UGNAYAN August 2017

Ugnayan

THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 21 No. 15

July 24 - August 6, 2017 C1

Parejas Para Cristo: Mantenganse en la Fe

By Glen Santayana

THE SECOND South America Parejas Para Cristo (Couples for Christ) weekend retreat took off with the banner parade opening night on Friday, July 7, 2017, in Barbosa Santander, Colombia.

Flag bearers marched carrying the various banners representing the 11 PPC areas of Colombia, the countries of Peru, Ecuador, the Philippines and USA. Fr. Miguel Velasco Parada, Pastor of Parroquia San Luis Gonzaga, was the main celebrant in the opening Mass.

The Strong and Faithful Weekend is an echo of the conference held in Manila in January 2017. About 560 attended the conference. Close to half were non-CFC who responded to the invitations sent to nearby parishes and through the radio/ TV campaigns.

PPC members came in car pools driving for 3, 8 and 15 hours to get to the venue. Those who took public buses traveled for 54 hours, mostly the CFC PPC Ecuador delegates, who had to cross the Ecuador/ Colombia border. Peru and USA delegates came by plane to the capital Bogota airport, and travelled by land for three hours to the venue up north. Traveling together with the delegates were nine sacerdotes (priests) and one deacon, all equally excited to Stand Firm in the Faith, or "Mantenganse en la Fe".

On Saturday morning, the recitation of the Holy Rosary preceded the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Bishop Emeritus Jorge Leonardo Gomez celebrating, joined by the priests and deacon attending.

Former CFC Chairman Joe Tale,

Conferencia Sur Americana, clockwise from above: Fr. Fabio Echeverri leading the worship; Bishop Emeritus Jorge Leonardo Gomez (center) flanked by the other members of the clergy; Errol and Miggie Martinez, missionaries from the Philippines; the families of Parejas Para Cristo; Glen Santayana, Joe and Babylou Tale with the leaders of CFC PPC.

with his spouse Babylou, were among the speakers and sharers with Joe delivering his talk in Spanish.

Vivacity was in the air throughout the day, mixed with music, mini fellowship during meal breaks and the energetic intermissions by the gifted Master of Ceremonies Jorge Betancur (CFC PPC USA originally

from Colombia).

USA delegates listened to the inspiring talks and testimonies with the help of Esther Prexl (PPC USA and Mission Head to Ecuador) translating the entire proceedings to English.

This breakthrough sets no limits for future conferences to be attended by CFC USA and the world. Closing the

CFC, SFC Support OSM CLP at the PMA

CADETS from the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City are more than halfway through the Christian Life Program. The last session they eagerly attended last July 16, 2017 was Talk 9, Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit.

The ongoing CLP at the academy is spearheaded by

the CFC Order of St. Michael (OSM). Metro Manila South A Sector Head Robert Labayen conducted the session and at the end of his talk, prayed over the more than 300 cadets.

Almost a hundred facilitators from CFC Singles for Christ assisted during the session, which is also called Receiving

day were festive cultural presentations by the delegates, making it one huge family in celebration of God's presence. Colombians absolutely know how to party.

Sunday's Mass was presided by Fr. Rober Martinez, CFC PPC Spiritual Adviser of Peru, who expressed his appreciation to CFC for enhancing his

vocation and priestly ministry. Morning worship followed, animated by Fr. Fabio Echeverri.

USA's Mission Head to Colombia Yamile Rangel (CFC PPC USA), who prayed so hard for a successful conference, shared that her prayers were heard as evidenced by the formation of the PAREJAS PARA CRISTO, C2

First ANCOP School Inaugurated MORE THAN a thousand people gathered in Likutuden, Larantuka, Flores, East of Indonesia last July 15, 2017 to celebrate and witness the inauguration of the New SMK-ANCOP Boarding School.

The school, the very first ANCOP school worldwide, started from a dream. God brought the dream to fruition with the help of generous donors and benefactors.

Two separate buildings have already been constructed – the main building and the student dormitory. Two more buildings will be constructed in the four-hectare land donated to the Diocese of Larantuka. The plan is to cater to 300 students of Flores Island.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist by the Bishop of Larantuka, His Excellency Franciscus Kupong Kung, joined by the other clergy of

Head. He added, “God turned on a light in here. People in every part of the world may not have heard about Larantuka but remember that during the olden times, God used insignificant men to start something great. I know that God is also doing the same for the people of Larantuka. He is using you, your talents, skills and treasure to inspire others.

Continue to share your strong faith to others.

Be a light to others.”

CFC ANCOP President Rudy Gaspillo remarked, “This day proves that collaboration will make the impossible possible. In a celebration like this, let us continue to praise and honor God.” “What happened here is indeed a miracle.

This is the very first in the whole world (SMKANCOP School) but definitely will not be the

the diocese,was the first activity of the day. In his homily, the Bishop, who was occasionally emotional, thanked everyone but reserved his praise and gratitude to God for the grace and providence He showered on the children. According to the prelate, it was his biggest dream to have a school for underprivileged kids in the diocese. He praised the Lord for the gift of Couples for Christ and ANCOP for initiating and bringing that dream into reality.

last. Building this school was never easy, there were a lot of challenges for sure. But because of your determination, faith and trust in God and Mother Mary, you have surpassed and overcome it all,” Gaspillo said, adding that “This is a manifestation of God’s faithfulness and as we move forward to being faithful to our communities and ministries, let us be reminded that this is not our work but it is the work of God. Let us continue to call on Him and put our trust in Him.” Suanning Tanarte, the CFC-ANCOP Indonesia President, in her message, thanked the members of the ANCOP SCHOOL, C3

the Power of the Holy Spirit.

It was a grace-filled morning, not only for the cadets but also for the service team who came from Metro Manila, Baguio and Pangasinan.

Aside from the PMA cadets, soldiers from the Philippine Army Officers Candidate School PMA, C3

GMC Sends Off Catechists The Eucharistic celebration at the CFC Global Mission Center in Cubao, Quezon City last July 26, 2017 highlighted the send-off ceremony for 21 catechists—20 from CFC and the Family Ministries and 1 parish volunteer.

The catechists who were sent off were Juhvil Cane Cabaraban, Klin Francis Enon, Maria Ereeka Gagarin, Gerald Manapsal, Justine Pablo, and Maan Palacio (from CFC Youth for Christ); Antonio Remojo (from CFC Singles for Christ) Adrian Enaje, Erika Marie Ermino Enaje, Jonathan Lloyd Polinar, and Richino Paolo Santos (from CFC Kids for Christ); Mary Anne Aguirre (from the Pastoral Formation Office); Ruel Aguirre and Leah Custodio (from the CFC Institute); Merilyn Montinola, Dory Sarmiento and Belinda Palma (from CFC Handmaids of the Lord) Philippe De Guzman, Jasmine De Guzman, Jaycee Dela Cruz, Richard Barreras , Gina Barreras and Artemio Molato (from Couples for Christ); and Michael Lias (from the parish).

They will be deployed to the Flora Ylagan High

School in Bgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City.

Fr. Benedict Lagarde of the Missionaries of Jesus exhorted the new catechists to embrace the virtue of humility. Fr. Lagarde assured the catechists that the Lord has gone ahead, and is waiting for them where they are to be deployed.

CFC Chairman Ermelo Villaroman Jr. attended the ceremony and gave an inspirational message to the new catechists, stating 5 important points: Do not be afraid; Listen to the people we serve, in order to help the faithful see that the Lord is at the center of their faith; Bring the good news, be the good news by exhibiting joy in serving; If feeling tired, remember that it is the Holy Spirit that will multiply the seed which God has sown and catechists helped cultivate; and Be inspired by St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of the Blessed Mother Mary, who were collaborators with the Lord in instilling the faith in her.

“Sa inyong pangungusap (ng Salita ng Diyos), kapag ang inyong kausap ay balang-araw mag‘yes’ sa Panginoon, maaarCATECHISTS, C2

An expression of Unity “This school opened a door of hope,” said Mannix Ocampo, CFC Indonesia Country

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July 24 - August 6, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 15

CBCP Monitor

A Woman Clothed With The Sun Revelations 12:1 A GREAT sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour the child when she gave birth. (Rev 12:1-4) There are many different reflections on the identity of the “woman clothed with the sun” in the Book of Revelation.

The traditional Roman Catholic interpretation is that she is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is also the new Eve. Other interpretations are that she is the heavenly Jerusalem, the personified wisdom, the Church, or the personified Israel.

In his homily in Castel Gandolfo on 15 August 2007, Pope Benedict XVI identified this woman as Mary who lives totally in God, surrounded and penetrated by God’s light; with the twelve stars representing the twelve tribes of Israel, the whole People of God; and the moon, the image of death and mortality. Mary has left death behind her. She is totally clothed in life and light, taken up body and soul

into heaven, and placed in glory after overcoming death. She says to us: Take heart, it is love that wins in the end!

We developed a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother after reading books about Our Lady of Guadalupe and the rapid evangelization of the Americas after her appearance to Juan Diego and leaving behind an imprint of her image on his tilma. We have gone on pilgrimages to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac in Paris, to Our Lady of Lourdes in France, to Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, and to Our Lady of Banneux in Belgium. With God’s grace we have kept the Blessed Mother’s message of love in our heart and she has brought us closer to her Son, Jesus. We now look forward to hearing her message again as Our Lady of Akita.

The religious nuns of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist were living a quiet life of prayer in Akita when they welcomed on 12 May 1973 a novice, Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, a convert from Buddhism who was then 42 years old and totally deaf. She converted to Catholicism after reading Dr. Nagai’s book Bells of Nagasaki.

On 12 June 1973, the miraculous events at Akita began when Agnes saw brilliant rays emanating from the tabernacle. The same thing happened on each of the two days that followed.

On 28 June, a cross-shaped wound appeared on the left hand of Agnes, which caused her much pain. On 5 July, a small opening appeared in the center from which blood began to flow.

On 6 July Agnes received the first message. She heard a voice coming from the three-foot tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was carved from a single block of wood from a Katsura tree, saying among others, “Your deafness will be healed.” As promised, Agnes temporarily regained her hearing on 13 October 1974 but lost it again on 7 March 1975. It was permanently restored on 30 May 1982, both healings occurring during benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

On the morning of 7 July, when the sisters assembled for prayer, they found blood on the right hand of the statue coming from a wound that matched that on the hand of Agnes.

The blood flow occurred four times as did the wound on the hand of Agnes until 29 September when the wound in the statue’s hand disappeared.

The second message came on 3 August 1973, a First Friday. Then on the evening of 29 September 1973, the whole community saw a brilliant light coming from the statue. Almost immediately the entire body of the statue became covered with a moisture resembling perspiration. The sisters used cot-

ton balls to collect the moisture.

On 13 October 1973, Agnes heard the beautiful voice speaking from the statue and received a third and final message: “The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres ... churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord …

The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by my Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary."

Toward the end of May 1974, the statue’s face, hands and feet acquired a dark, reddish-brown shade while the statue's garment and the hair retained the original color of natural wood. Then on 4 January 1975, to the amazement of the sisters, Bishop Ito, Fr. Yasuda, and others, the statue of the Virgin began to weep and did so three times that day. It continued to weep at intervals for the next 6 years and eight months. The tears of 8 December 1979 were filmed and shown on television to 12 million people throughout Japan. The statue wept on 101 occasions, the last time on 15 September 1981, Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Eventually, Bishop Ito arranged for Professor Sagisaka, M.D., a non-Christian specialist in forensic medicine from the University of Akita, to make a rigorous scientific examination of the tears, sweat and blood. The results showed that they were of human origin, the blood belonging to group B and the sweat and tears to group AB. He conducted another examination of the fluids on 30 November 1981 revealing a third blood group O, establishing that the three fluids belong to three different human blood groups.

On 22 April 1984, after eight years of investigations, Rev. John Shojiro Ito, Bishop of Niigata, Japan, recognized the supernatural character of a series of mysterious events concerning the statue of the Holy Mother Mary and authorized throughout the entire diocese the veneration of the Holy Mother of Akita.

On 23-25 July 2017, Jean and I will go on pilgrimage to Akita, Japan. As in Rue de Bac, Lourdes, Fatima, and Banneux, we hope to feel the presence of the Blessed Mother and hear her gentle voice as we pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament and the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Akita and reflect on the Stations of the Cross in the Garden of Mary. As in Lourdes, we are certain she will lead us to her Son. Brothers and sisters, please pray for us.

CFC OSM head to NCR Police Officers: ‘Observe the 4K Covenant’ COUPLES for Christ Order of St. Michael, the community’s program for the uniformed personnel, headed by Col. Art Alabanza (ret) was invited to speak in front of the officers and men of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during the Monday flag raising ceremony: Peace Covenant and Launching of Fund Raising Activity for the benefit of the people in Marawi last July 10, 2017 at the NCRPO Grandstand, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

In his speech, Col. Alabanza spoke of the “4K Covenant” which signifies the four (4) acts

of kindness that one should do every day: act of kindness to the spouse, kindness to your children, kindness towards subordinates, peers and superiors and lastly, kindness that one must endeavor to do every day for the poor, marginalized and helpless.

Alabanza advised, “Let us all make the 4K covenant to God a habit and we will surely change the PNP to be the best police force in the world. Let the Filipino people see and experience this change so that they may learn to respect you and to love you.”

In response to CFC OSM at the end of the Character En-

hancement Program for the police officers of NCRPO, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, regional director of NCRPO, said, “Sa Couples for Christ, maraming salamat po. Maganda po ang feedback at maganda rin po ang review ng mga opisyal. Sana hindi po ito ang una at huli.”

CFC OSM's charism is the Inter-Faith Character Enhancement Program (CEP) that rides on the role of Faith in Character Formation. As a result, the participants, regardless of religion or denomination, are led into a Faith-Based transformation toward a stronger relationship with God. (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)

CFC Migrants Program conducted the Values Formation and Financial Growth, Abundance and Stewardship Sessions in Zambales with 79 attendees comprising of itinerants from Hanjin Shipping, migrants families, Area Governance Team and CFC members last July 16, 2017.

PMA, C1

PAREJAS PARA CRISTO, C1

conference committees, and the participants who packed the venue to almost maximum capacity.

The conference happenings spread across town and CFC PPC was invited Monday to

two local radio stations for interview. Missionaries from the Philippines Errol and Miggie Martinez were also invited to guest live on TV for an interview on Tuesday, July 11. The general message of the inter-

views: “God called His people, and they heard His voice.”

Indeed, the fire of the Holy Spirit is spreading in South America as CFC PPC marches onward to Ecuador in 2018! For Dios es bueno! (God is good!)

CATECHISTS, C1

ing hindi natin alam kung anong pwede gawin ng Panginoon sa ‘yes’ nila,” Villaroman shared. He added, “Pero dahil sa ‘yes’ nila, at sa munting impluwensya ng bawat isa sa atin, the Lord can do something great to improve the world.” (CFC Global Comm)

(OCS) from Camp O'Donnel, Capas, Tarlac were among those who listened and participated through the session.

Cavaliers (Ret.) Col. Art Alabanza (PMA Class '72), Ex Funtera (PMA Class '70), Rick Martin (PMA Class '82) and Jun Unson (PMA Class '89) were present to support the CLP session and encourage the PMAers to continue to trust in the Lord and His promises, and to always invoke the intercession of the Blessed Mother and St. Michael the Archangel.

After the session, Fr. (LtC) Carl Buslon, Military Chaplain of the PMA, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, Fr. Carl read the CBCP Statement on Marawi, Terrorism and Dialogue, adding this statement: “Ang lahat ng ito ay magkakaroon ng tuldok kung tayong lahat ay maniniwala at patuloy na mananalangin.” He then told the story of Bishop Oliver Doeme of Nigeria and how extremists devastated his diocese. In prayer, the bishop cried out in

front of the crucifix, imploring God's help in combating terrorism and devastation.

“In a vision, Bishop Doeme saw Jesus handing him a sword. And as he was about to touch the sword, it transformed into the Holy Rosary, with Jesus telling him, ‘Boko Haram is gone.’

He said it three times, and then disappeared,” Fr. Carl narrated. He concluded, “The Holy Rosary is our weapon against evil. And so let us pray for peace, not only in Mindanao and the country, but for the whole world.”

The OSM, the CFC program for uniformed personnel, conducts monthly assemblies at the foremost military academy of the country, with the constant support of CFC Baguio and other nearby provinces. Metro Manila Sectors likewise take turns in serving at the assemblies.

The CLP is just one of the activities being conducted by OSM in the various military academies and camps nationwide. (Alma Alvarez)

CFC GMC, C4

tion was performed by the participants themselves, with the Red Cross trainors coaching and critiquing the entire procedure.

Manny Gutierrez of the General Admin Services shared, “The training was really helpful for us, kasi number 1, magagamit namin ito sa pamilya. Pangalawa, da-

hil meron na kaming knowledge, at kahit papaano, meron kaming pwedeng gawin when the time comes na may ma-encounter kami ng incidents na mangangailangan ng ganitong tulong.

At least now, we are prepared.”

“Malaking tulong sa akin yung First Aid Training kasi magaga-

mit ko to hindi lang sa pamilya, kundi pati sa lahat ng nangangailangan ng tulong pang-agaran,” echoed Vangie Mecedilla of the CFC Global Communications Office.

The participants all noted that being adequately prepared is the best response to any and all emergency situations.

Human Resources Officer Noreen Ebdane, one of the participants, disclosed, “We hope that in the next run of the First Aid Training, more missionaries will join.

They will not only be spiritually equipped, but will be prepared to handle emergency situations when needed.”

(Alma Alvarez)

ANCOP SCHOOL, C1

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ANCOP team that came from different organizations. She shared the school’s vision which is to be “an educational community that builds character, faith and students’ potential based on Christian spirituality until they are ready to participate in social change in the society” and the school’s mission which is “to prepare a new generation that has a mindset that is open to professional work ethics and high Christian spirituality, and have courage

to become entrepreneurs that can help build and develop the district economy”. For a deeper understanding about Larantuka, she mentioned that the city is the City of the Queen (Mother Mary).

Also present in the ceremonies were CFC members from all over Indonesia, Government officials, village chiefs, the ANCOP Team, religious and lay people from all over Larantuka. Mr. Pak Muhammad, a representative of the Ministry of Education in

Indonesia, gave 700 Million Rupiah ($60,000) from the government to the ANCOP school for Infrastructure. The school will also benefit from the BOS fund (Bantuan Operational School Fund) of 1,400 million rupiah ($ 100) per student per year that is given by the government.

The celebration continued with different presentations (dance and song numbers) and a sumptuous feast prepared by different communities. (Ramon Santiago)

CBCP Monitor

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July 24 - August 6, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 15

OSM CEM 2 Given to the Civil Military Operations Group

FORTY-FOUR enlisted personnel of the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG), 15 of whom were female, participated in the second module of the OSM’s Character Enhancement Module (CEM) held recently in their compound in Lawton Ave., Fort Bonifacio Taguig City. Five (5) of the participants were non-Catholic.

Rev. Fr. Pablito Melchor, Philippine Army Post Catholic Chaplain, led the participants in prayer after which an overview of the second Module was given by Jaycee Dela Cruz, SDP Mission Volunteer. Ver Rubillos, the program moderator, introduced the speaker for Talk 1, “True Freedom”, MGen Wilfredo Ona. The 2nd talk, “Harnessing the Power of Temperance” was delivered by Central C’s Sector Head Art Molato, with Jett Alfiler of West A as his

sharer. Session 3, which talks about Stewardship, was given

by Mon De Leon, a member of CFC Institute and a core member of OSM, with sharer Raldy Bucu of Metro Manila East B. For the last talk, “True Success”, OSM Program Head Ret. Col. Art Alabanza was speaker, with Danny Sayson of Metro Manila South B giving his personal testimony.

Plenary sharing followed, wherein participants shared their realizations, especially regarding their families and God. One of the participants, a former YFC member, expressed his belief that “the immersion is deeper” in this module.

Mostly the participants came to realize the importance of strengthening their relationship with God and that they need fear nothing because of

this relationship with the Divine. They also realized that prayer plays a great part in drawing them closer to God. Instead of spending their weekend pass (rest days) on mindless pursuits, the participants learned that spending time with their families gives greater fulfillment.

Col. Wenefredo Arceno Sr. CE (GSC) PA gave an inspirational message to his group: “There is no true success without character. Success is a motivation in our life; it comes with hard work and dedication. We juggle five balls in life—Work, Family, Health, Friends, and Integrity. “Unlike the other four, which are made of glass, work is like a rubber ball”, he said.

“When you drop it, it bounces back. The other four, we need to handle them with utmost care.”

(Lhou Gernale)

ANCOP PARTNERS HONORED IN BICOL

ANCOP SPEARHEADS COMMUNICATION FORUM ANCOP believes that there are stories of challenges and victories that must be shared in order to reach the hearts of the people and inspire them to support the mission with the poor.

This was why last July 15, 2017, CFC ANCOP organized the ANCOP Inspiration Communication Strategy Forum at the CFC GMC Cafeteria in Cubao, Quezon City.

Singles For Christ and Youth For Christ members around the metro and from nearby provinces attended the forum.

The activity started with an opening worship led by Martin Ballon of YFC, followed by

welcome remarks and message from Jimmy Ilagan, Chairman of CFC ANCOP. Ilagan enlightened the young participants on the mission of ANCOP and its programs. He explained why people should support ANCOP’s programs and shared the goal of reaching out to 40,000 families on the 40th year anniversary of CFC. He exhorted, “We are called to serve with sincere and authentic joy in our hearts.”

The main speaker for the forum was Robert Labayen, Vice President of Creative Communications Department of ABS-CBN and the Sector Head of Couples for Christ

Jimmy Ilagan

Metro Manila South A. Labayen stressed that communicating means having a creative mind, and a creative mind is a young mind. He shared his personal experience in the media industry and how he was blessed by the Lord to work and be able to bring joy and inspiration to others.

“The purpose of life is to use talents to serve mankind,” Labayen shared.

He likewise encouraged the participants to be brave and to continuously create materials that will encourage people to act and have the desire to become good people.

He added, “Do not let anyone tell you: you can’t do it.”

The talk was followed by an open forum where the participants asked questions regarding technicalities of media and tips on what to do in working in these platforms.

Lastly, the event also paved the way for the launching of the ANCOP Communication competition for writing, photography, blogging and video making. The competition will run from July 15, 2017 to August 15, 2017 and winners will be announced during the ANCOP Global Walk on September 17, 2017.

For mechanics on the competition, visit www.cfcancop.org. (Diana Mendoza)

Robert Labayen

CFC STMA Celebrates Patron Saint’s Day STATESMEN, politicians, judges and lawyers might want to ask the intercession of this great saint in times of need, particularly for the grace of helping them help others through their work.

This saint is no other than St. Thomas More, who is known for his 1516 book ‘Utopia’ and for his untimely death in 1535, after refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as head of the Church of England. Thomas More was beheaded on July 6, 1535.

St. Thomas More left behind these very significant words: "I am the king's good servant, but God's first,” which is also what Couples for Christ - St. Thomas More and Associates upholds, being the socio-political renewal ministry. STMA members and volunteers look up to St. Thomas More as role model.

To celebrate his feast day last June 22, 2017, STMA volunteers gathered to attend the Holy Eucharist at the St. Thomas More Chapel of the Ateneo Professional School. Before the final blessing, Mass goers prayed the St. Thomas More Prayer for Good Humor.

Prayer for Good Humor by St. Thomas More Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest.

Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humor to maintain it.

Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil, but rather finds the means to put things back in their place.

Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments, nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called “I.” Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor.

Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others.

In one of his homilies, Pope Francis affirmed, “A bit of good humor is very good for us! It will do us much good to pray St. Thomas More’s prayer frequently: I pray it every day, and it helps me.”

(Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)

Members of the St. Thomas More and Associates pay homage to their patron saint, St. Thomas More during the saint's feast day.

ABBA FATHER, C4

CFC ANCOP, Cross Catholic USA and the local government of Sorsogon—working together to bring hope and love to the less fortunate.

CFC ANCOP Global Foundation acknowledged the help and support of the local government and international partners during a ceremony last July 15 and 16, 2017.

The Local Government of Sorsogon City, headed by Mayor Sally Lee, steered the program for the resettlement project and turnover ceremony of fifteen homes last July 15 in Bacon, Sorsogon.

Along with the city officials were representatives from the international partner of ANCOP, the Cross Catholic Outreach (CCO) - USA, International Project Director Mr. Claudio Merisio, and Ms. Lot-Ortiz Luis, Philippine Project Coordinator of CCO. The leaders of CFC Sorsogon and the CFC ANCOP Operations Head, Elmer Cadiz

were likewise at the ceremonies.

In another town, Mayor Romeo Gardola and the Local Government Unit of Bulan joined Merisio, Cadiz and Edgar and Jusalyn Garcia of Sorsogon in the ribbon-cutting rites to officially open fifteen homes for the home partners of their new ANCOP site. The blessing of the homes and inauguration also took place on the same day.

ALBAY – ANCOP likewise opened seventeen (out of thirty) homes for the new home partners in Taysan, Legazpi City. CFC ANCOP, Cross Catholic Outreach-USA, the Diocese of Legazpi and the City Government of Legazpi worked hand in hand in building the shelter community for the families. (Diana Mendoza)

is always presented at the right moment.” He thought his eldest daughter whom he doted on so much did not love him.

While his daughter is an active member of Youth for Christ and has started with her Mission Volunteer’s Training, she has never been the expressive daughter that most daughters are. He thought his daughter can love others well, but not him, and this always made him sad.

But Jonathan was wrong. In the conference, he was brought back to the moments when his daughter openly expressed her love for him as her father. He was reminded how his daughter is always able to show her affection when he needed it most, that his daughter is so proud of him and

that he is loved tremendously.

The conference gave the fathers present a new perspective. They learned that their past hurts affect their being a father. For fathers to love the way they are expected to, they need to be healed. They need to accept God’s redemption from the pains of the past. Only then can they move towards their God-given role.

Patrick Thong says that “it is the best conference I have ever attended. “It was reassuring, knowing that we fathers go through the same challenges and engagement. We are in the same predicament, with all the responsibilities and occasional disappointments and sufferings,” Thong shared. He added, “I’m happy that I attended; and

I realized that my role is very important. The legacy that I want to leave for my wife and my children rests on my role as a father.”

Given another chance, all the fathers who came expressed their eagerness to attend the conference again. The fruits of the weekend were very visible. Lives were changed, action points set.

Once again, Abba Father touched the lives of many families. The success of the conference in Singapore, and the past conferences in Japan, the Middle East, United States, Canada, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, South Africa, Nepal and the Philippines is a victory, a true testament to Abba Father’s gracious love. (Djamila Burgos, CFC Singapore)

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July 24 - August 6, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 15

CFC Canada launches Seniors Program

CBCP Monitor

Abba Father Weekend Goes to SG When Patrick Thong received the invitation for the Couples for Christ’s (CFC) Abba Father Conference in Singapore, he was excited and worried at the same time. Having been in the community for twenty years, this was the first time this conference, which is for men only, will be brought to the highly modern, multi-racial and multi-religious country. As the conference is one day long, he wondered how he could get his lower household to attend and fervently prayed about it. His prayers were heard and three of his household members came.

The conference was significant in the many testimonies of love and transformation that were shared.

Edwin Lim recounted how sad he and his wife were when they found

out that their only son stopped believing in God. They graduated from the Christian Life Program on June 12, 1999 and from then on, they served the community and their parish faithfully.

Their sorrow was understandable. Their son was good, industrious and responsible. In his youth, he served in the parish and was a member of CFC Youth for Christ. He studied in a Catholic school and is a natural leader. He still went to Church on Sundays with them but they felt he was just going through the motions.

He even stopped making the sign of the cross.

Lim shared that the pain was like ‘he was having a heart attack and hit by a train afterwards’.

Lim recounted that the change came when his son enlisted for the

National Service as required by Singapore laws. “He was surrounded with people from different races and different faith.” When his son said he did not believe in God anymore, Edwin and his wife decided that scolding him was not the answer. They just continued loving and praying for him unconditionally.

Because of that unconditional love shown

by Lim, the father’s prayers were answered.

One day, while attending Mass, Edwin saw his son make the sign of the cross once again.

It was an indescribable moment. His wife broke down in tears. And little by little, the ‘lost son’ began finding his way back to God again.

Jonathan had a similar take-away from the conference—“God’s love ABBA FATHER, C3

CFC Canada pilots the Seniors Program in Vancouver. Soon, the senior couples of CFC from other regions in the entire country will experience "new life" via the Seniors Program.

WHEN the CFC Seniors Program was first introduced in Vancouver, there was not much of a reaction from brethren in the community. Some people commented that it is just another new CFC program. Others remarked with amusement, “There are no seniors in CFC!” But for Boie and Angging Sescon, CFC Canada National Coordinator for the Seniors Program, there was no doubt that this new program is important to the life and service of the older members of the community.

“Life in CFC is a continuing service,” shared Boie, long-time CFC leader in the Philippines now based in Edmonton, Alberta. “This program is a meaningful service to God as we approach the twilight of our lives on earth and prepare for life in eternity.”

The seniors’ retreat held July 1-2, 2017 at Comfort Inn in Surrey, Greater Vancouver Area was the first ever seniors’ retreat in Canada and the first to be held outside the Philippines.

The retreat gathered a good mix of “not so senior” and “really senior” couples. Most of the 22 couple participants were from Vancouver, while two couples came from Victoria (an island off Vancouver), and a couple from Winnipeg (in Central Canada).

Jun and Evelyn Aquino of CFC Victoria nearly missed the retreat because of an unscheduled heart procedure for Jun two weeks before the event.

“When I learned that I had to have angioplasty, I prayed to our Lord lifting up the desire of my heart to be at the retreat,” Jun shared. God heard his prayer; he was given clearance to travel by ferry from Victoria to Vancouver.

Chito and Mary Ann Marfori, Coordinators of the Seniors Program in

Western Canada Region, were tasked to handle all the preparations. “We are happy that we are involved in this, “ Mary Ann expressed. “It is something new and we can relate to it.”

Since Chito and Mary Ann and the rest of the core team were also participants, they enlisted the help of Candy Subang, full-time pastoral worker (FTPW) of CFC Vancouver for SFC. Subang served as the over-all event coordinator, and led the core team in visualizing the whole event and helping in the preparations. On the day of the retreat, Subang was supported by two SFC leaders, the brother and sister team of Jom and Kay Estoque in the conduct of the sessions and activities.

Couple participants Fil and Emy del Mundo were the emcees, while CFC Vancouver leaders also helped, among them Alex and Grace Boquerin, AGT member of Vancouver and South GVA Cluster Heads John and Brenda Navoa.

Happy Moments “It was a happy moment,” shared Chito and Marie, ANCOP Coordinators of Vancouver. “We felt some sense of belongingness, of having found a fitting group for fellowship and continued service in the community in the latter part of our life.”

Chito and Marie hope that through the Seniors Program, the senior members of CFC would have an opportunity for a concrete service suited to their general condition. One such service could be handling the Intercessory Prayer Group where senior people could be together maybe not physically but in spirit during a common day and time to pray for the concerns of the community.

This sentiment was shared by many of the participants who had been recalling the times they were actively serving in CFC in various capacities.

Many of them shared that the weekend retreat allowed them to once again experience that stirring in their hearts to be part of CFC’s work and to offer one’s self in God’s service.

Blast from the Past Boy Maligson, Area Director of CFC Vancouver, and his wife Baby were also participants in the retreat. He shared about an amusing experience on generational differences when Candy asked him during fellowship night to suggest some songs because their choice of music failed to bring the couples to the floor.

“It was easy. I told Jom and Candy to play ‘Only You’ a 1950’s song by the Platters,” Boy said. “That song brought almost everyone to their feet, and all of a sudden the floor became filled with dancing couples and many remained there as more songs in the 50’s and 60’s were played.”

The over-all experience greatly inspired Chito and Mary Ann and the Vancouver core team. They plan to implement soon the other aspects of the program that would involve the various ministries of CFC. They are already looking forward to conducting the next retreat in spring of 2018.

For each one of those who participated and served, the Seniors Program is a manifestation of CFC’s commitment to take care of the life and growth of its members in all stages of life, truly highlighting the meaning of CFC’s “womb to tomb” service ministry. (Edna Garrucho)

CFC Institute Pilots Basic Para-counseling Course

CFC men from Singapore attentively listening during the ABBA Father Weekend

CFC GMC Undergoes First Aid Training IN LINE with the various skills training programs lined up by CFC Administrator Eric Ylagan and the Human Resource Department headed by Fely Araojo, the CFC Global Mission Center Mission Support Staff underwent the pilot run of the Basic First Aid and Rescue Training last July 21 to 23, 2017.

Fourteen mission support personnel were the first to take the said course, which was con-

ducted by Lea Arriola and Mark Protestante, both volunteers from the Philippine National Red Cross Quezon City Chapter.

For the First Aid and Basic Life Support training, the participants learned about administration of first aid and emergency procedures for basic life support.

Among the skills taught were bandaging, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, emergency scene

assessment, as well as techniques to control bleeding, handling of electrical shock, open wounds, burns, head and spine injuries, fractures, among others. They also learned about some legal concerns during emergency situations like consent, one’s duty to act, negligence, and abandonment.

On the last day of the training, a simulation of an emergency situa-

The first batch of 26 students who attended the Basic Pastoral Care and Counseling Training conducted by CFCI at the San Carlos Seminary Graduate School of Theology, Guadalupe, Makati.

THE COUPLES for Christ Institute piloted its second course offering for missionaries and CFC leaders last July 22 and 23, 2017 at the San Carlos Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Guadalupe, Makati. The course, on Basic Pastoral Care and Counseling Training, provides intensive holistic counseling strategies to promote individual and family wellness.

The first batch of 26 students was composed mostly of fulltime workers from the CFC Global Mission Center, the Metro Manila Missions and the Social Development Programs.

Shake Hocson and Lydia Villacrusis, both from CFC and experts in the field of counseling, gave the training.

During the two-day course, the students learned about self-awareness, mental health and personality disorder, verbal and non-verbal communication in counseling, counselor responses and active listening. The course

also included a quick introduction to crisis and family counseling. The participants were likewise asked to experience the counseling process via simulation and actual counseling presentation.

The CFCI, in order to supplement the basic counseling knowledge, skills, attitudes and values learned in the initial course, has lined up a year-long sustainable follow-up program. This support program will reinforce the learnings from the basic course and allow the students to share their experiences and get supervision and feedback from the actual counseling done.

Graduates of this certificate course are expected to help in the promotion of Christ-centered and psychologically healthy marriages, wellness of families in terms of personal, social, spiritual, academic and professional concerns, and develop skills and pastoral care. (Alma Alvarez)

CFC personnel during their practical exams for the Basic First Aid Training

CFC GMC, C3