UGNAYAN August 22 to September 4 2016

Ugnayan

THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 20 No. 23

August 22 - September 4, 2016 C1

Despite the Heavy Rains, the ‘Son’ Shone Brightly at the AGW

By The CFC Docu Team

Every year, the ANCOP Global Walk in different parts of the world has been beset by heavy rains, either before or after the actual walk. Even in parts of the USA, where it is supposed to be summer, last year’s AGW was wet. But despite the warning of moderate to heavy rains in the Philippines, Couples for Christ pushed through with AGW 2016 in Manila.

The AGW in Manila was staged at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. The rains fell as soon as the opening worship began, drenching the thousands who came as early as 3:00AM. It was truly a wet gun start, but despite the torrential rains, the walkers gamely braved it and walked. However, the International Council decided to cut short the walk route, from 5 K to 3 K, mindful of the walkers’ safety, as the venue, located along the Manila Baywalk, was experiencing very strong winds.

The winds tossed around several materials from a nearby construction site, including some G. I. sheets.

The rains did not stop until halfway through the Mass, which was concelebrated

by Most Reverend Francisco de Leon, Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo, and Fr. Bill Adams, an American healing priest.

Bishop de Leon was impressed by the dedication of the walkers and partners, commending them for their desire to help send children to school, not only through their monetary contributions, but more so through their physical presence.

However, in Cebu, the sun was up and the walkers enjoyed basking in the sunshine as they walked the main thoroughfares of the city. In the Philippines, walkers from the different provinces walked in 79 walk locations.

Among these provinces were Batanes, Ilocos

Norte, Isabela, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Aklan, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The USA had 46 walk points, while Canada had 16 walk locations. Fifteen other countries also joined the ANCOP Global Walk.

Aside from the individual walkers and families, corporate partners, schools, government offices, and other institutions also joined the scholars during the walk.

In a statement on behalf of the International Council, CFC Chairman Joe Tale thanked all those who, since Year 1, have joined what is dubbed as the ‘miracle walk’ which gathers hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life into one singular goal—to raise funds for the ANCOP Education Program to send a child from a poor family to school. In the letter, Tale mentioned, “It is not just to benefit a child, but ultimately an entire family who will be able to break through the cycle of poverty. It is not just about the gift of education, but the gift of hope that is instilled in the hearts of many.”

“ANCOP Global Walk 2016 will be remembered uniquely, for it was in a real way, a Walk through the storm!” Tale added.

At the end of the event, CFC Kids for Christ led the SM MOA walkers into a closing Kids Praise, where 600 kids from the 12 Sectors of Metro Manila showed their elders how they praise and worship the Lord.

It was truly an unconventional walk this year, especially in Manila, but despite the seeming obstacles which would be a source of discouragement for some, CFC once again put its complete trust in the Lord Jesus. As Tale said in the IC statement, “We are humbled, because despite the storm, and floods, and other obstacles, the Lord who is good all the time, allowed us to continue on with ANCOP Global Walk 2016. That by itself is victory enough.”

Mike Bukuhan, AGW 2016 Event Head, during the countdown to gun start

The joyful faces of walkers from Cebu, Camarines Norte, Manila, Quezon, The UK, Basilan, and Bataan; Bishop Francisco de Leon saying Mass at SM MOA.

CFC Metro Manila hosts special screening of film on Ignacio de Loyola For its regular monthly teaching night, the Mission Core of CFC Metro Manila trooped to the cinema to watch a special screening of the movie Ignacio de Loyola. To accommodate the more than a thousand members and their families expected to attend, the screening was done in three SM Cinemas—SM North, SM Megamall, and SM Sucat—last August 16, 2016. The screening was a break from the usual Teaching Night where a resource person is invited to speak before the Mission Core.

The film focuses on the life of Iñigo Lopez de Loyola, now known as Saint Ignatius, particularly the period before he founded the Society of Jesus, and that moment in his life when he gave up his dream of being a knight, a decision which eventually led him to where the Lord is calling him for a greater purpose— his mission and his eventual sainthood.

“I was so inspired by how Ignacio de Loyola lived his life. What he went through was indeed a manifestation of how we are blessed, loved and protected by the Lord,” enthused Ninay Quimpang, a CFC member from West B Sector.

The film showed his struggles in letting go of

what he once had and the life he used to lead. It depicted his gradual transformation from being a womanizer, a drinker and fighter to a lover of God. During his life as a soldier, he fell in love with Catalina de Aragon, but he ended up giving her up as well when he gave up everything to answer God’s call.

The film was produced

by Jesuit Communications (JesCom). The project involved more than 120 Filipinos in the production team and was shot in four provinces in Spain. Roger Aldover from CFC West C sector shared, “It is superb and world-class. Delivery of the message was clear and effective through the very excellent musical score and very vivid cinematography.

Particularly touching were the saint’s mortification and temptation scenes. A great movie to be proud about.”

“Ignacio reiterates the rationale why we are all part of God’s army! There should be a sequel!” adds Nolet Ladrido of CFC Central A. The film was directed

by Paolo Dy and starred Andreas Muñoz as Iñigo.

Ignacio de Loyola is still showing in select cinemas in the country, and will be screened in several key cities worldwide. Visit ignaciomovie.com for screening information. (Yvonne Dolorosa)

7th Global Day of Service Launched John Michael Zamoras, World Changers Program Coordinator for CFC Kids for Christ, announced the launch of the 7 th KFC Global Day of Service or the GDS, an event where Kids for Christ members, together with their friends and families, put their faith into action.

This year’s GDS is scheduled on September 24 and/ or September 25, 2016.

Zamoras stated, “With this year's theme, “TOGETHER WITH JESUS, TOGETHER WE CAN”, we encourage all families to take part in doing acts of love and service as a response to the various concerns and problems that face our society today.”

The KFC ministry believes that God has really blessed and anointed the family and that together with Jesus, every family can truly be a gift

to other families and to the world through these acts of love and kindness.

This year, the ministry has designated the KFC Chapter Couple Coordinators to take the lead in the planning and implementation of the event.

Kids for Christ has also enjoined the CFC Chapter Heads to fully support and guide the KFC Couple Coordinators in preparing and mobilizing for the event.

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August 22 - September 4, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 23

CBCP Monitor

What is the posture of your heart?

Joe Tale

My #TeamKalingaMission Story

ON EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS "Yes and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows, That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”

- Bob Dylan, Blowin in the Wind Bob Dylan's plaintive protest song in the 60s is as relevant today as it was then, as it was in the US then as it is in the Philippines now.

Yes, indeed, how many deaths will it take before this madness of summary killings ends?

Maybe, a more telling question is: how many deaths will it take before people of goodwill express their indignation on the killings happening in our country? Shall we wait until the deaths come close to our doors, and involve our innocent families, relatives or friends?

Everybody agrees that the illegal drug problem must be eradicated. But must it be done this way?

• by throwing time honored legal and moral principles and traditions away?

• by dismissing the highest of rights, human rights, to the dustbin?

Are we better off than the addicts or their pushers who cause rapes and other heinous crimes, when we kill with impunity, when we spill innocent blood? Does the end justify the

means? When we don't even know whether the ends will really be achieved?

Life is a precious gift from the Creator. We are called to preserve it, to nurture it, and to help others live it with dignity.

We thus call on every Filipino to help in the effort to stop illegal drugs, once and for all. Let us cooperate with our law enforcement officers and our judiciary in the strict implementation of the law. Let us help in whatever way we can to help reform and rehabilitate those who have been victimized by it.

But on the unabated killings, let our voices be heard for these to stop. Now. It is not a time to be quiet. It is not a time to be neutral.

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of moral crisis preserve their neutrality." - an interpretation of Dante's Inferno Let us stand firm for our humanity. Let us stand firm for our faith. Let us stand firm for the gift of life.

“Today, I call heaven and earth to witness against you: I am offering you life or death, blessing or curse.

Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

Aquila and Priscilla Jun & Jean Uriarte

Let my prayer be incense before you Psalm 141:2 Pope Benedict XVI, in his catechesis on prayer, says: “Man bears within him a thirst for the infinite, a longing for eternity, a quest for beauty, a desire for love, a need for light and for truth which impel him towards the Absolute; man bears within him the desire for God. And man knows, in a certain way, that he can turn to God, he knows he can pray to him.”

He quotes St. Thomas Aquinas who defines prayer as “an expression of man’s desire for God.” He cites the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein who says that “prayer means feeling that the world’s meaning is outside the world.” Finally, he refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church which teaches that “in prayer, the faithful God’s initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is always a response. As God gradually reveals himself and reveals man to himself, prayer appears as a reciprocal call, a covenant drama. Through words and actions, this drama engages the heart. It unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation.”

The reflection of Pope Benedict brings to mind the words of the psalmist: Lord, I call to you; come quickly to help me; listen to my plea when I call. Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:1-2).

The psalmist reference to “incense” is reflected in the image described in the Apocalypse of John: When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones (Revelations 5:8). The “uplifted hands” are, of course, a gesture of supplication.

Prayer, therefore, is an expression of our thirst for the infinite, our desire for God, and our feeling that the world’s meaning is outside this world. To these, Pope Francis adds that prayer is “the key that opens the door to faith.” And thus Pope Francis encourages us to pray at every moment.

We were living in Bangkok and working for the United Nations when, together with two other couples, we conducted the very first Christian Life Program in Yangon, Myanmar some years ago. A total of 105 Burmese completed the program out of an initial 130 participants. During the dedication, one middle-aged woman stood

up to give her sharing. She said that she belonged to a group that was already very active in church.

When she and her husband heard about the CLP, they agreed to attend the first few sessions just to see what it was all about; but they had no intention of completing the program or joining the community. However, they observed how prayer was given much importance all throughout the entire program: the team prays together before the start of the session; each talk begins with a prayer; the group discussions start and end with a prayer; a prayer is said before the snacks are served; the session ends with a closing prayer; and the team prays together before leaving the venue. She said that it was these prayers that led them to decide to complete the program and join the community.

To remind us to pray at every moment, Pope Francis teaches the five-finger prayer. He says to look at our hand and note that the thumb is the finger closest to us. This should remind us to pray for the persons closest to us—our spouse, children, parents, siblings, and friends. This is the easiest to do since they are dear to us.

The next finger is the index finger, the one we use to point the direction. This should remind us to pray for those who teach us—our teachers, professors, parish priests, speakers during teaching assemblies, and all people who need support and wisdom to show direction to others.

The following finger is the middle finger. It is the tallest or highest among our fingers. It reminds us to pray for our leaders both in government and in the church as well as in the community. We pray that they be given the gift of discernment to enable them to exercise their authority according to God’s will.

The fourth finger is the ring finger. It is the weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the least, and the poorest.

We pray for the sick, the disadvantaged, and those plagued with problems, difficulties and trials.

Finally, we have our smallest finger. It should remind us to also pray for ourselves. We should pray for our needs but, more importantly, we should pray that God would give us the grace to know his will and the blessing to follow it.

When our children were still

young and living with us, we always prayed over them before they left for school. By the time we lived in Bangkok, only our youngest son was with us as a Grade 12 student at the International School Bangkok. Since he took the school bus, every morning was a rush to avoid being left behind. He would rush through breakfast, shower, and dressing up. But still we managed to pray over him. As he walked to the elevator from our 20th floor apartment, we would walk with him with our hands on his shoulder praying over him. By the time the elevator arrived, we were done with our prayer.

Our life has been—as Pope Benedict describes—one of knowing that we can pray to God. One time when both the Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP (a Korean) and the Deputy Executive Secretary (a Japanese) were on official travel and I was the officer-in-charge of the ESCAP Secretariat, as the third highest ranking official, we hosted an international conference at the ESCAP conference building with a Thai minister as guest of honor and keynote speaker. Following UN protocol, together with other senior UN officials, I was expected to meet the minister at the front door of the conference building.

Aware of the notorious Bangkok traffic, I left home early with plenty of time to spare. But on that day, the traffic was unusually heavy. As I approached the final few kilometers to the UN building, I was certain of being late since that final stretch, which I pass every day, had 7 traffic lights that would take at least 30 minutes to traverse—too late to receive the minister. I was praying all the time since it would be greatly embarrassing if I missed the arrival of the minister. And lo and behold, for the very first time travelling that long stretch daily for the past three years, all 7 traffic lights were green as I approached each intersection. I was thus, miraculously, at the front door ready to receive the minister five minutes ahead of his arrival.

Our prayer is a quest for beauty and a desire for love. As the psalmist says, the Lord listens to our plea and comes quickly to help when we call. And when we lift our hands in supplication, then, like those of the holy ones in Revelation, our prayer rises like incense before God in heaven.

SFC Team Kalinga Mission—'God chose us not because of who we are, or what we are in our respective chapters, but because of what we can do as part of the mission team.'

“What is the posture of your heart?”

This has been the constant question I get from my friends in Singles for Christ. It usually takes me a while before I could come up with an answer.

Most of the time, I don’t even want to answer it.

It’s akin to the ordeal that beauty pageant contestants go through, or like an oral recitation that college students have to bear.

Honestly, I had mixed emotions before enlisting for the Kalinga mission.

Some of the questions I asked myself were: “Am I worthy to be part of the team?” Would I be able to take a long leave from work? Can I afford all the expenses?” Often, I asked myself if I’m really capable of taking on the challenges of being in a mission team.

While this was not my first time to go on a mission, every assignment feels like it’s the first time.

There are always new people to meet, new places to go to, and a lot of new things you can learn.

For this mission though, I was both excited and anxious because I felt unworthy to serve. I was not prepared for the mission at all because for the past few months prior to it, I felt I was not living a Christian life. But despite the feeling of unworthiness, I felt a strong call for me to be part of the team. The famous quote “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called” gave me the encouragement I needed.

This was the time when God made me realize that despite this feeling of unworthiness, He still

calls me for His greater glory and plans. No matter where I am in my life, He is qualifying me for His service because He called me. He will help me overcome the mistakes I make, and even use them as an avenue to help others. If I just allow Him to use me.

I was a little shy to meet and greet the mission team. I had no idea who they were. Checking their profile and service background made me even more self-conscious and hesitant to mingle.

Despite the short introductions, I still felt shy. But God is so great because He didn’t allow our differences to hinder us from getting closer and comfortable with each other. I believe that He chose us not because of who we are, or what we are in our respective chapters but because of what we can do as part of the mission team.

It was my first time to go to Kalinga so I had no idea what to expect or what I would experience and see during the mission, although I pictured living in mountains and experiencing the cold weather. At exactly 7 AM, we arrived in Kalinga and I was bit surprised because the scene was the total opposite of what I was expecting.

But what truly surprised me was the hospitality of the people of Kalinga. We were invited to have coffee in a Co-op store just across the street by Tita Thelma, who didn’t even know who we were, other than being the Manila mission team. We introduced ourselves and conversed

with her while waiting for Andop, son of the Provincial Couple Coordinator, who was to pick us up. It was the first time I tried coffee with honey instead of milk.

The Kalinga brew is new to me and I really liked the aroma and taste of that local coffee. Little did I know that this was the start of a typical, warm Kalinga welcome.

We were also welcomed by the Area Governance Team of Kalinga where we had bonding and dining moments during a simple breakfast provided by our host, Raul and his family.

Our main goal in Kalinga was to Equip, Educate and Empower our SFC brothers and sisters there through the household head teaching series.

Through the Knights Tale formation, our goal was to help the brothers understand the true definition of manhood and challenge them to live as modern-day knights, ready to offer their lives for the cause of Christ.

For the SFC sisters, the Princess Diaries formation would be useful for them to understand and appreciate their identity as women created

by God, discover how their womanhood reveals God to the world, and for them to desire to live out their special calling as women in intimate union with Jesus. However, we never imagined that we would also be learning from them through the sharing and sessions.

During our stay in Kalinga we experienced so much: the warm welcome of the AGT, CFC and SFC; the heart-warming stories of the sisters and

brothers; the bountiful food served during meals; the exciting adventures in Allok falls; the simple and fresh community of Tabuk; the sunny mornings and cold, breezy evenings; the one-of-a-kind aroma of Kalinga coffee; and most especially the God-loving community of Kalinga.

I must say this was one of the most memorable missions I had, not just because of the numerous new experiences, but because this was a personal mission for me. I have experienced God through the people of Kalinga, not just through the activities we had but also through manifestations of God’s love in the personal testimonies of the people I met. I was really sad to leave Kalinga. But our mission in Kalinga is not yet done. It is just the beginning of a faithful relationship we were able to build through a community that serves a majestic God. This mission has been so memorable to me. Until now I am still in awe because of this beautiful experience. I witnessed God through the people that I have mingled with.

Before this mission, there were a few people who reminded me that I have to be open and sensitive to God’s message for me.

And indeed His message was very clear—that no matter what circumstances I am in, He is there all the time. All I have to do is just to allow Him to use me as His vessel of grace to His people through serving the community.

(Michael Ballos, Central C)

At The Heart of the Celebration This year, CFC Handmaids of the Lord’s International Conference creative tagline is “At the Heart of the Celebration”, connecting to CFC’s theme for 2016. The conference is echoed in many regions of the world.

In the African region, the echo conference was held last August 19-21, 2016 in Durban, South Africa. More than 200 delegates came from all over South Africa and Lesotho, and through the activity, came away truly enriched as missionaries convicted to serve the Lord more.

From the initial stage of prepa-

ration to the final note of the conference, the mission team felt that God was always ahead of everything, from the initial meeting to identify committee heads and its members, to the Events Management Training, down to the final stretch. Indeed, it was amazing how God is. Every single challenge had its own miracle and success that is really God given.

The entire team of CFC Durban, headed by Joe and Joyce Raman, with the support of CFC Pietermaritzburg, served

the HOLD sisters joyfully. Two HOLD speakers came from Manila—Dory Sarmiento, HOLD Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Maricel Lim, a HOLD Chapter head in Metro Manila North-B sector, They delivered the sessions powerfully, and the moving testimonies left most of the delegates in tears, at the same time fired-up. It was indeed a weekend to cherish, a weekend filled with God’s love because He was truly at the heart of the celebration. (Rico Gamogamo)

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No less than His Eminence Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, OFM, Archbishop of Durban, celebrated the Mass at the CFC Women's Conference

CBCP Monitor

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August 22 - September 4, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 23

From A Pastoral Perspective Rouquel Ponte

The Heart of A Shepherd It was with excitement that I, together with millions of Filipinos, anticipated the visit of Pope Francis last January 2015. The excitement built up when he finally arrived and all throughout the days of his visit. Even now I can still remember the many memorable moments of that visit.

The first among the many memories was during the start of his homily in his very first Mass here in the Philippines at the Manila Cathedral when he said to the gathering of bishops, priests and religious: “Do you love me?” Many immediately responded, “Yes!” The Holy Father was amused but at the same time appreciative of the response since he was simply starting his homily by quoting a passage from the last chapter of the Gospel of John where our Lord Jesus asked Peter that question.

The question was most significant to us in Couples for Christ as this is the anchor verse of CFC’s theme for 2015 taken from John 21:15-17. What immediately came to our mind was the Holy Father giving CFC a very strong affirmation in its life and mission.

This passage, as we reflected on it last year, gave importance to the role of St. Peter to shepherd the flock Christ was anointing him to do. He was to pastor

and care for God’s people as Christ the Good Shepherd would. To this day, the importance of the role of the Pope as our Good Shepherd is crucial in the life and mission of the Church.

Back to Pope Francis and fast forward to this year. My wife Nina and I, together with five other brethren in the CFC International Council, attended a conference sponsored by Cor Unum to reflect on the 10th year since the issuance of the Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI - Deus Caritas Est. One of the highlights of the event was a noontime audience with the Holy Father on February 26, 2016. Many of us thought that, after his message and giving personal time to the cardinals, bishops and other dignitaries, the audience would come to a close with his blessing. But lo and behold! He started to personally welcome all the participants, giving of his precious time to each one, from the front row all the way to the back. We all lined up with great excitement, anticipating what we will say or do once he reaches our place. But when that moment arrived, I simply said, “Holy Father, we are from the Philippines and we love you!” He simply smiled back and with his big, bright eyes focused on me as if I were

the only person in the room, and then he gave his blessing.

What an awesome experience! It was like coming face to face with Christ Himself who is our Good Shepherd.

Pope Francis exudes the very essence of what a true shepherd is—one who cares for his people and imparts the love of God to them.

The shepherd and guardian of your souls is a familiar imagery of the care, vigilance and love God has for his people in Scriptures. This is reflected in 1 Peter 2:25: “… you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” In Luke 15:4-6, Jesus showed his love and care for all humanity: “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’”

All of us leaders in community have received the same Divine appointment as shepherd to the people under our care. The Lord, our Good Shepherd, has promised to care for us, His sheep,

and to appoint other shepherds to look after our welfare. In the Entrance Antiphon for the Mass celebrated on the anniversary of the election of a bishop, we are told: “I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will raise up one shepherd who will pasture them. I, the Lord, will be their God.” As we leaders take on this great responsibility of shepherding our people, let us consecrate ourselves to the care and authority of our Good Shepherd.

As anointed shepherds of our people, may we by our word and example inspire and guide the flock under our care that we may all come to the joy of everlasting life.

The Direction of a Shepherd’s Heart

Pope Francis, in his homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus this year said: “The Heart of the Good Shepherd reaches out to us, above all to those who are most distant. There the needle of his compass inevitably points, there we see a particular “weakness” of his love, which desires to embrace us all and lose none.

Contemplating the heart of Christ, we are faced with the fundamental question in life: Where is my heart directed? It is a question we need to

ask ourselves everyday of our life. Our ministry is often full of plans, projects and activities. Amidst all these, we must still ask ourselves: What is my heart set on? Where is it directed, what is the treasure that it seeks? For as Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Pope Francis in his 19 March 2013 homily said “caring for others must begin with watching over one’s own heart, mind and actions… resisting hatred, envy and pride, and emotions that can tear others down.”

Let us reflect on our weaknesses and sins and go deep into the root of all these failings—the place where we have hidden that “treasure” that keeps us from the Lord. May our hearts remain pointed to only two directions: “The Lord and his people!”

To help our hearts burn with great charity like the Heart of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we can do three things as suggested by Pope Francis: seek out, include and rejoice.

We will reflect on this in the next issue but for now let us ponder the fundamental question Christ is asking today: What is my heart set on? Where is it directed, what is the treasure that we seek?

Bishop Alminaza and Fr. Jublas Nolasco Visit ANCOP Canada Office The ANCOP Canada Home office welcomed two distinguished guests prior to Canada’s ANCOP Walk— the Most Rev. Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza and Fr. Jublas Nolasco.

Bishop Alminaza is the Bishop of San Carlos Diocese in Capiz while Fr. Jublas Nolasco is the chaplain at Toronto’s St. Joseph’s Health Centre. After typhoon Haiyan wrought severe damage to Panay Island in the Philippines a few years ago, it was Fr. Nolasco who spearheaded efforts to bring relief support to the victims of the typhoon. His efforts in his parish resulted in 300 packages containing various goods being shipped to San Carlos Diocese and other parts of Capiz.

Last year, Bishop Alminaza personally visited the St. Joseph the Worker parish in Thornhill,

Bishop Alminaza (third from left) donning his AGW Canada shirt

where he celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass. He personally thanked the community for sending the 300 boxes of relief goods.

Fr. Nolasco now spearheads the Pangandoy sa Pag-Eskwela Foundation, Inc. (A Dream To Study Foundation), a non-stock, non-profit foundation. According to its Facebook page, the primary objective of this organization is to provide financial assistance to poor but deserving students in high school and college.

The foundation extends help by paying tuition fees, providing school supplies and school uniforms, as well as providing monthly allowances for food and lodging. Other objectives of the foundation include conducting seminars in values formation, skills training, livelihood assistance and

other income-generating projects for the parents of the beneficiaries so they can earn more income and be able to send their other children to school.

ANCOP Canada began supporting 10 scholars through the ANCOP Child Scholarship Program through the Pangandoy sa Pag-Eskwela Foundation this school year. In a show of gratitude the 10 CSP scholars of the foundation joined the ANCOP Global Walk last week in the Philippines.

Bishop Alminaza was also invited to join Pangandoy sa Pag-Eskwela Foundation in this year’s ANCOP Walk in Taste of Manila in Bathurst and Wilson.

He led the opening prayers and blessed all 1,200 walkers. (Published with permission from ancopcanada.org)

WYD2016, C4

caring heart and sensitivity. She was never without a “Dzien dobry (Good morning), “dobranoc” (goodnight) and “dzien kuje” (thank you)”. These three important phrases not only added to my limited Polish vocabulary, I also had a full appreciation of their true meaning, coming from Grandma’s loving nature.

Grandma prepared everything for us, even breakfast and she opened her doors even when we went home at a very late hour. Jesus was truly alive in that family and I will be forever grateful for them.

The third and the one which left the greatest impact are the stories of faith, hope, mercy and forgiveness shared during the night of vigil with Pope Francis.

This was the time when my fellow pilgrims, Christians from Aleppo, Syria, shared their story of survival in the midst of civil war and death. Listening to them, I came to realize that my daily worries are really nothing compared to what millions of my brothers and sisters must be suffering. While personally, I am actively involved in helping others, I saw that it wasn’t enough and that there is so much more I can do.

I don’t have an easy answer, I forget that just making people feel the presence of Jesus could somehow be the answer to all doubts and questions. The assurance that Jesus is present is indeed enough to melt worries and uncertainties.

In a week, I quickly learned to speak simple phrases in different languages. In the pilgrims, short pit stop at the station where I was assigned, I made new friends from different parts of the globe, and heard amazing stories of how the Lord has brought them to Krakow. I learned patience, fortitude and understanding, and gained confidence in trusting that the Lord has all

World Youth Day—daily catechesis, the daily Masses, pilgrimage of mercy, stations of the cross, vigil with the Holy Father, walking several miles each day with co-pilgrims—I cannot help but wonder where we got our strength to accomplish all of them. My husband was then suffering from gout, while my son had sustained a deep wound on his knee a few hours before our departure to Poland, and with my asthma, I could only say that indeed, it was only through the mercy of God that we were able to surpass the challenges that seemed impossible to achieve.

My main takeaway from this pilgrimage: “Upon our

Jason Tiamson:

One of the reasons I joined WYD was to see the Pope up close because I was not able to join the activities when he visited Manila last 2015. I still did not see the Holy Father up close, but I know I gained a lot during this WYD. It has given me a new perspective on Catholicism, and that we can become God’s instruments of love by doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

During the pilgrimage proper, while we were walking towards the final venue of WYD, I was carrying a heavy bag. I was thirsty and hungry for the walk was long and the sun was beating down hard. I had multiple blisters on my feet. I was beginning to feel tired and my steps were becoming slower. But then, I was reminded of the things that Jesus had to endure during the final hours before His death, carrying the heavy cross, the long walk towards Calvary, experiencing thirst and hunger and other physical sufferings. I realized that what I was suffering during that time was not comparable to what Jesus had suffered.

During the walk, I found myself with a lot of alone time. I found myself praying a lot and praying for my personal intentions and the intentions of my family and friends. In times of suffering, I was reminded to pray and talk to Jesus.

Hazel Tactay:

As a volunteer, I was assigned to man an information point in the busy tram station beside ICE Congress. My task was to assist pilgrims by giving them directions and sometimes, to help them get on and off the trams and buses. It was very challenging for me since I wasn’t very familiar with the city. Every time I gave directions to the pilgrims, I silently said a prayer that the Lord lead the way for them, since I was only relying on the mobile app I had purchased and really had no idea how to get around the city. In one of our training sessions, we asked our coordinator how can we be most helpful to the people when we didn’t have all the information. Her answer was simple: smile and radiate Jesus, make the pilgrims feel welcome.

This, I believe, was the best and simplest thing all the volunteers had to do: radiate Jesus. Often, I feel consumed by the technicalities of life that whenever

the answers.

Perhaps the greatest perk of my job as a volunteer was that I got a front row seat to see mercy at work: when you are uprooted from your comfort zone so that others may somehow experience comfort. I missed a lot of WYD major events but I am nevertheless thankful because it was very humbling to serve so that the pilgrims may experience the best of the activities.

Why I signed up as a volunteer did not become clear to me until the end of the WYD event—the Lord wanted me to experience firsthand how merciful He is. It is because of His mercy that I made it to Krakow despite all the challenges. Being at the receiving end of His overflowing mercies, I simply had to pass it on.

Sylvia dela Cruz:

When I learned last year that the 2016 World Youth Day will be held in Krakow, Poland, the hometown of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina of the Divine Mercy, my initial reaction was, “Wow, I have to send my son Jayson to the WYD!” Then I wondered, “How about me and my husband? Could we also go? Was it too late for us? At our age?” See, I am 53 and my husband, Jaycee, is 55. My questions were answered when I read the primer on World Youth Day issued by the ECY-Philippines. We could go as adult pilgrims!

I discussed with my husband my dream of joining the pilgrimage as a family. He was hesitant at first, but when he realized that I was really determined to go, he agreed.

The trip from Manila to Poland was almost twenty hours. Yet, during this time, I was never bored. I used this time to bond with my family and my fellow pilgrims from the SFC-CFC TEAM. My husband on the other hand, continuously prayed silently the Holy Rosary. Upon arriving in Warsaw, Poland, we were met by local volunteers. They were so kind and friendly.

As we participated in all the activities of the 2016

return to our respective homes, we must freely share the joy and love that we received from God through the people we met, the host families who opened their homes for us, our co-pilgrims and most of all from our beloved Pope Francis”.

Ace Ortiz:

I remember a line from one of the homilies I heard in WYD: attending the WYD does not make me a better Catholic. And yes it is true. I know, being part of WYD didn’t make me a less of a sinner but in my heart, I felt the mercy of God. WYD touched my inner soul, and I would like to shout to the whole world how grateful I am for all the blessings that I have received. I realized that the Lord truly knows my heart's desires and He gives them at the right time. He showed His mercy to me when I lifted everything to Him during the preparation stage; He blessed me with enough resources and strength that I needed so I could join the delegation; He opened my eyes to be merciful and not to be judgmental of others through my hosts and the whole SFC delegation.

For me, the most memorable message of Pope Francis in his homily at Campus Misericordiae was, "Trust the memory of God: his memory is not a “hard disk” that “saves” and “archives” all our data, but a heart filled with tender compassion, one that finds joy in “erasing” in us every trace of evil. May we too now try to imitate the faithful memory of

God and treasure the good things we have received in these days."

I don’t know why and I cannot explain it, but after all I've been through in this life, this was the moment where I felt contentment. Perhaps it is because I have learned to be truly thankful for the blessings and forgiveness that I have received from God. What do I wish to continue doing after WYD? I wish and pray that this state of contentment will last; that I will continue to appreciate the things God blessed me with. I pray that I can continue to cast all my fears and worries to the Lord. Also, I will do my best not to judge others and accept everyone in the same way God accepts me. I hope I can extend compassion and mercy to everyone, including strangers.

Eymard Babista:

We are the new generation of martyrs. During the WYD, news reached us that Fr. Jacques Hamel was killed by terrorists while celebrating Mass in his parish in France.

France was a few hours away from Poland. The first reaction I had was fear—that the WYD could be the next terrorism target. However, trusting in God’s protection and intercession of all the angels, saints, and the universal church, the WYD was spared. But if the time would come when we have to offer our lives, I believe that we would die not for ourselves but for something bigger. We have every opportunity to share in the martyrdom of our fellow believers, starting with dying to ourselves. There is this litany called the Litany of Humility which reminds those who pray it to deny the self for the greater cause. With what is happening in the world today, let us share in the martyrdom of those who have gone before us, not with physical death, but more so through self-denial.

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August 22 - September 4, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 23

Pilgrims Come Home from World Youth Day Revived, Renewed From July 25 to July 31, 2016, about 2.5 million pilgrims from 187 nations gathered in Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day 2016. Dubbed as the “Rome of the North”, Krakow is where the John Paul II Center is, and home to the modern Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, which is the hub of a worldwide Divine Mercy movement.

Incidentally, this year’s theme is “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” taken from Matthew 5:7.

Twenty-three official delegates from CFC Singles for Christ and some others from CFC Youth for Christ participated in probably one of the most-anticipated events for the Catholic youth. These numbers reflect only the Philippine delegation and do not include the hundreds of SFC and YFC members worldwide who likewise went to Poland for the WYD. We asked several pilgrims about their reflections on WYD 2016, and they shared with us how being in WYD 2016 definitely made them cherish the experience and at the same time feel how real it is to give and receive mercy.

Anne Villegas:

I enjoyed many experiences during my World Youth Day Pil-

Young people experience the limitless power and grace of God in Christ Unlimited

grimage that I will forever hold in my heart. One such experience is walking an average of 18,000 steps each day. Whenever I look back at how far and long we walked each day, I am amazed how every pain from that day’s walk will be gone the next day. The walking might be physically demanding especially when we had to endure long walks in the rain, but I am grateful that I did not get sick or feel any discomfort that would make me a burden to my group.

Two highlights of my World Youth Day Pilgrimage were when God revealed His great love and His plans to me during my prayer time, and the daily encounter with my co-pilgrims and people in

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Krakow. I can still remember that when I was preparing for my trip, I specifically wrote all my prayer intentions. During my pilgrimage and during the first few days in Poland, I realized that those prayer intentions had long been answered and what I received were more than what I asked for.

Ria Brando:

This year’s World Youth Day in Poland was a very personal, life-changing and a one-of-a-kind spiritual experience for me. While I have a lot of memories from the

event, I want to share three (3) key things that truly made an impact in my life.

First was the catechism/teaching experience with the Archbishops and Cardinals. The messages and delivery were so remarkable, especially those byHis Eminences Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York and our very own Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of Manila. Cardinal Dolan emphasized how God respects our free will, sharing that Jesus allows us to think and decide, adding St. John Paul’s reminder to us that God invites, God whispers, God prompts, and God proposes but never imposes. God wants love, trust and friendship and it should be freely given. Cardinal Tagle, on the other hand, shared his personal journey on becoming a Cardinal through God’s mercy. The beauty of listening to their wisdom is equal to the immense treasure of learning from the world’s best advisors.

Their personal testimonies echo Jesus’ love and joy in telling his message to the world.

Second is the joy of experiencing human kindness and Christianity.

Living with a Polish foster family, I was assigned to live with other seven co-pilgrims from different dioceses from Philippines. Our foster parent, whom we called “Grandma” did not speak English at all. But we managed to communicate with her. She had the best WYD2016, C3

“Be a sign and instrument in the world of the presence of Christ so that we can draw more people to the Lord”. In a nutshell, this was the exhortation of Joe Tale, CFC Chairman, to the CFC community in Canada.

In a teaching held this month at the Merciful Redeemer Parish in Mississauga, Tale said the Couples for Christ has been blessed by the Lord tremendously and the fact that the community has just celebrated 35 years of its existence is proof of His great love.

Tale was with his wife Babylou and together they testified how grateful they are to the Lord for blessing them with 42 years of blissful marriage. The Tales became members of CFC in 1986 and have two daughters. Their younger daughter and her husband are now active leaders of CFC in California. Vida, their other daughter, is a member of Singles for Christ.

Tale cited significant and recent developments in the CFC community such as the participation of CFC in the 2014 Synod on the Family held at the Vatican where CFC President George Campos and wife Cynthia spoke about how the community has inspired them in their marriage and family life, as well as the

Congress for the Poor, participated in by experts and academicians from across the globe, which highlighted the ANCOP program in addressing the poverty problem in the world.

He also discussed the CFC Migrants Program, aimed at helping migrants as they face the challenges of settling into their new life in a new country. He cited CFC’s fast growth in Africa and in the Middle East. Tale encouraged CFC Canada to be open to mission work, and to simply allow themselves to go wherever the Lord leads.

One other good news he shared was the establishment of the CFC Office at the Vatican which serves not only as the mission center for Italy but for the entire European region.

He also spoke about the CFC Institute whose mandate is to develop programs on missionary discipleship and to offer certificate programs to our lay missionaries to further their knowledge.

The CFC Chair expressed his delight at the extensive use of media in CFC. He specifically mentioned the number of times Catholic channel ETWN has invited CFC to sit down for interviews on CFC life and culture and marriage and family. One

significant development in the communications area is the realization of CFC’s dream of having a TV program. In May of this year, CFC launched a program titled “Pluma” which was aired in the Philippines’ biggest television channel ABS-CBN, with telecast overseas via The Filipino Channel. The TV show is an effective medium for proclaiming God’s goodness in transforming lives of individuals and families.

For 2016, the CFC community is asked to strengthen its core and expand its reach. Tale proposed a challenge to the leaders in Canada: Are we growing in holiness? Are we becoming patient, more peaceful… more joyful in our families, neighborhood and work places?

In her brief testimony, Babylou shared that joining the CFC is their greatest gift from the Lord, because it is here where they have grown spiritually, as individuals, as a couple and as a family. She shared that even their young granddaughter is now able to pray, practicing what she sees in her parents. She encouraged everyone to invite their families and friends to join the Christian Life Programs so they too may share in the goodness and kindness of the Lord. (Willy Estolas, Mississauga)

CFC Anniversary Celebrations All Over the World The month of August is referred to sometimes as the 'ghost month', because according to some, many tragedies happen during this month. But for CFC worldwide, August is a time to celebrate. Why? Because many areas have anniversaries in August! Let us continue to rejoice, pray and give thanks!

24th Anniversary of Couples for Christ Bohol at BIT Dao,Tagbilaran City

CFC Palau 11th anniversary, August 21

CFC Vietnam celebrates 18 wonderful years

CFC Camarines Norte Silver Anniversary, August 20

CFC Lae Papua New Guinea 20th Anniversary August 21

CFC Macau 16th year anniversary, August 21

CFC Northern Samar, August 6

Father Bill Adams, CSSR, from Los Angeles, CA USA celebrating Mass for CFC Ilocos Norte's 26th Anniversary, with a short teaching on holiness, and a healing session.

Zamboanga Sibugay 21st anniversary held in Buug, August 20-21

Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa celebrated the Mass at the CFC Toronto-Hamilton 22nd Anniversary