Ugnayan October 2013

CBCP Monitor

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Vol. 17 No. 21 October 14 - 27, 2013

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Global Day of Service:

Celebrating the CFC Family Weekend

In line with the celebration of Family Week, Kids for Christ, together with Couples for Christ and the Family Ministries, held the annual Global Day of Service simultaneously all over the world last September 28, 2013.

Parents and children came together to perform acts of kindness such as feeding programs, clean up of schools and surroundings, gift-giving, medical mission, visits to el-

derly homes and orphanages and many others. Some members of CFC Handmaids of the Lord even helped in the clean up of schools in Olongapo City after the last typhoon caused flashfloods and damage in the city.

Indeed, the entire activity was an affirmation that even in our own simple ways, kindness can be expressed to many people regardless of age and culture.

Young Couples Conference Talks about the Science and Spiritual Dimensions of Marriage

…And Life Goes On!

The first CFC Seniors’ Conference

Senior couples converge, clockwise from left: speaker Rene Punsalan; the question “Where are you in CFC?” is a common concern among the senior CFCs; Marasigan couple sharing a light moment. (Photos by Joey Tomas)

By Alma Alvarez (Left photo) Lawrence Quintero, Event Head - Family Weekend Activities, giving an overview of the conference; (Right photo) Michele Santos-Alignay, Resurce Speaker, sharing insights on the realities of young couples today. (Photos by Deo Oliveria)

By Rea Santos Young CFC couples (those married for 15 years and below) gathered last September 28 to review their Marriage Journey Experiences. Two prominent resource speakers talked about the “Science and Spiritual Dimensions” of young partners and most importantly the mission of CFC in making a relevance to the young couples today.

In the first session, Dr. Vicky Apuan, Chairperson, Department of Social Sciences of Miriam College, mentioned the stages of love in a relationship and how they affect the relationship of partners. Couple assessments were conducted to check their own “Intimacy Level”, “Passion Level” and “Level of Commitment”.

It was followed by a work-

shop facilitated by Michele Santos-Alignay. The purpose of which was to gather data about the couples’ present situation and needs. Information gathered during the workshop will be the basis and reference of CFC to come up with pastoral formation tracks and guidelines to aid and support the young couples of CFC. The workshop dealt with the present need and relevant issues young couples today are confronted with, how CFC has been helping them, and how much more the community can offer to address specific areas of concern.

To summarize the session, Rommel Ancheta, coordinator for the Young Couples Program, explained the need for such program basing his insights on the Apostolic Exhortation of

Blessed John Paull II, Familiaris Consortio.

Families today are affected by profound changes which affect society and culture. With the knowledge that the family constitutes human value, the church must offer help not only to those who are aware and have been unjustly treated, but also the young, who are beginning their journey to marriage and family life. Thus it is important to present new insights to help these young couples discover the beauty and grandeur of the vocation of love and service to life.

Couples blessed with community support truly need to pass on the experience and transformation to other couples so they can share in the life of a happy and successful marriage.

When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now.

Will you still be sending me a valentine Birthday greetings bottle of wine.

If I’d been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door, Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I’m sixty-four.

So goes a popular Beatles song, describing someone asking another what things he or she is willing to do should he turn 64. In the local music scene, Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko asks the same questions.

Couples for Christ decides to answer these concerns via …And Life Goes On! The First CFC Seniors Conference held last September 28, 2013 at the Semicon Bldg., Pasig City.

Speaker Rene Punsalan recognized that at 32 years, CFC continues to be a dynamic community, hence making most of the members who pioneered in CFC now finding themselves at the “seniors mark”. He enumerated the issues surrounding the senior members and leaders of Couples for Christ, among them spiritual burnout, personal concerns like death of a spouse, health and mobility problems, financial concerns, seeming lack of energy, as well as a few turnoffs like conflicts, reorganization, critical spirit, and

the feeling of being isolated and neglected.

Punsalan also presented basic features of the Seniors Program that are being developed specifically for them. Currently, there are initiatives from CFC South A sector with the Grow Old with God (GOLD) Program, and the CFC Handmaids of the Lord, with the Cherishing Life in the Diamond Years Retreat, that help make senior members be Alive and Well!, as described in the second part of his talk.

He likewise reiterated that senior members can and still have a role to play, as servants rich with wisdom, protectors of CFC, intercessors, mentors and disciplers of the younger generations, and as role models.

Sharers Rudy Talosig of CFC and Grace Pasigan of CFC HOLD shared their personal experiences as seniors living life to the full in community.

As a commitment of the International Council, CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and Family Ministries Director Mannix Ocampo vowed to prioritize the Seniors Program, having in mind not only those 60 and beyond, but members who are on their way there, so to speak. This, according to them, will truly accomplish CFC’s calling to be a wonb-to-tomb community, which takes care not only of the young, but also those advancing in age.

Ugnayan

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CBCP Monitor Vol. 17 No. 21

October 14 - 27, 2013

Joe Yamamoto

Hearts on Fire: What It Takes to Keep Them Burning Much has been said about the call of God, He does not call the able or the qualified but enables and qualifies those whom He calls. At the heart of this simple truth is the belief that God seeks us and holds us securely long before we even thought of seeking him.

The spark of responding to God’s love has been laid down but it requires the grace of the Holy Spirit because nothing short of a Radical Commitment is needed. To sustain the fire in the hearts of the faithful, there is a necessity to go into the root of it all.

In a Sunday homily during the Holy Mass on the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8) , our parish priest spoke of the need for radical commitment in the lives of the faithful. To drive home his message, he used the acronym F.A.C.E.S which I adapted with modification for this article .

F - Foundation of Faith A - Authenticity of Character C - Courage and Integrity E - Exemplary Life S - Strong Anchor on God (Eucharist and Scriptures) Understanding and applying the attributes outlined by the acronym in real life will be key to helping people become players in their many small spheres of influence. That their lives in turn will set other hearts on fire is a desirable goal of any Spiritled leader.

To tackle the challenging task of providing help to spread and share the gospel, the Christian leader should not rely on his human effort. Early on he must learn to depend on the very source of all graces and help, and that is God. To be effective, any plan or action must take on the heart and mind of God. This can only freely flow out of a life that is submitted to God and anchored on him solely. It stems out of an intimacy that the Lord has taken the initiative

to embrace us, “You did not choose me but I chose you.And appointed you to go and bear much fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” (John 15:16) Foundation of Faith How does one have a daily encounter with our Lord? By following the model of Jesus, we know that we can find fellowship and communion with our Creator in prayer. For during his ministry, Jesus was never too busy to find time to commune and be with his Father in prayer. One can find and receive Jesus in the Eucharist which is his Real Presence and through his Word in the Scriptures. The need for prayer and the capacity to tap on to its limitless power, was highlighted by the apostles when they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus taught his followers to call God as Abba, Father. Such is the limitless love of God that He wants to draw into his bosom. The Church fathers suggest that the faithful must lead lives that are ‘bathed in prayer’.

In his message to the Youth of the World on the occasion of the World Youth Day 2006, Pope Benedict delivered from the Vatican the following, “Those who listen to the word of God and refer to it always, are constructing their existence on solid foundations. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them, as Jesus said, will be like a wise man who built his house on rock (Matthew 7:24).

It will not collapse when bad weather comes.”

In these times, there is widespread hunger and thirst for the Word of God to be burning in the lives of the faithful. Fortunately today, ours is one of the communities that are embarking enthusiastically to strengthen the foundation of its leaders and members by getting them to read and understand the Bible.

St.Jerome, in the Fourth Century

AD, observed that “ Ignorance of the Bible, is ignorance of Christ”. It follows that the faithful will not know Christ unless they encounter him daily in the Scriptures, in prayers, in the Eucharist, and by their actions.

Since last year, the Bible Journey Course has gone around locally and in other countries. It has been offered generously to thousands who have enthusiastically accepted and embraced it. After every weekend course, people feel the fire of love for the Lord whom they encounter in the Scriptures. Their hearts literally shout for joy and happiness at meeting the Lord in an intimate way as he speaks to them through his word. They are reenergized and set ablaze.

Authenticity To gain a better understanding of the divine authentication or affirmation, an aspiring leader must seek to walk with God and be delighted by his presence. Reading the following quote from the book of Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby (2001, page 99) is instructive: 1. God confirms the leader There should be ample evidence of God’s affirmation. For one thing, God will fulfil His promises to the leader and the leader’s organization. Leaders who continually present new ideas and visions for the future but who never see those dreams come to fruition are clearly presenting their own visions and not God’s.

2. God protects the reputation or character of the leader All leaders suffer criticism during the course of their work.

Provided the leader moves under the shadow of God, his reputation will be affirmed and reinforced in a timely fashion.

3. The evidence of changed lives When someone leads in the Spirit’s power, lives are changed.

MC Teaching Night

People are moved to experience God in a new dimension. Godly leaders will demonstrate the qualities that make people see how he witnesses to a transformed life.

4. God is the driving force behind the leader An important God-inspired and - centered leadership is that others recognize God is the driving force behind the leader’s agenda. When God chooses a leader who is willing to submit to His will and trust Him to do what He promises, God is pleased to work powerfully through that leader. Leaders who are led by God will be willing to lead their people to accept God-sized assignments.

Leaders who walk by sight, however, will never see God perform miracles as leaders will who walk by faith.

5. Becoming Christ-like The unmistakable mark of leaders who are authenticated

by God is that they become Christ-like.They function in a Christlike manner and those who follow them become more like Christ. The success of a spiritual leader is not measured in money, percentage growth, numbers or attendance. A person is truly a spiritual leader when others are moved to be like Christ.

Courage and Integrity Like gold and silver, the character of a leader is defined by the crucible of trials and hardships.

The author of Hebrew had this written: “for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves and chastises every child whom he accepts. Endure trials for the sake of discipline, God is treating you as children...” (Hebrews 12:6-7) An important proof of the Character of a leader and his integrity is Courage. It is the virtue of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. To be truly meaningful and relevant, it must also be seen and expe-

rienced in day to day lives of ordinary people.

Exemplary Life In today’s materialistic world where success is measured in the ways and standards of the world, and where relativism and cynicism are becoming the norms of life, there is a great need for people to lead exemplary lives. Fortunately,there are still many people and their families who have kept the flame of faith alive and strong by the lives they live.

One very inspiring role model is Blessed Chiara Badano, who lived an ordinary quiet life in an ordinary town in Italy in the 1970s.

At age 16, she was diagnosed to have an aggressive bone cancer on her shoulder. The pain she suffered was great, but she bravely rejected morphine injections during her treatment preferring ‘to offer my suffering to Jesus because I want to share as much as possible in his sufferings on the cross.’ While in the hospital, she took time to walk with another patient despite her own severe pain, if only to cheer that person who was struggling with depression. Chiara’s faith and spirit never dwindled even as her cancer remained uncontrolled and rendered her too feeble to walk. As she suffered, she said: “If I had to choose between walking again and going to heaven, I wouldn’t hesitate, I would choose heaven.”

In life and in death , Chiara Luce, is a shining model for exemplary life for the young of our times.

Strong Anchor on God (Eucharist And Scriptures) Apart from God, we can do nothing that merits eternal life.

Nicodemus, in his nightime visit to Jesus, learned the key that would bring the faithful to his heavenly fate, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, who that everyone who

believes in him might not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16). The road of discipleship and leadership must lead us ultimately to Jesus, and accepting him in full as our personal Lord and Savior. To get more out of life,it is clearly not enough to be more committed; rather the overarching need is to be more submitted to God. Jesus’ commitment and care for his apostles were such that even as he was on his way to his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus strengthened his followers, “Abide in me as I abide in you... I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing...” (John 15:1-11) Epilogue The Road to Emmaus episode in Luke 24 narrated the experience of the two downcast disciples traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Troubled by the recent events in Jerusalem, they failed to recognize the Risen Jesus.

As the day wore on, their eyes were opened by the breaking of the bread (Eucharist) and the earlier exposition of the Scriptures. The message for all times remains strong , the key to a robust spiritual life is to ‘abide’ and ‘remain’ in Christ and with Christ.

What the two Emmaus disciples uttered in bewilderment became the message that echoes through time, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?... how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” (Luke 24:32,35) The true disciples do not stop at their discovery of Jesus, rather like the Emmaus disciples, the faithful must move ‘in haste’ to share the salvific message of the Risen Christ.

“May Jesus who sets our lives on fire, help us to animate others who wait for the proclamation of the Good News”

Surgical Mission “A Dream Come True”

Blueprint of the New Ark

By Dr. Joe Yamamoto

By Beth Comahig Father Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, a doctor, professor and current President of the Ateneo de Manila University shared last 18 September 2013 to the Metro Manila Mission Core Group his “Blueprint for a New Ark (A Reflection On Caring For Creation)”.

Looking back at Noah’s time, he built an ark to save his family from the big flood. Fr. Villarin said that we are facing a crisis and like Noah we need to build an ark. Not the ark that floats over water, but an ark that is a home. The crisis which humanity is facing, is not just happening here in the country, but globally. “Whatever we do today affects the present and the future.

Whatever we do here affects everyone around the world,” Fr. Jett added.

Today, the world is encountering three environmental global concerns namely, Biodiversity, Desertification (land degradation), and Climate Change. As the economy grows and technology becomes powerful, man destroys the forests—the earth’s treasures. The call to stewardship as God’s ultimate creation is becoming clearer. All the more, Christians need to train and educate people. Christians need to act and contribute to save creation, to sustain this planet we call home and rebuild the ark for man to be able to continue to journey.

According to Fr. Jett, there are several frameworks in rebuilding the ark: The Theological framework, which speaks about the goal of crea-

tion and the ark of creation, man’s covenant; The Spirituality framework, which simply reminds mankind that the Divine is in all creation. The existence of every creature, including humans, is brought about by God’s love for all.

Thus, the value given to everyone should be of equal importance. The Ethical framework, on the other hand, explains how people impact on people, the integrity of creation and incompleteness, and the environmental sin and penance. Lastly, the Pastoral framework shows the need to cultivate the aesthetic and spiritual value of the land, to reduce risks coming from environmental hazards, and to always communicate hope through balanced short and long term solutions and pointing out lifelines and death traps.

“Whatever framework suits us, let us not forget what Lumen Fidei tells us: “faith is not only presented as a journey, but also as a process of building, the preparing of a place in which human beings can dwell together with one another…(paragraph 50)”, Fr. Jett stressed.

All of mankind should, therefore, take part in rebuilding the ark. Fr. Jett concluded, “We should always be conscious and responsible with our lifestyle. We should actively listen to God’s message about our body, the environment, His creation. And we should always think of ways on how to rebuild our home and leave something for the journey, for our children.”

Matthew 5 begins with “when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then, he began to speak, and taught them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…”

Jesus spoke of blessings for such is the intent of his coming. He wanted his people to experience God first hand in the Beatitudes. One thing that stands out in the gospel is the way Jesus engages his would be disciples. His compassion and care touch the depths of people. He knew their struggles, hardships and sufferings. Jesus shared the lessons of the Good News through stories—of familiar sights, sounds, activities, places and other day to day realities.

Jesus gave a new set of standards by which the disciples were to live. On a mountain top, he gently said “Blessed are the poor”; for his heart is always moved with compassion for the poor. Poverty and misery have been the fate of C.P., a 22 year old girl we met during the latest CFC Surgical Mission in Baybay, Leyte. Hers is the poignant story of one ordinary person who suffered quietly throughout her 22 years, without even hoping for an end to the string of her heartaches. That is, until she unexpectedly experienced a life-changing God incident. She is an orphan, having lost both her parents at a tender age. As if that tragedy is not enough, she was born with a deformity of her buttocks that she carried as a burden and a shame. Left without parents, and without any relatives to take care of her, her life seemed like a dead end.

However, fate was kind to her as she was taken in and cared for by her mother’s friend. At last, she found a home and a surrogate family.

Growing up, she went to public school. Even from her young years, growing up was not easy for her. She grew up with an inferiority complex caused by the unsightly bulge of her

backside, calling attention to it every time. Not a day passed that she did not have to bear the taunts and jeers of other children.

One day,the CFC Surgical team came to their town to do charity surgeries. Hearing about it, she made a decision to cast her lot. Somehow, she saw a glimmer of hope from that news.

For her, it was probably the one long shot for a much-awaited miracle.

Mustering all the courage she could get and with much prayer, she presented herself to the team for treatment. The CFC doctors evaluated her case and decided to put her on the list and prioritized her for treatment, especially after learning the circumstances of her life.

The care she received overwhelmed her and her surrogate family. She cried in gratitude to God for having brought her to the loving care of the CFC doctors. Her fear and humiliation were replaced by tears of joy and happiness.

Two days after her life changing surgery, she stood erect and walked slowly yet confidently despite the postoperative pain. From here on, she knows that she has a beautiful life to live, one with a future full of hope. She knows that she has experienced up close the Beatitude, the blessing that God promises to be true for his children.

Ugnayan

CBCP Monitor Vol. 17 No. 21 October 14 - 27, 2013

CFC ANCOP Seals Deal with Filinvest 1 Parish for Scholarship

C3 CFC UAE ANCOP Hosts Grand GPSI Regional Finals

CFC ANCOP one with the Church in education, from left: Ethel Balenton, CFC ANCOP Education Program Director; Myrna Locnen, parish Education Program Coordinator; Eric De Los Reyes, President, CFC ANCOP; and Fr. Roland Jaluag, parish administrator; Filemon “Jun” Uriarte Jr, member of CFC International Council and wife, Jean; Federico Acosta, North B Education Program Head.

By Ethel Balenton To seal the partnership with CFC ANCOP, the Presentation of the Lord parish at Filinvest 1 Quezon City signed a Memorandum of Agreement last September 22, 2013 for the joint implementation of the Child Sponsorship Program for poor and marginalized students residing in the surrounding

areas of Filinvest like Batasan Hills.

The parish has assisted 65 scholars from its Education Program and currently supports about 48 in various levels from elementary to college. The parish learned about ANCOP’s Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) from Jun Uriarte, a parishioner, and recog-

nized the more comprehensive benefit package of CSP which include values formation and spiritual enhancement components. Consequently, the parish requested assistance from CFC ANCOP to sustain its scholars and to respond to many more applicants that are waitlisted with the parish.

CFC ANCOP Elects New 9-Man Board of Trustees

By Eugene Vilbar

From L to R: Jimmy Ilagan, Arnel Santos, Ricky Cuenca, Eric Delos Reyes, Rudy Gaspillo, Rene Punsalan, Senen Reyes, and Nonoy Dalman CFC ANCOP elected a new 9-Man Board of Trustees last September 11, 2013, held at the CO-OPS Ugnayan Hall, CFC Global Mission Center. The new members of the ANCOP Board of Trustees are: Ricky Cuenca, Nonoy Dalman, Eric Delos Reyes, Manny Garcia, Rudy Gaspillo, Jimmy Ilagan, Senen Reyes, Arnel Santos, and James Solano. Arnel Santos, Metro Manila Missions Director, was elected new Chairman of the Board, while Eric delos Reyes retained his position as ANCOP President. MM South A Sector Head Rudy Gaspillo is Vice President, IC member Jimmy Ilagan is ANCOP Treasurer, and Atty. Rene Punsalan is CFC ANCOP Corporate Secretary.

Three ANCOP Scholars Included in DLS-CSB Dean’s List

The DLS-CSB ANCOP scholars at the CFC ANCOP scholars’ assembly with their coordinators.

By Efren Tompong Angela Patricia De Leon, Brian John Serioza and Anjeanette Clea Marie Reyes have two things in common—they are all scholars of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and they are all Dean’s Listers, having obtained very good and meritorious grades at the end of first trimester, school year 2013-14.

Anjeanette Clea leads the 3 with a Grade Point Average of 3.4. She is currently a 2nd year student of Consular and Diplomatic Affairs. Angela Patricia and Brian John are both college freshmen, taking BS in Animation and BS in Information Technology major in Game Design and Development, respectively.

As of September 2013, there are 21 ANCOP scholars enjoying free tuition fee at DLS-CSB. More poor students are expected to receive scholarships from DLS-CSB as fifteen (15) new scholarship slots are provided to ANCOP for school year 2014-15.

Truly, CFC’s work in building the Church of the Poor through ANCOP Education is being blessed by the Lord. In 2 years’ time, a new breed of graduates shall join the workforce—young men and women who are not only academically qualified but more importantly, imbued with Christian ideals and values.

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Two winners were chosen to represent the Middle East in the Global Pinoy Singing Idol 2013 last September 27, 2013 in Abu Dhabi in front of a jam-packed crowd at Al Jazira Basketball Arena.

Loudyryan Laturnas of Dubai and Raymund Ruben Moloney of Saudi Arabia took home cash prizes and free round-trip tickets to the Philippines when they face eight other contestants from other parts of the globe next year.

CFC-ANCOP UAE co-presented

this event with ABS-CBN DZMM Tele-Radyo. The partnership aims to expand public awareness on Couples for Christ’s Building the Church of the Poor Programs, specifically ANCOP, while at the same time showcasing the world-class Filipino singers.

Celebrity guests Rachel Alejandro and Richard Poon serenaded the audience with their own respective hits.

The net income of the Global Pinoy Singing Idol 2013 will support the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) of CFC ANCOP.

CFC-Cam Norte ‘Walks the Talk’ during 22nd Anniversary

By Teody Licarte

CFC-Camarines Norte members, along with other concerned citizens and groups, answered the cry of the poor and filled the Daet - Bagasbas Road for the ANCOP Global Walk (AGW)2013 last August. The 5-kilometer walk started at around 5 o’clock in the morning after the short program in front of the Daet Elevated Town Plaza. More than 1,000 participants from the private sector, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and the Couples for Christ, including some Kids for Christ members came to show their support to this year’s AGW. The said activity was spearheaded by the Area Governance Team (AGT) and was made special by the presence of Jimmy Ilagan, CFC International Council member and Philippine Missions Director; Vic Alvarez, Provincial Area Head; and Bernie Cuevas of CFC Global Mission Center.

More importantly, this year’s AGW recorded a significant increase in the number of walkers and therefore an increase in collection to support more scholars.

Shortly after the walk, members of the CFC-Camarines Norte continued to witness God’s glory by attending the Holy Mass to start the day’s second important activity: the 22nd anniversary celebration

of CFC-Camarines Norte at the vacant field of Bagasbas Lighthouse Hotel owned by Robert and Cathy Torres, AGT members. Right after the Mass, Roly Garcia, YFC-PCC led the opening worship. Even the rains did not stop the members of CFC-Camarines Norte from being on fire in praising the Lord.

The Praise and Fashion and Flash Mob segments followed.

The Garcia family performed their winning song, which bagged First Runner-up in the Family Acoustic Competition held during the Luzon Island Kids Village in Lingayen, Pangasinan last May. The 22nd anniversary celebration would not be complete without the inspiring messages from the CFC elders and leaders from the province and global mission center.

Jimmy Ilagan, CFC-IC member & Philippine Missions Director, Vic Alvarez, Camarines Norte PAH and Bernie Cuevas of the CFC Global Mission Center graced the CFC Cam Norte anniversary (Photo: Sis Cheryll Abcede)

HOLD Malunggay Festival Goes to Cornerstone

George B. Campos IC Oversight

Samantha C. Manuel Editor-in-Chief

Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist

Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor

Evangeline C. Mecedilla Circulation Staff

By Rico and Amy Gamogamo 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

Volunteers of the Metro Manila East-B Cornerstone Parents Values Formation (PVF) trooped to the Balanti Unit 1 Elementary School, Barangay Balanti, Cainta, Rizal last September 14, 2013 to showcase the Malunggay Festival to the parents of the Cornerstone tutees.

Together with the local CFC and Ministry Coordinators serving in Cornerstone, the East-B Handmaids of the Lord headed by HOLD Coordinator Myrna Vega shared their timetested recipes for Malungay Pasta, Okoy, SioMailunggay, and Pastillas de Malungay via

a cooking demo.

By means of initiatives like these, Cornerstone hopes to encourage maximum participation of tutees’ parents in future PVF session. Soon, the sector will also come up with activities that will help entice fathers to attend PVF.

Ugnayan

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CBCP Monitor

Vol. 17 No. 21

October 14 - 27, 2013

Celebrating the Queenship Good Governance: and Motherhood of Mary The Demand of Our Time

Honoring Mary, queen and mediatrix, clockwise from bottom left: HOLD International Coordinator Didi Galsim with I-Core member Bel Liboro crown our Lady’s image with flowers; Mannix Ocampo leading the praisefest; George and Cynthia Campos leading the Consecration tot he Immaculate Heart of Mary; Irma Cuenca speaking about Mary as a mother and model of hope.

By Alma Alvarez Last Octo b er 5, C F C HOLD Metro Manila, together with leaders from CALABARZON, Central Luzon (Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Bulacan and Pampanga), and North Eastern Luzon (Nueva Viscaya, Ifugao, Kalinga, Quirino and Cagayan) filled the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School as they paid homage to Mary, Queen and Mediatrix.

The afternoon was opened with the recitation of the Holy Rosary. Worship was led by Nina Caunga of Metro Manila West A. In Talk 1, Jo Daño, HOLD Coordinator for Davao Oriental, spoke about the Queenship of Mary as affirmed by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

There are several books written by saints that pertain to Mary’s queenship, and at least 14 Popes have proclaimed the same, but much emphasis was given to Pope Pius XII encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam. In this encyclical Pope Pius XII affirmed the truth of Mary’s queenship that has been believed for centuries by the faithful. He also discussed here two theological foundations of Mary’s queenship: “her Divine Motherhood” and “her exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation.”

Scripture references of Mary’s queenship were likewise taken into account, the most popular being the one in Revelations 12:1, 5: “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 gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and His throne.”

In the second session, Irma Cuenca, wife of CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca expounded on Mary’s motherhood and how she as a mother, has become a Mediatrix of all graces from the Father and the Son. Pope Pius IX (9TH) highlights her loving motherhood when he said “Having a motherly affection for us and being concerned for our salvation, she extends her care to the whole human race.” (from Ineffabilis Deus, Encyclical of Immaculate Conception) Mary is also the model

of hope, as Mary directs us to the hope to the kingdom without end, which Jesus had been sent to establish. Aileen Ocampo, wife of CFC Family Ministries Director Mannix Ocampo, Tess Cabidog of CFC HOLD West B, and Betty Talosig, HOLD Regional Coordinator for Northwestern Luzon shared on their personal encounters with the Blessed Mother.

A floral offering by the HOLD leaders led by International Coordinator Didi Galsim followed, after which the CFC Executive Director George Campos and wife Cynthia led the participants into the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To end the Marian Conference, Mannix Ocampo led the Handmaids into a dynamic praisefest.

Dubai Hosts YFC Regional Leaders Summit

Let’s talk about good governance, clockwise from left: economist Dr. Jesus Estanislao, main speaker for the STMA Breakfast Forum; CFC International Council members Ricky Cuenca, Arnel Santos and George Campos with Dr. Estanislao; Atty. Nolet Ladrido, STMA Program Head introducing the speaker; Cuenca and Atty. Joe Tale with Dr. Estanislao.

By Alma Alvarez “I understand that by your relaunch of the STMA Forum, you aim to build bridges between the world of faith and the world of politics, economics and civics. I am of the opinion that building such bridges is the most urgent task of any associate of St. Thomas More, and of every good son and daughter of the Church whose station in life calls for active engagement in political, economic and social issues and concerns.”

This was how Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, eminent economist and Chairman of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, began his talk at the BCOP STMA Breakfast Forum last October 12, 2013 at the Gabaldon Room of Club Filipino. Leaders from CFC Metro Manila and nearby provinces came to listen to Dr. Estanislao speak on Good Governance: The Demand of Our Time.

According to Dr. Estanislao, “Good Governance” cannot remain a nice phrase, but has to take a concrete manifestation in all areas of life. It should be established from the national government down to the last citizen, from the biggest corporation down to the smallest enterprise, from the network of civil society organizations to the last NGO. The good that each person does can strengthen the community, while any selfish ambitions can destroy the same community. “It is for this reason that good governance makes this basic demand: to think and act for the long term, pursuing a clear strategy for the development and welfare of the bigger political, economic and social units around us,” he stressed. And, in order to meet the basic demands of social responsibility, the following duties must be imposed: the duty of fairness, the duty of transparency, and the duty of accountability.

Focusing on the common good is

imperative, especially at this time in the country’s current situation. However, this is not only a concern of the governing bodies, public officials and the elite, but of those being governed, the ordinary citizens as well. In spite of each one’s personal pursuit of private interests, every responsible citizen must not lose sight of the common good, and of the value of sacrifice even to a heroic degree. This is exactly what St. Thomas More had set as an example when he gave up his official title and position in the king’s court and offered his life for the sake of this principle—short-term temporal gains have little value compared to eternal rewards.

“The ideals of solidarity, subsidiarity and the respect for personal dignity must be each person’s driving force for him to remain within the road towards good governance,” Dr. Estanislao said.

“The current issues and questions on the Napoles case, the Malampaya Fund and the DAP are reminders that we are quite far from these ideals,” he added.

However, these issues, according to Dr. Estanislao, are also reminders that there is an absolute need to strengthen society’s moral core. “We have to remind ourselves that beyond the legal, there is a much higher bar, the moral bar, and it is only by reaching that bar that we protect ourselves from corruption.”

What must then be done? And where can the strength to reach the moral bar come from?

Start with personal governance, Dr. Estanislao stressed. “The Holy Spirit can work within each of us if we allow Him to, and if we welcome the Word and the teachings of Christ into our work and life, such that they have bearing in what we do, how we work, how we live our life, and how we serve others in the community.”

KFC Canada Holds Eastern Region Kids Village

By Ernie Ebringe Carnival and circus performers filled the Mezzanine halls of City Seasons Hotel in Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There were mimes, clowns, magicians, and more, with party music playing and balloons scattered everywhere. The jovial atmosphere added to the mood as CFC Youth for Christ leaders arrived in their costumes for the Gala Night of the YFC Leaders Regional Summit last October 3, 2013 in UAE. The last time YFC Middle East experienced such a gathering was two years ago. It was a blessing to have the YFC National Coordinators from UAE,

Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait in the summit. The theme for this summit was “DEO GLORIA,” taken from 1 Peter 5:10-11, from where all the worship, sessions, and workshops of the second day of the summit revolved.

The new five-year thrust and direction for YFC was likewise presented. It was also a time for sharing and updating of the different status of each country, as well as a time for leaders to inspire other leaders, with countries learning from other countries on their best practices.

CFC Europe Turns 18

By Ochie Pasicolan

Last October 1, 2013, CFC Europe celebrated an anniversary milestone. Exactly 18 years ago in 1995, 70 brethren that consisted of 12 couples, 15 handmaids, 25 singles (7 brothers and 18 sisters) and 6 servants graduated from the very first CLP held in Europe. The event took place at 18 rue Claude Lorrain, 75016 Paris, France.

The service team who came from the Philippines were led by Mon and Gandie Carpio, together with Teddy and Evelyn San Juan and Dandy and Susan Calvez.

It was the first Kids Village in Canada that implemented the involvement of both parents and children. The very first in the Greater Toronto Area. But in addition to the usual KFC Kids Village activities like the play that highlighted the theme Follow Jesus, the showcasing of family talents, and the various workshops for the parents and

children, there were many moments that allowed families to bond with each other, whether it was learning the action songs, reflecting in their rooms during the night, or eating together at the residency. And the most beautiful moment, as in all Kids Villages, was seeing the little ones worship God with all their innocence and purity.