton, reminded everyone gathered of their universal call to sainthood and that faith requires action. “Our faith is a gift,” Lachacz said. “We do not declare to the world because we are better than the world. We declare for we have an incredible gift to share to everyone: our faith.” (Adam Lachacz)