Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 19 No. 25
January 11 - 24, 2016 C1
CFC SETS DIRECTIONS FOR 2016
Abp. Soc: Challenging CFC for the New Year “The glory of God is shown in the Arena! The glory of God is revealed through Couples for Christ!” This was the opening exhortation of His Excellency Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, D.D., CBCP President and Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, when he celebrated Mass at the 2016 International Leaders Conference of Couples for Christ held on January 9, 2016, at The Arena, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Addressing the more than 15,000 CFC leaders from all Philippine provinces and from various countries around the world, Archbishop Villegas said that “A good leader asks questions and a good leader should be able to answer his own questions.” He invited CFC to reflect on three (3) questions: (1) What makes you happy? (2) What makes you afraid? and (3) Where are you going? What makes you happy?
The annual CFC Leaders Conference, one of the most-attended events of the community, is the venue for the setting of directions for the new year.
By Zeny Gimenez
Couples for Christ leaders from all over the Philippines and various parts of the world gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena last January 9, 2016 for the annual Leaders Conference. The conference was an occasion to hear the community’s directions for the year, anchored on the theme for 2016 – Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. – from Philippians 4:4-7. Rejoice.
George Campos, CFC President, began by expounding on the meaning and elements of “Rejoice.” Saying that being joyful appears to be offensive in this age and time, when we are
bombarded daily with bad news, when injustice prevails and when evil appears to triumph, he countered this statement by stating that the source of our rejoicing is God. The knowledge that He loves us and that Jesus rose from the dead to ensure our salvation is sufficient to keep us in a spirit of rejoicing. Campos emphasized that joy is a gift of the Spirit, but it “depends on one’s intimate relationship with God.” He also shared that “to rejoice is not an option but a command.” This command demands that our joy be continuous, that we rejoice even in tough and difficult times and that we should manifest our joy through acts of kindness. As a joyful people of God, our only response to God’s command is to “proclaim the joy of the Gospel.” Citing the example of St. Paul, who rejoiced even as he faced a death sentence, he opined that St. Paul’s joy stemmed from the fact that he never lifted his gaze from God and thus he continually drew strength from that deep relationship.
Pray.
In the second talk, Rouquel Ponte spoke of how we can Pray. He cited Jesus as our model of prayer because all his life, he was in constant communion of love with the Father. He also cited Mary’s Canticle of Faith, prayer “characterized by her generous faith offering” and her “offering of her whole being” to God. Emphasizing that our CFC covenant is focused on prayer and Scripture, Ponte said “Constant prayer should be in our spiritual DNA.” He gave several levels of prayer – vocal prayer, meditation (or prayerful reflection) and contemplation (“a simple gaze upon God in silence and love”). He also stated that the Christian family is the first place where children are educated in prayer and that “Real families pray together.” To end his talk, Ponte exhorted everyone to reflect on the following: “As leaders, are we truly men and women of God, people with
According to Archbishop Villegas, one answer can be found in the Gospel readings for the day (Luke 3:315-16, 21-22). He said that to be happy, the one big word is “give”. “Giving” is what should make us happy; not stable family, good job, popularity, friends or gadgets. To be able to give my popularity, my powers and all that I have to the Lord is what should make us happy. We should be able to find our happiness in giving, not accumulating.” He exhorted the CFC leaders to accept the challenge of St. John in the Gospel – to be “giving leaders” and to “find happiness in giving away until we have no more to give.” He added that “people who do not give do not become richer. They die early. They die even before they stop breathing.” He invited everyone to be like John whose “greatest joy was to die a martyr’s death. What a joy to give my life for my beloved!” He explained that as a measure of how much Jesus loves us, “Jesus Christ did not write a check. He did not send dollars. He did not light a candle. Jesus Christ gave himself because the greatest measure of love is to give without measure.”
What makes you afraid?
The big word in the Second Reading (Acts 10:34-38), according to Archbishop Villegas, is “sin” and “St. John asks us the question: what makes you afraid?”
He highlighted that there is only one thing that a leader must fear – SIN. He should not be afraid of losing power, being ignored, being suspected, being forgotten, of death, debts, of being fooled, robbed or getting sick, old, and alone. These should not make us afraid because “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Instead, he said leaders should “be afraid of sin” or as St. John cautioned “to be on guard against idols.” He explained that idolatry is “not creating images and statues; idolatry is attributing power and giving importance to somebody lesser than God. Leaders of Couples for Christ, be afraid of only one: sin! Be afraid of only one: putting something or somebody on the same level as God.” Archbishop Villegas, however, emphasized that an “even greater fear than sin is the fear to ask for forgiveness.” He advised that we should not be afraid to ask for forgiveness. “God will always forgive. Do not say, ‘I’ve sinned much.’ Instead, say ‘I have been blackened by sin and yet I am beautiful because I am touched by God’s love’.” Where are you going?
Finally, the Archbishop asked: “Truthfully, where are you going? Where do you want to go?” He reminded the CFC leaders that “All leadership should lead to Heaven.” If not, “you must be leading (your people) to some other place that is away from God.” He described Heaven as “God’s will obeyed; where God is obeyed and no one else.” To end his homily, he posed the question that resonated in the hearts of all present: “Where are people going through your leadership?” During the Prayers of the Faithful, the Archbishop prayed over the CFC leaders for help to find joy in giving, not to be afraid of anything but sinning and the grace to always find God’s will. Before giving his final blessing, he exhorted everyone to be “truly prayerful Couples for Christ”. The best way to do this, he explained, is first, to hear mass daily and receive daily communion. Second, to pray the rosary at home with the family and third, to go to confession once a month. If faithfully done, the Archbishop emphasized, “these will bring renewal in the Church and Couples for Christ will start it.” (Arnel Santos)
CFC 2016, C4
MM MC Offers First Fruits on the Feast of the Epiphany His Excellency Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan encouraging CFC to receive daily communion, pray the Rosary with the family and go to confession regularly.
Metro Manila leaders and their families offering their first fruits, symbols of their gratitude for all the blessings of the past year.
CFC leaders from Metro Manila gathered on January 3, on the Feast of the Epiphany, for the first Mission Core Assembly and First Fruits Offering. Bishop Mylo Vergara officiated at the Holy Mass. In his homily, Bishop Vergara stated that the image of the Three Magi compels the faithful to think of what Epiphany means – a revelation from God that the birth of Jesus is not only for the people of Israel but for the whole of mankind. “Salvation is offered even for those not born in Israel,” Bishop Vergara emphasized. According to Bishop Vergara, three words come to mind from the story of how the Magi visited the new-born Jesus: • Searching – the Magi looked for the Messiah, traveled from their far away countries, guided by the star in search of the Messiah. Why search? This reveals that there was still something lacking in their lives, despite their being wise/ learned and respected in their countries. They were searching for something greater which could fill what was lacking in their lives. They were looking for a sense of fulfillment. However, it is a universal truth that a person’s
longings will never be satisfied by temporal things. Showing – This simply means the manifestation of God. The visitation of the Magi was an encounter that took place because of the initiative not of the wise men, but of God himself. In each person’s life, God is always present because of the love of Christ. “In 2016, let us open our eyes of faith and we will see the Lord as He shows himself very clearly.” Bishop Vergara exhorted. • Offering – What will you offer to Christ? Not gold, frankincense or myrrh, but offer what is difficult to give—the total gift of self. After the Mass, CFC Chairman Joe Tale exhorted the Metro Manila Mission Core to offer the fruits of their blessings from the Lord during the First Fruits Offering. This offering, done in prayerful silence, has been a community tradition since 2005, a symbolic act on the part of each individual to thank God by returning to Him the many blessings He has given during the previous year. (CFC Global Communications) •
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January 11 - 24, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 1
CFC Netherlands Celebrates 17 Years
The Filipino Family: Missionary Disciples of The Eucharist “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ...John 1:1 Bishop Gilbert Garcera of the Diocese of Daet in Camarines Norte was the recollection master during the annual recollection of the CFC Elders Assembly. The recollection was held in the morning of January 10, 2016 at the Lay Force in Guadalupe, Makati. He began by quoting the above testimony from Saint John the Evangelist proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our life and the beginning of life. The bishop reminded everyone that that particular day was the last day of the Christmas season as well as the celebration of the Baptism of Christ. Being only a few days into the New Year, the bishop encouraged everyone to have a New Year’s resolution in order to attain our personal goals in life. He remarked that such resolution serves as a constant reminder of what we wish to achieve to better our life. He challenged the EA members present to constantly seek change, be open to change, and accept change, in the midst of spiritual battles and worldly temptation. He stressed that we should continue to stand firm in the belief that we are created in the image and likeness of God – the Creator of everything including our very own lives. New Year…Fresh start…New Life…How do we start right?
CFC Netherlands celebrates as it gears up for its 18th year.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand (Proverbs 19:21) Time and time again, God has proven his faithfulness and providence to Couples for Christ Netherlands. True to his word, in the years that have passed, plans were formed and actions were taken, trials were faced and challenges were encountered, but God has proven to be in control when ultimately, in all facets of the community, His purpose and will were manifested. To celebrate God’s mercy and providence during the past 17 years and to pray for his grace and mercy for the years to come, Couples for Christ Netherlands, as one community, gathered in Atlas
Hotel in Spijkenesse, Netherlands last December 12, 2015. The anniversary celebration became even more vibrant and joyous as it coincided with the community’s Christmas party. The celebration started with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by CFC Netherlands Spiritual Adviser Fr. Richard Lobo and Fr. James Arul, both SVD Missionaries. In his homily, Fr. Richard pointed out the importance of family as we move on with our journey to be closer to God. The mass was followed by a funfilled night of food, presentations from different areas and ministries and warm greetings from one member to another. As CFC Netherlands celebrated its 17th year, the community
looked back at the milestones that God allowed them to attain. The most notable accomplishment would have to be the recognition received by CFC Netherlands from the Bisdom of HaarlemAmsterdam (North Holland), which would pave the way for the community to establish parishbased areas. 2015 was also a year of massive evangelization through various general, pocket and strategic CLPs. CFC has likewise been blessed to be able to raise funds to support the work of ANCOP. 2015 has truly been a blessed year for the CFC Netherlands community and each member looks forward and prays for more blessings and grace from the Lord as they move towards its 18th year.
CBCP Monitor
Bishop Garcera cited Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew the strength. They will take up wings like eagles. They will run and not struggle. They will walk and not tire.” He drew upon the example of an eagle that needs to be pushed for change to happen, to be gently coaxed to overcome conflicting emotions – the thrill of soaring and the fear of falling – and eventually to accept the painful process of CHANGE that it needs in order to be equipped for a new journey ahead.
When do we start to change?
Bishop Garcera cited the work of Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in Neuropsychology, in her book “Switch On Your Brain,” where she links scientific principles of the brain with the Wisdom, Love and Truth of God’s Word. Dr. Leaf posited that the mind is the most powerful thing in the universe after God. The talk allowed me to reflect on the truth that God made us in His image, that we are a reflection of God
in all the good things He has done in our lives. We are indeed, as Bishop Garcera emphasized, wired for His love which is basically the core of our Christian life. It is painful to see that despite the two millennia that have passed since Christ’s birth, the world has not changed much. “Glory to God and Peace to Men” remains to be simply an expression, not a reality. Bishop Garcera encouraged us to look beyond by the renewal of our mind, if we believe that there is still hope for change and for the reward that God will give us at the end of our journey. The bishop highlighted three important things we need to do in order to remain focused in our faith journey with our families: • Pray the Rosary as a family daily • Receive the Eucharist/attend Holy Mass daily • Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Bishop Garcera likened the family to a sacred temple which accepts the love of God. He emphasized the message of Pope Francis that there is no perfect family and that there are no perfect parents or perfect children. Disappointments, even deep resentments, prevail in many homes. However, there is still hope, if one wants to know the mind of God, to find the capacity to watch over one’s own heart, mind, and action. Bishop Garcera asked the participants to take time to reflect on what happened in the previous year, to be more vigilant, to resist hatred, envy and pride, and to control our emotions so as not to inflict harm on others. The recollection gave my husband and me the firm resolve to commit our family to God’s will. Together we will bring back the joy of praying the Rosary at home. As parents, we resolve to witness to other parents that we need to educate our children to be more loving, patient, persevering, generous, and God– fearing. We need to teach our children to be joyful amidst the difficulties in everyday life, and ready to smile all the time. Family is a gift from God, a place of life, an enclave of cure and a stage of forgiveness as Pope Francis imparted in his message to families. As Catholics, let us carry with us the assurance of Jesus – that we are saved and that He loves us. As we face the challenges of 2016, it is time to let go of past burdens. Like the eagle, we must take the painful decision to go through the process of change in order to soar high again! (Indette Gaspillo)
CFC 2016, C1
CFC Netherlands Welcomes 2016 With a National Assembly
CFC rejoicing, praying and giving thanks, clockwise from top left: Arch. Villegas celebrating Mass; the 15,000-strong CFC leadership; Joe Tale, Rouquel Ponte and George Campos delivering the talks; the International Council with His Excellency before the Mass.
an ardent desire to dwell in God’s presence, to listen to God’s voice, to look at God’s beauty, to touch God’s Incarnate Word and to taste fully God’s infinite goodness?” Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks! Verblidjt. Bid. Geef Dank! This is the resounding call to all members of Couples for Christ Netherlands as the community marches forward to the New Year. Couples for Christ Netherlands ushered in the new year with a general assembly held at St. Pauluskerk in Amsterdam last January 3. As they gathered and looked back at the wonderful year that was 2015, they also looked ahead in anticipation of the wonderful blessings and graces God has in store for CFC Netherlands in 2016. Above all, the general assembly was a moment of embracing, kissing and just reaching out to brothers and sisters from all areas, spreading love as one big family in Christ. The assembly was spearheaded by the CFC Netherlands Country Head, Junfer Dela Cruz, who emphasize the importance and relevance of the year’s CFC theme: Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. He also
presented the overview of the plans the community has for all areas and how CFC plans to move the community forward this year. It was clear that 2016’s most imperative goal is to focus on households and to evangelize and bring more people closer to God through our community. Fr. Richard Lobo, CFC Netherlands Spiritual Adviser, also gave his vision and aspirations for the community for the year ahead. He inspired everyone with his encouraging words as he asked everyone to maintain open lines of communication with him and with everyone in the community to ensure peace and unity. 2016 is a year of promise. As God has been faithful in the past year, He still has a lot more graces waiting for the community for 2016. Everyone only needs to remain in Him and He will surely deliver a wonderful year.
New Appointments in the Philippine Mission In a memorandum released last January 11, 2016, Philippine Missions Director Joe Yamamoto announced the appointment of the following leaders as new Provincial Area Heads: Sultan Kudarat - Dick Dadios Leyte - Willie Padida Northern Samar - Raymund Bucu Cebu - Mannix Ocampo Siquijor - Rene Tale La Union - Vic Yamamoto Batangas - Ding Aguinaldo Rizal - Arnel Santos
Meanwhile, Reggie Ragojos, Dong Avila and Art Valdellon were appointed as new Regional Heads for Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Mimaropa, respectively. Aside from the new appointments, Yamamoto announced that North Cotabato has been realigned under the South Central Mindanao Region. Let us pray for our newly-appointed leaders that as CFC faces the challenges of 2016, may they all be fully equipped with the grace of strength, wisdom, fortitude and commitment so that CFC can continue to fulfill its mission of bringing God's Word to all. (CFC Global Communications)
Give Thanks.
CFC Chairman Joe Tale rounded up the afternoon with the third talk on “Give Thanks.” He spoke of an “attitude of gratitude”, which is a state of being always in a state of rejoicing. However, he cautioned that “Our thanksgiving should not only be through words but by the action we take.” This attitude of gratitude is what would propel the community to fulfill its directions for 2016. According to Tale, these directions can be summed up in two phrases – “Strengthen our Core” and “Expand our Reach.” In order to strengthen our core, Tale enumerated three directions: to grow in holiness, to develop leaders who will be true shepherds and to protect and nurture our homefront.
He also announced some programs/activities designed to help the community achieve its goal of strengthening the core. Among them are: the first-ever Pastoral Formation Office International Conference in April; the publication of a CFC Family Handbook; the publication of Christian Life Program talks as powerpoint presentations in different dialects and even languages; the use of movie showings to augment/enhance teaching nights; the publication of household topic guides and chapter prayer assembly exhortations. He also announced the adoption by the community of programs designed for the very young CFC couples and the senior members of community. In February 2016, CFC will also hold “Marriage is Beautiful,” a time to honor those within community who help promote the sanctity and beauty of marriage – those who have been married for a very long time and the young who, despite what
society advocates and accepts, still choose matrimony and the lifelong commitment it entails. As far as expanding our reach is concerned, Tale announced the intensification of evangelization through existing programs like Cornerstone, the Migrants Program, the work with the poor in ANCOP and with our men in uniform in the Order of St. Michael (OSM). He also announced that CFC will make extensive use of media in order to bring God’s Word to more people. Joe Tale exhorted everyone to embrace the community’s prophetic role, not just in the area of spirituality but also in our care for the environment. His closing exhortation was for everyone to “Become a sign and instrument in the world of the presence of Christ.” The conference was fittingly ushered in by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP President (see related story on page C1).
CFC Ablaze Releases New Household Pastoral Guide
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The Pastoral Formation Office and CFC Ablaze has released the publication: Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. Household Topic Guide and Chapter Assembly Exhortations. This is anchored on the verse from Philippians 4: 4-7, through which the words of St. Paul inspire CFC members to live their lives full of joyful anticipation, without worry,
full of prayer, immersed in peace. Filled with 24 topics to choose from, six chapter assembly guides, and inspirational letters from Pope Francis, the booklet is a helpful tool for CFC leaders to help members increase in the richness of understanding of the theme, and have a highly spirit-filled discussion in the household prayer meetings.
As CFC Chairman Joe Tale exhorted in his talk last January 9, 2016 at the CFC Leader’s Conference, CFC leaders are encouraged to invest time and effort in making their households truly a spirit-filled venue, allowing each one to grow in faith and learn to love the Lord through this mission. (CFC Global Communications)
CBCP Monitor
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January 11 - 24, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 1
Becoming the Change They Want to See
CHARACTER ENHANCEMENT FOR PMA CLASS 2019 The CFC Order of Saint Michael (OSM) conducted the Character Enhancement Retreat (CER) for Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2019 during the hectic Christmas season. A total of 86 first year cadet participants attended the retreat held last December 28, 2015. A team composed of 18 individuals from Couples for Christ (CFC) Manila and CFC and Singles for Christ (SFC) Baguio sacrificed their holiday time to travel to Baguio and serve during the retreat. The CER Module 1 titled “Only
for the Brave” is a one day activity that has five talks. Speakers during this module were OSM Head Art Alabanza and OSM Vice Head Willy Ona. Some PMA alumni and CFC leaders from the OSM Core Group, namely Jaycee de la Cruz and Leo Delacruz, shared personal testimonies. Songs, workshops and some friendly contests completed the module. “Only for the Brave” is based on the interfaith official Philippine Army Character Enhancement Program (PACEP). CFC Order of Saint Michael is a stakeholder of the Chaplain
Service in the Character Enhancement Program (CEP) and Spiritual Wellness Platform for the cadets. The Character Enhancement Retreat (CER) “Only for the Brave” conducted for PMA Class 2018 last December 29, 2014 resulted in 208 Catholic cadets signifying interest in joining the CFC Singles for Christ. Recently, CFC OSM also concluded a corps-wide Christian Life Program (CLP) for the PMA Catholic Action Group. The said CLP harvested 395 CFC Single for Christ cadets. (By Imee Ona)
Canadian students from the TCDSB, the 5th batch to come to the Philippines, immersing themselves in CFC's work with the poor.
Fourteen students. Three teachers. One university volunteer. One adult volunteer. The numbers may not amount much, but for these 19 individuals, their journey to the Philippines spells C-H-A-N-G-E. On Christmas Day 2015, the 19 individuals from the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) boarded the plane that took them to Manila, Philippines for a two-week mission trip as ANCOP volunteers. The group is the fifth batch of volunteers under the partnership between the school board and ANCOP. In the group’s blog, faculty volunteer Michael Consul wrote, “While half way across the world, we will be helping in the construction of new homes for those less fortunate, assisting in a community clean up, visiting an orphanage, giving Christmas presents to five different villages, dancing, having fun, and most importantly, building relationships.” On their first day, after settling in their hotel and hearing Mass, the group proceeded to pack the gifts they brought with them from Canada. All in all, the volunteers packed 53 bags, each containing 20 gift packs for the different orphanages and communities they would visit. On Day 2, the students and adult chaperones headed for Tagaytay City for a brief sightseeing before going to the Canossian Sisters Convent for a teaching conducted by Sr. Haydee Librojo, FdBB. The time with her gave the volunteers a chance to prepare themselves spiritually before embarking on their work with the poor activities, like the visit to Tondo in Manila the following day. In Tondo, they visited the street children being cared for by Centro Salvador St. Martin de Porres Mission. Afterwards, the group went off to Happyland, a barangay where the main means of livelihood was scavenging. While there, the students came face to face with the harsh realities of the urban poor. In their day-to-day account, Consul wrote, “It was a lifestyle that we never imagined even existed.” The verse “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much even more will be required.” from Luke 12:48 came alive for the volunteers as they spent an eventful day with the children of St. Martin and Happyland. Consul added, “Now that we know what poverty exists beyond what we normally see, we can never ignore those less fortunate than ourselves.” Before finally going into the spirit of ANCOP volunteerism, the ANCOP missionaries took the students to the Makati Business District where they came face to face with the opposite of poverty. In their website, the students expressed their reflections and reactions towards their experiences in Tondo and Makati. At this
time, Consul led the students to the “gratitude rock” activity. He asked each person to pick a rock from the park, which from then on would become a physical reminder for them to be grateful every day for all the blessings they would receive, no matter how small. On December 30, the volunteers interacted with the home partners from ANCOP AVANAI. New Year’s Eve was a day to get to know more about ANCOP and the work they do on education, shelter and community development. On New Year’s Day, the volunteers went to another ANCOP Community, the Our Lady of Banneux (OLB) Community in San Mateo, Rizal. Interacting with the children and their families, sharing gifts and sharing their lives with the residents of the communities from AVANAI and OLB made the students realize how blessed they are, having been born in a first world country and able to enjoy luxuries that children their age in poor countries are not able to enjoy. From January 2, the volunteers became almost mainstays in their official build site, the ANCOP Masagana Community in Quezon City. From morning till just before six in the evening, the volunteers cleared debris, unloaded trucks of construction materials, and helped build eight houses with the supervision of construction foremen. On January 3, His Excellency Neil Reeder, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, with his wife Irene Hansen-Reeder, and the Hon. Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., the first Filipino-Canadian elected in the City of Toronto, who served as Trustee to TCDSB, visited the volunteers at the site. Together with CFC ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan, the two distinguished gentlemen spent time working and having fun with the Canadian students and their adult chaperones. Ambassador Reeder and Senator Enverga affirmed the volunteers’ desire to reach out to the children and families from the various communities they visited. Furthermore, they also encouraged the young people to always be grateful for their blessings and to be blessings to others. Like other volunteers before them, the students worked using their hands, enduring the heat of the sun during the four days they spent in Masagana. Like those who came before them, the volunteers worked tirelessly, happy to be doing something that will make a difference in the lives of others. But more than the physical work, what will remain with the volunteers for a long time is the experience of sharing their lives with the people they met during their two-week mission. The volunteers’ time with the ANCOP community ended on January 13. In the evening of that day, they celebrated one last night of fellowship before returning to Toronto. And like those who came before them, they will be leaving not just a reminder of their hard work through the houses they helped build, but also a part of themselves in the hearts of the families in ANCOP Masagana. (By A. Alvarez)
PMA Cadets going through the Character Enhancement Program before the New Year.
CFC GMC Gives Back to the Community
CFC Migrants Program Songwriting Contest Set
Before the Christmas break, missionaries from the CFC Global Mission Center spread the “Yakap ng Pasko” to their neighbors in Bgy. Mangga via a simple gift-giving activity. Eric Ylagan, CFC GMC Administrator, spearheaded the activity, supported by the General Services Department. Two hundred families received noche buena packages and shirts from ANCOP and Ablaze. It was a modest act of kindness, but very much appreciated by the CFC GMC’s neighbors.
Last year's Migrants Program Songwriting Contest participants and winners.
The CFC Migrants Program, inspired by the success of the first MP Songwriting Contest in 2014, will again showcase the CFC global talents in the 2nd CFC Migrants Program Songwriting Contest 2016. The search aims to create and spread awareness of CFC’s various programs for migrant CFC
brethren and their families. According to the contest guidelines, song entries should reflect the realities of Filipino migrants and the families they leave behind and their struggles and victories, as well as impart a strong sense of family values. “We are inviting all CFC members and its Family Ministries all
over the world, most especially those who are gifted musically, whether amateur or professional songwriters, to participate in this competition,” Jess Ferrer said. Deadline for entries is on January 31, 2016. For more information, please get in touch with Jess Ferrer at jmferrer8356@ yahoo.com.
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January 11 - 24, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 1
CBCP Monitor
The Pope in the Philippines A Look Back at CFC During Last Year’s Papal Visit 2015 began quite beautifully for the Philippines. Why? Because two weeks into the New Year, on January 15, Pope Francis landed on Philippine soil, with millions of Filipinos, whether on the tarmac, on the streets, or glued to their TV sets, eager to welcome him with the famous Filipino hospitality. Those five days were most anticipated, with the Church and the State preparing for the most-awaited famous guest. It was both a State and Apostolic Visit for Pope Francis, being the Head of State of the Vatican, and the highest leader of the Catholic Church. With 76 million Catholics in the Philippines, the Holy Father’s visit brought hope, excitement and joy,
with every one eager to listen to his messages, and yearning to hear what he had to say to the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. Couples for Christ may only be a small fraction of the 76 million, but by the grace of God, the community, through the various volunteers in different committees for the Papal Visit, was able to lend a helping hand, so to speak. Months prior to the coming of Pope Francis, CFC leaders in the Global Mission Center, the Metro Manila Sectors and the Provinces were in and out of meetings with members of the clergy who head some of the committees for the Apostolic Visit. Among the tasks given to Couples for Christ were:
to provide the sound system at Plaza Roma during the Holy Father’s Mass in the Manila Cathedral; to provide 10,000-strong men and women from all the ministries as part of the human barricade that will line the streets where the Papal vehicles passed; to field 300 communications personnel to man the hand-held two-way radios used by important personalities during the Papal Visit; Media Accreditation volunteers; media volunteers (social media content providers, writers, and photographers) and Media Center Managers. Several families, especially from the Philippine Missions, were also hand-picked by their local Bishops to be delegates at the Meeting with the Families at the
SM MOA Arena. The mission at hand was overwhelming, as it was no less than the Vicar of Christ who came to visit. And every person involved in their various capacities gave their utmost in serving the Prince of the Church. This issue is a throwback to those giddy days of the papal visit. Here we relive the fervor of our welcome, the joy of seeing and hearing the Vicar of Christ, the spiritual experience brought by the profound messages he imparted. The following stories by four individuals who were blessed to have been part of the papal visit preparations as volunteers, bring back the days when, as one, we rejoiced at having our Holy Father among us.
An Unforgettable Milestone Birthday
Gladys (extreme left) posing with the Media Center volunteers after Pope Francis' plane took off
When the Papal Visit was announced thru media, I was so elated! The Pope will be coming to the Philippines on my birthday! What a way to celebrate my big 4-0! I was praying and telling my family that I wanted to serve and volunteer. I also told my household group and my leaders in SFC. In November 2014, I received a text message from a co-member in my household (Ann) saying that my name was submitted to be a volunteer. My two household sisters and I went to the training at the National Telecommunications Center in Quezon City, not knowing what to expect. We had no idea what would happen during the training. We went through screenings and application processes. We were made to submit application forms, as if we were applying for a job. They told us to wait for their text message or email on or before Christmas Day. Finally, on December 28, 2014, I received the text message that I was accepted! I was so happy! With one other volunteer from Rizal, we went to a series of meetings at the NTC, MCG gatherings, and pray over sessions. Two days before the Pope came, I was the only one remaining volunteer from our province! I was not expecting the experience to be a red carpet event for me. I was just expect-
ing to get out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t easy and smooth flowing but definitely, it was a one of a lifetime experience. One “first” for me was taking the LRT to the venue. I was running late and all roads were blocked in the area. I couldn’t get a cab because no one would take me. I had no choice but to walk to the station and take the train. I think I took all types of transportation available during the Papal Visit—the train, taxi, jeep, pedicab, tricycle—name it! And of course, the endless walking! Another unforgettable experience was seeing the Pope, of course. Celebrating my birthday with the Pope, albeit seeing him only from the TV monitors of the Media Center where I was assigned, was an unforgettable experience. When the Media Center people found out it was my birthday, even people I didn’t know went out of their way to greet me. It was indeed a blessing to serve and volunteer during the Papal Visit. I got to stay in a 5-star hotel, and served nuns, priests, crew, the international media, and my other co-volunteers. It was the most unforgettable five days of my life! I am truly grateful to God for allowing me to become a volunteer. (Gladys Amores, SFC Rizal)
So Worth the Wait!
The Lord Never Fails to Surprise Us Knowing that I was a regular volunteer as a photographer to document CFC activities, Church events and as a professional wedding photographer, Sky Ortigas asked me if I would like to be part of the Papal Visit Documentation Team. Of course I said yes! After that, it was a series of meetings even months before the big event. We were tasked to build a pool of volunteer photographers from all communities and dioceses. We held photography workshops and retreats for all members of the documentation team to make sure we were all mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared. The Papal Visit, however, was my first time to document a Catholic gathering of this proportion. I was not able to attend the World Youth Day before but based on the pictures I saw, there was a sea of people gathering just to get a glimpse and listen to the Pope. I was preparing for the worst. My expectation for myself was just to offer my all and just do my best since I will be documenting one of the most historical events in the Philippine Church. It was the team’s desire to share the experience with the next generation of Filipino Catholics,
The picture perfect shot by Dominic Barrios.
in the hope that they would likewise feel as blessed just as we were as we went to witness Pope Francis' visit. I did not expect that I would be chosen to be among the official photographers of Pope Francis to shoot him up close. That was awesome! How challenging and at the same time, humbling, to know that I would be toe-to-toe with veteran local and international photojournalists who, incidentally, also had bigger and more high-tech gear than I did! After the Mass, as the other media prac-
titioners were all heading back to Manila Hotel to upload all their photos to their respective news bureaus, I decided to stay at the Quirino Grandstand to listen to the Pope and just drink in all the experience. It was a fortuitous decision. Little did I know that Pope Francis was going to pass our direction as he exited the venue! Immediately, I focused my camera, and it was the closest shot of the Pope I had, with him smiling and waving at us. Truly, God rewards those who wait. (Dominic Barrios, CFC Metro Manila)
‘It Was As If Jesus Was the One With Us!’
One night on the last week of November, 2014, I came home from a meeting where Caloy Subang (one of the CFC leaders in Iligan) told us that the Diocese of Iligan had announced that there were 100 slots available per Diocese for the Pope's encounter with families at the MOA Arena on Jan. 16, 2015 and that already, 36 names were on the list. We got so excited! Knowing that the slots were to be filled on a first-come-first-served basis, our family did not miss a second to immediately call the Bishop's house that very night to
enlist. Everybody was so excited and immediately, we booked our plane tickets. We thought we would have a close encounter with the Pope and were even hoping to kiss his hand. We have not been to the MOA Arena before and so we had no idea of the scenario. Unfortunately, we were seated at the uppermost box of MOA Arena. But even then, we considered ourselves blessed to have seen the Pope in person. Seeing him and hearing his voice was truly one big opportunity and privilege. We expected there would be a
vast crowd and hence we would have to navigate heavy traffic, and then we would have to walk a long distance, because we were told vehicles will not be allowed near the venue. But GOD is so good, we weren’t caught in traffic and we were able to arrive at the MOA Arena safely. Having the Pope celebrate the Eucharist of the Word and being together with our whole family during this activity was the most unforgettable moment for us during the Papal visit. Our children were touched that they were able to see him up-close during his last motorcade going to the airport. I know they will carry that memory for the rest of their lives. It was worth the sacrifice of waking up early just to be first in the line in getting inside the MOA Arena. We endured the waiting from 8:00 AM until the go signal to enter the arena at 12:00 noon. The hours of waiting at the arena were nothing compared to seeing Pope Francis walk and talk and wave his hands in blessing towards us. We felt as if Jesus was there, in person, with all of us! (Jun & Erl Yape, CFC Iligan)
I became a Papal Visit volunteer when I responded to an invitation of my friend Lloyd Polinar, a full-time pastoral worker for CFC - Kids for Christ. I had no idea what I would be doing, but I excitedly said yes. I met up with Lloyd and we went to the Media general headquarters in Intramuros where I was told I would be part of the team managing the media accreditation and access passes. My first task was to make sure that the details or personal data of each applying media personnel were complete. I honestly got anxious when I saw more or less 3,000 application forms that we also had to encode and check. But I knew God will work in wondrous ways. The next task assigned to me was to attach photos—scanned beforehand by another volunteer—to the media people's profiles. Together with my team in Media HQ, I was also tasked to classify who can have all-access and who cannot, based on their team or media type. During the actual Papal Visit, I was assigned to be among those who will man the Media Center in Manila Hotel. We had to scan the ID's upon entry and exit, making sure only those who have access can actually come in. During the Holy Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, I was assigned at the bleachers to check ID's. Being with the media HQ staff was an honor and a privilege for me. I knew my contribution was a small one but all that mattered to me was giving my best to serve God through the Papal Visit in any way I possibly can. I just wanted to serve. An added bonus to my volunteer work was meeting new people within and outside of our community. One surprise was finding an old friend who also came to the Media Center to volunteer. Apart from that, as any other Catholic, I expected and hoped to gain spiritual nourishment from my personal experiences during the Papal Visit. Of course, all that happened with God's grace. Though I initially expected to have more chances of seeing the pope, I only got to see him once. Some of my most unforgettable moments were gaining new friends, going through sleepless nights just to finish the tasks for the media accreditation, and walking along the historical streets of Intramuros. I also cherished walking towards Quirino Grandstand for the Holy Mass with the Pope, and sharing the big avenue with thousands of happy people, all going the same way. I will also never forget one particular instance when the Pope’s message of “Mercy
Pearl Barretto posing with "Pope Francis" during one of the rare downtimes at the Media Center
and Compassion” was brought home to me in a very personal way. While waiting for the Pope to arrive at the Quirino Grandstand, I experienced an episode of chills. I was probably at my lowest point physically, having had sleepless nights prior to that day, plus it was a cold and rainy day. I did not have a jacket or a raincoat on. Suddenly, a tita from our team whom I met just days before, draped her jacket on my shoulder in an effort to warm me. That kind gesture and the excitement of seeing the Holy Father soon warmed me instantly. However, I nearly gave up hope of seeing the Pope up close for, on his way to the altar. he did not pass our way. But I was content admiring him from a distance and was already thanking the Lord again for providing me the opportunity to serve Him through this once-in-a-lifetime event. But after the Holy Mass, the pope mobile suddenly moved towards the bleachers and passed right in front of me! I could not believe how blessed I am, and I considered that encounter a gift from God because I am sure that He knows how I have longed to see the Pope. I felt so reassured of God's love and indeed, the Papal experience was worth the wait. (Pearl Stephanie C. Barretto (YFC)