CBCP Monitor
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Vol. 18 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
AGW 2014: A Weekend of Love
By Alma Alvarez
The ANCOP Global Walk, an international fun walk which happened last May 25, 2014, was more than just a crowd funding activity. It was an act of love. As early as 2:30 AM, members of the service team were already onsite to welcome the early birds. At 5:00 AM, Mass was celebrated in the various walk points—in Manila, the Philippine provinces and some countries—to open the event. And at 6:00 AM, the countdown and gun start signaled the start of the 5 kilometer walk. As with the previous AGW events, thousands of people from all walks of life gathered in the many walk points worldwide to walk at almost the same
time in order to raise awareness as well as funds to send children from poor families to school. Now on its 4th year, the ANCOP Global Walk (AGW) is funding the scholarship for more than 1,000 children. This year, a major partner for the AGW in the Philippines is SM, through their various entities—SM Cares, SM Mall of Asia and the SM Mall of Asia Complex. For the AGW in Metro Manila, SM Mall of Asia agreed to waive the rental of the SM MOA grounds for the event. This is a welcome development as it helps ensure that a bigger portion of the sponsorship will go to the education of the scholars and not on event expenses. Several corporate partners likewise agreed to participate in this year's Walk, among them Maynilad, the Far Eastern
University, M2M, Vista Land, HGS, Mars Laboratory Instrument Center, Yupangco Electronics, First Metro Investement Corp., ASEC, One Meralco, Microtel, iRemit, Security Bank Foundation, Co-ops for Christ, Philbelt, Tricom, MMAS, Supreme Pipe, NDC, KJ Pua Acoustics Design & Consultancy, EEI Corp., and PhilHealth. Media sponsors DZMM TeleRadyo, Veritas 846, Win Radio, Energy FM, Magic 89.1 and iFM helped in promoting the AGW as well. All in all, the AGW 2014 was a weekend of love, where families came to give their time and treasure, and corporate partners opened their hands to share their resources to ensure that the scholars since AGW 2011 can continue their education and new ones can be added to the growing number of AGW scholars.
Strong families make a strong Church
Kids for Christ Celebrates being a 'Beloved Child'
All roads led to Dasmariñas City, Cavite for the 17 th International Kids Village of the CFC Kids for Christ. The IKV, which happened from May 2nd to May 4th, had more than 4,000 delegates from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and from various countries worldwide . To open the IKV, Lloyd Po-
linar, fulltime pastoral worker for CFC KFC, led the Kids Praise. Afterwards, Ian Maraguinot led the athletes to an oath of sportsmanship prior to the competitions. The Ugnayang La Salle and the Dasmariñas National High School were literally on fire with excitement as each area rooted for their respective bets for the various creative and sports competitions.
Aside from the competitions, delegates of the IKV were in for a great experience, especially with the sessions. The creative skit, which is inspired by the IKV theme “I am a beloved child of God” (John 19:2627), revolved around each individual being God’s most cherished child. As a form of commitment, the kids IKV2014 / C2
Couples for Christ missionaries, together with lay faithful, religious and clergy from 14 Asian countries, 60 Philippine dioceses and 20 lay associations, participated in the first Asian Conference on the Family, (ACF) which happened from May 14 to 16, 2014, at the Pope Pius Centre, Manila, Philippines. The ACF is the CBCP’s initiative in relation to the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which is being convened in October. The synod is being convened to discuss the theme of “Pastoral Challenges To The Family In The Context Of Evangelisation”. Organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the ACF presented the many challenges affecting the Catholic Asian family. His Excellency Bishop Jean Lafitte, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family and former
Vice President of the Pontifical Academy of Life, spoke about how the laws affecting the family such as “marriage for all” or what is popularly known as same sex marriages is truly disturbing. He further emphasized that it is easier for a country like the Philippines, where laws such as this have not been passed, to oppose governments who push for such laws. Atty. Luisito V. Liban gives a reaction to Bishop Lafitte’s Keynote Address via the “Implementation of the Charter of Rights of the Family vis-a-vis the UN and Asian Setting,” citing how the Philippine Constitution is closely similar to the Charter of Rights of the Family as far as defining and defending what the family is. Fr. Shenan Boquet, President of Human Life International, supported Liban’s arguments in his talk on “The
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Faith and the family, clockwise from top left: Atty. Liban, Bishop Lafitte and Fr. Boquet anwer questions during the open forum; young achievers tell about their stories of faith and family; Bishop Teodoro bacani presents the resolutions formulated via the conference; Festival of Families; Bishop Lafitte delivering his keynote address; an inter-faith dialogue on the role of faith in the flourishing of the family.
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CFC HOLD Convenes 1st Prison Summit
at Camp Karingal in Quezon City, shared her experiences serving in the Prison ministry. She also enumerated future plans for the Program, such as teambuilding activities, retreats, and training for volunteers. Several members serving in the various city jails likewise shared their experiences, inspiring the “new recruits” to pursue the service and to learn more about how they could contribute to the Program.
CFC GMC volunteers for Brigada Eskwela
Vol. 18 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2014
4 Cum Laude and 7 Valedictorians Lead 2014 ANCOP Graduates
By Efren Tompong
CFC Handmaids of the Lord assembled the leaders and members serving in the prison ministry for the first ever Prison Summit last May 17, 2014. Bel Liboro, National Coordinator for the HOLD Prison Program, and serving in the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong, welcomed the participants from the 12 Metro Manila Sectors and presented the beginnings of the program. Lori Mas, who serves
CBCP Monitor
Leading the 2014 graduates from the roster of Ancop scholars were four (4) cum laude and seven (7) valedictorians. The number of students that graduated in college and technical courses substantially rose to more than a hundred, a bountiful harvest of potential professionals and technical workers. Glory Jane Bandibas, ANCOP USA scholar from Southern Leyte since 2010, graduated cum laude with a degree in Education from the Visayas State University. ANCOP Canada scholars Jerry Pongpong from Camarines Sur and Niña Francesca Flores from Metro Manila West B, completed their Mass Communication courses, both receiving cum laude honors as well. Jerry studied at Partido State University, a multi-campus higher-level institution in Bicol, while Niña
Francesca graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Lucky Deocalles from Quezon also graduated cum laude in Accountancy at Southern Luzon State University. Lucky was provided funds from proceeds of the Quezon AGW, which sustained his college education until he graduated in April 2014. Leading the pack of graduates among ANCOP scholars in the elementary and high school levels are Jelai Sor and Ryan Espayos from Payatas Orione Foundation (PAOFI) in Lucena City, and Marlyn Matucinio, from Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres (BYSMP) Bulacan. The 3 honor graduates are funded by ANCOP USA. CFC ANCOP has existing partnership with PAOFI and BYSMP, NGO’s with strong Catholic orientation, both headed by priests. On the other hand, ANCOP Can-
ada valedictorians Venus Violeta from Camarines Norte; Arian Joy Esposado from Metro Manila North A; ANCOP Australia valedictorian from Pag-asa Elementary Scholl in MM North A Maria Alyana Grace Lucreda; and Timmy Balite, high school valedictorian from Ilocos Norte funded by CFC ANCOP Singapore, complete the list. These young achievers are all excited and inspired to excel in academics as they become high school and college students come June 2014. The ANCOP college graduates are prepared academically to tackle and carry on new roles as income earners and resource providers to their families. Moreover, they possess proper work behavior and values, as a result of their exposure to values formation activities and KFC/ YFC involvement, two integral components of the CSP which are requirements for all ANCOP scholars.
ANCOP Graduates Join the Workforce CFC Global Mission Center mission workers participated in the Brigada Eskwela activities at the Cubao Elementary School last May 23, in support to the call of the Department of Education for volunteers to come together to do clean up and repairs in the various public schools nationwide. The CFC GMC's participation this year was made possible through the coordination of Cornerstone, one of the Education Programs of CFC ANCOP. The Cornerstone Program primarily partners with public schools and enlists volunteers who will help tutor those students who are having difficulties in reading and writing. IKV2014 / C1
By Efren Tompong The number of professionals and gainfully employed among past and present CSP graduates is constantly increasing, with more graduates joining the workforce. Rene Borigas, ANCOP USA scholar, was offered a teaching position in the college faculty of AMA University, after an exemplary performance as Information Technology student from the same university. Joan Kristine Batacan was immediately hired by Ericksson, a multinational company, after completing Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Rizal Technological University. Last April 2014, Batacan received educational support under the HOLD Adopt-a-Scholar Program (HASP) USA. She was recently designated YFC Sector Head of CFC East B. were led to make 7 promises. “Are you ready to make a promise to God?” was the first thing that the speaker, Kuya Dong Borja asked the kids upon going on stage. And so the kids answer with a resounding “YES!” Dancing to the hip cheer of “Promise”, the kids yelled out their seven promises to God: 1. I will pray to God everyday. 2. I will respect and obey my parents and elders. 3. I will love my family, classmates, and friends. 4. I will help at home and in school and my community. 5. I will study my lessons well.
Khen Mark Agustin, a magna cum laude 2012 graduate in Accountancy at PUP was hired as Auditor by auditing firm SGV, which provides excellent training for new Certified Public Accountants. Another scholar funded by HASP USA, Grace Padida, passed the CPA board exams last September 2013 and now works with Isla Lipana, along with ANCOP Canada scholar Simon Beringuela who became a CPA in 2012. Ronald John Lamano is now a professional in the government service serving the Agriculture Department as Technical Assistant. Lamano completed BS Agriculture, Major in Dairy Science at the UP at Los Baños. Jhon Robert Ko from Metro Manila West C received educational support from the ANCOP Global Walk at a time he was to drop out from school due to family
problems and financial difficulties. Ko graduated April 2014 at the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in Community Development, a course that is suitable and useful in his new work as ANCOP Education Coordinator for Metro Manila and Luzon. A big number of ANCOP scholars who graduated in previous years are now accountants, teachers, engineers, IT and Computer Specialist, among others. The ANCOP Child Sponsirship Program (CSP) enables poor students to sustain education until completion of courses. Moreover, they possess proper work behavior and values, as a result of their exposure to values formation activities and YFC involvement, two integral components of the CSP which are requirements for all ANCOP scholars.
CFC USA Trains with Virtus
6. I will share with those who are in need. 7. I will tell others about Jesus. “When we make our promises, people around us feel the love of God,” Borja added. Kids were further encouraged to fulfill their promises daily with love and joy, exhorting them to “be happy as you make your promises”. Though fulfilling the promises will always be challenging, the session left a message of courage, telling the young generation to “never be afraid because you are called to be God’s light to your family and to the poor.” (Text and photos by the IKV Docu Team)
In line with creating safe environments for the children and youth in Couples for Christ USA communities and parishes, Virtus Director Pat Neal conducted a Virtus Train the Trainor on "Protecting God’s Children" with CFC USA Leaders. Present were Ronie and Jocybelle Chavez, Romy Dacayanan, Jundy and Anne Lacuata, Roger and Josie Santos, Alex and Enely Algarme, Alexander Santos, Ricky Coronel, Roland Peralta , Romy Quiblat, and Marivie Mariano. Virtus identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote “rightdoing” within religious organizations. The Virtus programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church. CFC USA’s objective is to assist CFC USA communities and parishes in understanding and implementing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This involves training certification programs that advance the safety of children. However criminal background screening will be coordinated at the diocesan level where the CFC USA member belongs.
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Defense of the Rights of the Family against Contemporary Totalitarian Tendencies of the State”. In the afternoon, simultaneous with the clergy’s hour with Bishop Lafitte, several lay individuals shared about the “Lessons and Successes in Harmonizing Legislation And Culture with the Gospel”. In their testimonies, the sharers put emphasis on inculturation as an essential factor in harmonizing the Gospel message with the rich cultures and traditions of the countries in Asia. Furthermore, the sharers also
identified lack of education, poverty, distortion of the natural law and migration as deterrents to strengthen the morals of the Christians in Asia. At the end of the Conference, the entire body agreed that the family is the Church in the home, and that the Church and the State must continue to protect this basic unit of society. And that in today’s culture of death, the Asian faithful must pray and work for the protection, preservation, and flourishing of every human family. (Alma Alvarez)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com facebook.com/CFC.Global.Mission
@CFChrist
CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2014
Ugnayan
Realizing Acts 1:8 in our lives: CFC Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan
By Allan and Cecil Patacsil "May I call the next couple who successfully completed the CLP by the grace of God... Allan and Cecil Patacsil!" shouted the CLP Team Head. My wife and I felt so happy as we humbly stood up to collect our CFC kit that afternoon, followed by a couple of photos that were taken while we were receiving the kit as mementos for the special event. The feeling and experience were unique and extraordinary as other couples started to embrace and welcome us as new members of Couples for Christ. That happened 10 years ago. Since then, our lives have never been the same again. Little did we know that after 10 years in CFC, my wife and I would be given an opportunity to go on mission, to a place where we have never thought of visiting. A place where Catholics are minority and persecuted, and used to be a hiding place of the world's most wanted terrorist. But the bible says in Mark 6:7, “Calling the twelve to him, He began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.” Pretty much the same instructions have been passed to us. We came boldly Yes, we were sent to Islamabad, Pakistan along with Andrew and Elsie Bo to boldly and courageously proclaim God's good news and to let His people know that He loves and cares for them by way of a Christian Life Program. Human as we are, in the beginning we were hesitant and scared and had many reservations. We prayed hard to God asking if He is really serious about His plan of bringing us to that place. God has given us His assurance of protection as He declares in Jeremiah 1:8, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you, and will rescue you.” At Benazir Bhutto International Airport, God confirmed to us that we are not alone in our jour-
ney and He is always with us. Two uniformed men requested us to follow them for questioning. The men turned out to be God's sent angels. They offered us their contact numbers just in case we needed them. Miracles upon miracles We have witnessed miracles upon miracles unfolding before our eyes during the CLP. We were struck by God's awesome power. Several Pakistani priests and couples listened attentively as we proclaimed God's word. There may have been a language barrier, but gestures, actions, and smiles were enough for us to feel their welcoming love. The true meaning of loving your neighbor came alive. Truly, there's no boundary in loving. Our Pakistani brethren shared that they sometimes felt threatened as they are the minority, yet were not afraid to be living witnesses of God. As much as we carefully planned out the program, the sequence of events kept on changing. We didn't realize that God had really planned it well, and as it turned out, it was what was best for all of us. God really prepared our hearts. Acts 1:8 has been realized in our lives: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” We praise and thank God for the wonderful experience and awesome blessing He granted us. We are so thankful to our elders in CFC for their trust to let us go on that mission. We are also grateful to all brothers and sisters for their unceasing prayers. Indeed, it is a humbling experience and another victory for the Lord and CFC. We are looking forward for our next mission. “My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.” (Psalm 35:28). May God's name be praised forever.
The Fertile Christian Soil of Namibia
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Re-establishing CFC Stronghold in Iraq
By Harold Grecia Orona, Iraq Country Coordinator The moment I was appointed as the country coordinator of Iraq, I prayed intently and asked for God’s direction, praying that God will lead us to proclaim his words without any hindrance. God always answers with His marching order to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...,” with a promise to, “Behold, I am with you to the very end of age.” God’s plan was revealed early morning of March 1, 2014, when I woke up at 5AM, grabbed my laptop and started writing the “Road Map to Iraq” which was later presented as a Mission Plan template during a gathering of Cluster Heads who will be acting as paired mission partners to the UAE-based Country Coordinators. After calling the mission team for a one-night orientation on Iraq, we had mixed emotions among husbands and wives especially after presenting the history of Iraq where Christians were beheaded and bombs exploded in Church premises. But when I asked for their passport copies so that I could get a security clearance, many of them sent their passport copies immediately without hesitation. This gave me more courage to act in spite of fear because I have a team who is courageous and willing to answer God’s call. Finally, the team—Erick Pagdanganan, Roy San Buenaventura, Philip Nulud and wife Lyn, and myself—will be
going out on mission. The Holy Spirit leads We arrived in Iraq on May 1, 2014 and at 2PM, had a meeting with Fr. Douglas, who told us the story of how the Christians migrated out of Iraq and into Erbil because of the war. He told us that their story is a story of constant migration, of trying to find a secure land. He added, “Where there is love and justice, there is your land.” He also narrated that the people in Erbil have a fear of modernization. Persecution drastically reduced the Christian population. From an initial 35 priests in Baghdad, the number dropped to 14 priests after atrocities were committed. From 34 churches, number reduced to 16 churches only. From 2,060 families/clans, it dropped to 368 families/clans only. From 25,000 Christians in Baghdad, only 3,000 Christians remain. This is due to the conflict between Suniite and Shiite Muslims in Iraq where the churches are caught in the middle of the war and Christians were forced to flee. After hearing that story, I felt the Spirit’s prompting to change the songs to be sung during the CLP. Later, we had a dinner at Lorna’s place, and we heard horror stories of expats living in Iraq being involved in abuses, tainting the image of Filipinos in Erbil. The talks which I studied were now beginning to take shape and direction based on local need. The next day, May 2, we prepared the venue at 7AM and we had a joint worship with, Stephen, the Kurdish caretaker of the Church. By 8AM no participant came and I was told by Lorna, our contact, to announce the Christian Life Program at the
basketball court where there was an ongoing tournament for basketball and volleyball. I went without hesitation and spoke. Immediately, 4 persons left the basketball court and joined the CLP! At the venue there were around 10 participants already waiting for us to start. I immediately got the guitar and started teaching songs for the worship. God made it easy for us to teach songs because most of the attendees were members of the Choir. And despite the distractions, God was so faithful and gave us a good harvest. In the middle of talk 9 before the pray over session, I was led to announce, “Today marks a special day in the history of CFC because today we will reestablish the CFC stronghold in Iraq.” Because despite the war, he was able to sustain 2 CFC couples, 2 SOLD, 7 HOLD and 8 SFCs to be part of our community. And with the help of Joy Lanuza, Cai Macawile, Manny (former SFCchoir master) Lorna and Lito, we currently have around 25 members in CFC Iraq! At the end of the CLP, we prayed for the participants and we sang songs of praises thanking the Lord for what He has given us. One member shouted from the back saying “Let’s do this CLP in Baghdad”. We were amazed by the revelation. We still have a long way to go, but this promise sustains me: “Christians in Iraq will no longer wander in the desert but bend their knees before the Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus is indeed our Lord”. With God’s Grace, this will happen in His perfect time.
Burundi: A Mission With Great Lessons
By Bads & Agnes Ellica On 25 April 2014, the mission team of Errol Martinez (FTW Pretoria-based), Brian (South African CFC), and Bads & Agnes Ellica (FTW Dubai-based) touched down at the Namibian airport. Immediately, the team travelled to Dobra, an OMI retreat house which is about 30 kilometers away from the city. Located at the foot of mountain, the place was simply captivating for those who love solitude. The audible silence and the 15 degrees centigrade weather seemed to conspire to make it an idyllic place for a close encounter with the Lord. The team was warmly received by Sr. Aida Manlucu, an American-Filipino nun who coordinates the National Family Life ministry of the Catholic Church, the office that subsidized the food and accommodation of participants during the twoday course of the Christian Life Program for new members and the Covenant Orientation for the previous ones. Namibia is basically a Christian country dominated strongly by the Lutheran whose followers comprise 50% of the population of 2.1 million. There are about 385,000 Roman Catholics that represent approximately 17%. Dobra Mission The following morning, the team immediately engaged in the hectic program of conducting simultaneously the Covenant Orientation in one room with ten participants, and the CLP in another room with 45 participants. The speakers crisscrossed between the two activities, fully focused on presenting the talks in 30 to 40 minutes so that the 12 talks could be completed without sacrificing the 15-minute group discussions which is undoubtedly the most powerful tool for assimilation, openness and group bonding. The participants in the Covenant Orientation, together with Sr. Aida, are the leaders that comprise the Fraternal Household. Despite their passion to live out the CFC life and mission, the geographical distance among them proved to be a challenge.
Yet, these leaders have all agreed to meet once a month and committed to conduct the household prayer meetings regularly in their respective areas. It was inspiring to note that most of the CLP participants had to travel 8 hours just to reach the venue. But then, their passion for music and the vibrant group discussions expressing their hunger for God and a great desire to renew commitment from couples to place God as the center in their families, was truly overwhelming. Although the participants found the talks familiar, many expressed being enlightened and guided, and found a deeper perspective in their Christian life through the CLP teachings. The program culminated with a Sunday Mass on April 27, 2014 officiated by Fr. Richard (Max) Jacobs, the National Spiritual Director. Off to Walvis Bay After Dobra CLP, the mission team journeyed for a day with Fr. Max to the northwest side of Namibia at St. Peter’s Parish of Walvis Bay. It is one of the important ports of the country where the fishing industry serves as a huge labor force. It is predominantly a German community where the structures are noticeably peculiar compared to the rest of the African continent. The CLP was attended by 18 participants comprising of 3 couples, 1 SOLD, 1 SFC (Seminarian) and the rest were HOLD. Originally there were about 30 participants who signed up for the CLP. However, due to the changes in the originally proposed schedule because of visa problems coupled with the long holidays, most went out of town for a vacation. Like the Dobra CLP group, the participants found the teachings enlightening and affirming. They appreciated the group discussions, the singing and the presentations. Many expressed gladness to have opted for CLP participation rather than proceeding with their initial plan of going for the holidays just like the others. There was confession and Sunday Mass concelebrated by Fr. Max and Fr. Anthony, placing the CLP graduation in a jubilant mood, ushering in our new brethren in Couples for Christ.
By James Ssemwangu, Country Coordinator, Burundi On May 30, 2014, Team Burundi arrived in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. The team included Robert Nnyanja, Carol Nnyanja, Monica Ssemwangu, myself, and little Benjamin Victor Kasuma. After freshening up, our first encounter was with our SFC brother named Proper, who passed by the guesthouse to see if we had already checked in. That evening we attended Mass at the St. Dominic’s Chapel. The following day, we were supposed to meet His Lordship Bishop Evariste Ngoyangoye. It was imperative that we meet and reintroduce CFC to Bishop Evariste Ngoyangoye, because a new Commission for Family Affairs was put in place. Also, we learned that all communities coming from outside Burundi had to be screened properly and CFC was no exception. At the Bishop’s residence, we were received by a religious sister. Before we were ushered in, it took about ten minutes while the sister asked many questions in Kirundi and a little English. Our SFC brethren Fiacre and Jean Baptist who accompanied us were there to answer her questions. However, during the questioning, we were told that the Bishop was away in Rome. But later on, after so much explanation, we were finally led inside. After hearing more about CFC, the sister was convinced that we came with the best intentions. Later that afternoon we met Fr. Benjamin at St. Dominic’s Church who agreed to invite
participants who will join us at Bujumbura Cathedral for the CLP. Then we set off to meet Fr. Ermes at Bujumbura Cathedral where we were warmly welcomed. During the Mass, we were introduced and later allowed to talk to the congregation to invite them to attend the CLP. Despite my “unpolished” French, we were able to get our message across. The following day we had training for leaders on how to handle households and also conducted the Covenant Orientation. We were also able to talk to members of an English choir at St. Dominic’s who came to the CLP. However, as the CLP was almost set to start there was a power outage. We had to say the opening prayer in the dark! In my heart I asked, “Lord we are set to start, why does this have to happen?” But shortly after the opening prayer, the power came back! Thank God! At the end of the CLP we had fifteen new members who had great enthusiasm to embrace the life in CFC. Later on, I reflected: what did we learn in this mission? 1. Patience – despite the uncertainties, the Lord will require us to be patient as we do His work. 2. Gratitude – for the support from CFC UAE, and for the protection from the Almighty for us and for our families while we were away. 3. Trust in the Lord – our members in Burundi are generally young but they are courageous and determined even when things seem unclear. With these new lessons learned, we look forward to the next one!
Ugnayan
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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 18 No. 11
May 26 - June 8, 2014
CFC Singapore relives the ‘Story of Our Lives’ during 27th Anniversary
CFC Singapore National Head Patrick Thong: ' CFC is passionately witnessing in Singapore'
By Maita Cabinian On the afternoon of May 4th 2014, over 500 members of the CFC Singapore community gathered in the brand new UE Convention Centre to celebrate their 27th Anniversary. After the opening worship led by Elmer Lobusta, the festivities began with a trip down memory lane through a song and dance number from the Creatives Group featuring an original composition that narrated the history of CFC in Singapore. This was followed by colorful presentations from each chapter, with couples singing and dancing and members of all family ministries joining in. Between the chapter performances, William Villaviray, head of the North Chapter, and his family—his wife, Susan, and children Miles, Seann, and Larah—gave powerful testimonies on their journey with the community, overcoming challenges and looking forward to a long future and greater service with CFC. Midway through the afternoon, everyone was serenaded by the SFC Couple Coordinators who performed their song number that won second place in the talent competition during the recent SFC ICON. CFC SG’s National Head, Patrick Thong, then delivered an exhortation on how CFC is passionately witnessing in Singapore as evidenced
by the strengthening of its membership through transitioning SFCs into CFC as they start their new families, bringing them into the community; by providing a home away from home for weary travellers and welcoming local Christians; and by sending out missionaries to other countries to help build the church of the home and the church of the poor. Afterwards, the CFC SG Mission Ready Teams launched the Mission Volunteers Manual that they created as a guide for those who go on mission trips outside of Singapore. Thong led the pray over for the new couples in CFC and their families, for the Singaporean members who continue to be in the community even the inactive ones, for the youth leaders, and for the international missionaries. He closed with a call for all members to renew their commitment to the CFC Covenant by reading and pledging to the statutes of their Covenant Card. The anniversary celebration ended with a praisefest led by Rudy Dimayacyac, followed by the Holy Eucharist officiated by CFC SG’s Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Stephen Yim. While the event started with a view of the past 27 years, it ended with the anticipation of a vibrant and blessed future for CFC in Singapore.
Month-long Celebration for Guam’s 19th Anniversary
The month-long celebration of the 19th CFC Guam Anniversary began with several activities as early April 2. A courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Agana, His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Apuron was scheduled by Guam CFC Country Head Greg Calvo, who incidentatlly is a candidate in the Deaconate Program. His Excellency warmly welcomed the group of Jess Ferrer, Country Coordinator; IC member Mannix Ocampo and spouse Aileen; Greg and Frances Calvo and Governance Team member Ebet Sapida. The group presented to the Archbishop the activities of CFC worldwide and the forthcoming 33rd Anniversary in June, on which the His Excellency was extended invitation to grace the weeklong celebration. Later on in the day, a Family Ministry Appreciation Talk was held at the CFC Guam Mission Center attended by leaders of the various Ministries. Mannix Ocampo was on hand to give the Appreciation Session which was highlighted by a Q & A portion. This was followed by a session on the echo of the CFC Leaders Conference on April 4, again by Ocampo, dovetailed with Talk 2, The “New Evangelization” from GLEC 2 delivered by Bong Arjonillo. The final event for the week, The Beloved Weekend Conference was next in line and was held at the Verona Hotel on
April 6, Sunday, attended by around 150 members. The first inspiring Talk, “Ponder, The Family of Love”, was also delivered by Ocampo, with his spouse spouse Aileen as sharer. She recounted how their marriage had almost failed before attending the CLP. Local members Dennis and Lena Rodriguez also shared their colorful family life, sending many into tears. The couple likewise honored their parents, who were there every time they needed guidance. The next topic, “Ponder, The Manger’s Message” was given by Reggie Ragojos. It was truly an eye opener on the life of poverty that Jesus embraced. His moving presentation, coupled with the sharing of Caloy Nunez made everyone realize the goodness of the Lord, especially on how He had gifted CFC with the two-fold mission of “Building the Church of the Home” and “Building the Church of the Poor”. The third topic, “Behold, the New Mission” given by Jess Ferrer was equally motivating as he exhorted the congregation to bring Christ and CFC beyond the island. His wife Mercy shared about the New Evangelization thru the CFC Migrants Program. Couple sharers Ebet and Carrie Sapida inspired everyone by telling about their arduous journey. Despite the crosses they had to bear, the couple held on and were rewarded of their faithful-
ness. The third topic was capped by the Prayer on the “Commitment to Mission” and later on the distribution of the “Mission Rosaries” to all attendees, for them to bring the Blessed Mother in all their Evangelization efforts. The fourth and last talk, “Behold, The Beloved Son” by Bong Arjonillo was likewise empowering as the appreciative participants levelled up to their commitment to prioritize serving the Lord in CFC thru Mary. The sharing of Rene dela Cruz all the more highlighted the importance of our role as an alter Christus. The conference highlight was the Eucharistic Celebration at the Santa Barbara Church in Dededo. Truly, it was one awakening and empowering conference that surely left a deep imprint in the hearts and minds of all those who attended. The other anniversary activities included a Bowling Fun Game Fellowship on May 3 at the Century Lanes, followed by the Anniversary Mass celebration at the Santa Benardita Chapel on May 10 organized by CFC Our Lady of Lourdes, headed by its Spiritual Director Fr. Danny Ferrandiz. May 17 was be allotted to the Family Ministries, particularly the KFC and YFC as they set ashore to go “Dolphin Watching”. Finally the Anniversary Activities ended with the ANCOP Global Walk at the Lencho Park in Dededo on May 25.
Twin Celebration for CFC Quirino
By Helen B. Buyucan May 3,2014 was a very significant day for CFC Quirino. For the first time ever, CFC Quirino celebrated two occasions in one day: the AGW 2014 and the provincial CFC’s 18th Anniversary. CFC Quirino province was the first to conduct the ANCOP GLOBAL WALK this year. At 4:30 AM, CFC and its Family Ministries, together with other supporters gathered at the Barangay Hall of Cajel, Diffun, Quirino with a noble aim to raise funds to support ANCOP scholars. The 5km walk started at 5am after the opening program. A PNP mobile, different chapters (Nagtipunan/Maddela, Aglipay, Cabarroguis and Diffun), CFC leaders, bikers headed by Fr. Ronie Flores, and other supporters like the Department of Agrarian Reform paraded through the streets to raise awareness about ANCOP and to raise funds for the AGW scholars. The walk ended at St. Mark Parish, Cabarroguis, Quirino where tired but enthusiastic walkers had their salo-salo. Certain gifts were awarded to the youngest, oldest and earliest walkers. The Holy Mass capped the AGW, and also formally opened the official celebration of the 18th CFC Anniversary, with Rev. Fr. Mario
Ronillo S. Flores, the Spiritual Director of CFC Quirino as the main celebrant. In his homily, Fr. Flores emphasized on the theme of the anniversary, “Know His Words, Proclaim His Goodness: Behold and Ponder”. The CFC and its Family Ministries in pink uniform had the processional march at St. Mark’s gymnasium. Worship was led by Rhomer Collado, Unit leader of CFC Cabarroguis, the host chapter. The Provincial Area Head, Sammy de la Cruz, gave his anniversary message, exhorting that CFC Quirino at 18 was like a lady having her debut, which meant that CFC Quirino is moving towards maturity. The Regional Area Head, Steve Maningat and wife, Minnie were glad to experience for the first time CFC Quirino on its 18th Anniversary. In his message, Maningat focused on LIFE stating that in order to continue the mission of Christ, each member of the community must have L-Love, I-identity, F-fullness and E-empowerment. Lively intermission numbers from the different chapters entertained the group. After lunch, activities resumed, highlighting parlor games, the Bible Quiz and the raffle draw. The praisefest led by Baltazar Mamaoag, the Chapter Head of Diffun, concluded the 18th anniversary. The top CFC leadership later had their anniversary dinner with Rev. Fr. Flores.