Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 21 No. 25
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CATCHFIRE EXHORTS: ‘BE FEARLESS!’ By Andrelene Veloso
Every year, members of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community (ALNP), Couples for Christ (CFC), Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) and Familia gather during Christ the King Sunday to celebrate the Lordship of Jesus, the King of Kings through Catchfire, a prayer rally featuring rousing worship and powerful testimonies. The theme for this year was Fearless, gleaned from Matthew 14:27: 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'
His Excellency The Most Reverend Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, was the main Mass celebrant, with His Excellency The Most Reverend Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan concelebrating. In his homily, Bishop David, seeing the many members of the four Catholic prayer communities gathered, quoted Psalm 133—"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" The prelate challenged the congregation to proclaim fearlessly only one kind of Kingship, the kingship of the One who reigns with humility and willingness to serve, Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven and Earth, King of the Universe. After the Mass, main preacher Bobby Quitain, full time evangelist-preacher of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, reminded the 10,000-strong crowd who attended the prayer rally that only God can turn fear into great faith, and that there are four important points to take to heart: Listen to God's voice Quitain shared, “I used to be a basketball player, at naalala ko po, when
Catchfire was an afternoon of worship, the Eucharist, healing and basking in the glory of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings!
I was in grade school, my father would always be in the crowd. And he would be shouting the loudest. Sa dinami dami ng boses sa gym na naririnig ko, I have a choice whose voice I would listen to.” He continued, “In the same way, every time I pray, I choose to listen to the voice of Somebody who loves me.” He noted that followers of Christ have a choice who to listen to, what to listen to. One can either listen to the bad news or the Good News, to listen to the voice of hope rather than the voice of despair, the voice of victory rather
than the voice of defeat, the voice of God rather than the voice of the world. Quitain exhorted, “Sasabihin sa iyo ng mundo, ‘You can do it!’, but Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ The world will tell you, ‘Your life has no direction, you’re not getting anywhere!’ Why don’t you listen to Jeremiah 29:11 which says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” “The world will tell you that you are
Archbishop Auza to CFC: ‘Rediscover the joy of the gospel!’
“The mission core teaching night tonight is providential,” Arnel M. Santos, Couples for Christ International Council member, noted in his introduction of the speaker for the Metro Manila Mission Core Teaching Night on November 23, 2017 at the Christ the King Parish, Green Meadows Avenue, Quezon City. According to Santos, it was providential for two main reasons. First, the topic, “Social Dimensions of the New Evangelization according to the priorities of the Holy See’s Multilateral Diplomacy set by Pope Francis” is totally relevant for CFC which is still observing the theme “Standing Firm in the Faith” and which has of late been focused on reviewing the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its teachings. It was even more providential because the speaker, His Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza, is the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. Archbishop Auza used as anchor Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation on “the Church's primary mission of evangelization in the modern world” which is known to lay people as the ‘Joy of the Gospel. Archbishop Auza exhorted, “New evangelization is to rekindle our enthusiasm in our journey of faith, to rekindle our love for that faith, to rekindle our love to proclaim the joy of the gospel.” The prelate identifed three subjects of the New Evangelization: the self, the family, and society. New evangelization as evangelization of the self The archbishop explained that new evangelization of the self simply means renewing one’s relationship with God. “Rediscover that
friendship, rediscover that relationship, kasi baka nakalimutan na natin magdasal, magbasa ng Bible, nakakalimutan na natin magsimba— these are signs that we need to be evangelized anew,” he shared. The archbishop invited those present to fire up their love for the Rosary, to be enthusiastic again in participating in the Holy Mass, to pray together as a family again, to read the Bible again and to take time to enrich one’s spirituality. The prelate added that, with the invitation from Pope Francis to be ‘Spirit-filled Evangelizers’, we need to be enthusiastic about sharing the gospel and to fearlessly work with the Holy Spirit. He added, “But spirit-filled evangelizers do not only pray. They feel the balance between prayer and action.”
nothing, that you have no value and you have no worth! Why don’t you read Psalm 139:14 which says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? You don’t have a choice as to what you will hear, but every day you have a choice as to what you would listen to.” Obey The central message of Quitain’s second point was “It is in obeying God that miracles happen in our lives.” What does it mean to obey God? For
CATCHFIRE, C4
GMC shares love on Christmas The CFC Global Mission Center celebrated Christmas season with a gift-giving activity for about 250 families from Brgy. Mangga in Cubao, on December 11 at the PACMAC Plaza. The families reside in the same vicinity where CFC is located. The day started with Holy Mass presided by Fr. Lawrence Leona, SVD who, in his homily, expounded on the story of the healing of the paralytic. Noting that everyone has something to share, and that each one is a gift to GMC, C3
CFC Core Group told: ‘Wait and Watch!’
New evangelization of the domestic church, the family Archbishop Auza stated that the key to understanding the call to new evangelization is to link it to the loss of transmission of the faith from one generation to the next. The biggest and the most exclusive key to this transmission is the family or from parents to children. The family should be the first to be evangelized so that the family could become the protagonist, the real actors in the new evangelization. New evangelization of society Archbishop Auza encouraged the Metro Manila Mission Core to enlarge their witnessing beyond themselves, beyond their families, towards the whole of society. “The apostolic exhortation ‘Joy of the Gospel’ is a rallying cry for this. The world that we are called to evangelize constantly changes, that’s why the social aspect of our faith is also fundamental,” the prelate urged. He invited those present to always remember to “Live your faith.” Archbishop Auza concluded by reminding the MC members of three ways by which we can engage with society according to the inspiration of Pope Francis: engage with the world with mercy and compassion; develop a culture of dialogue; and be in solidarity with the poor. To watch the full talk, visit Couples for Christ on YouTube (http://bit.ly/CFCytube) and search for MC Teaching Night - H. E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza. (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)
others it could simply mean living a life that honors God, or following God’s commandment. “When we choose to honor God, we must prepare ourselves for miracles!” Quitain quipped. “It was when Peter stepped out of the boat that he saw the miracle.” He added that for others, it could simply be a choice between a bad thing and a good thing. He challenged, “How about choosing between two good things and obeying which thing God wants you to do?”
In keeping with tradition, the Metro Manila Mission Core had an Advent Recollection on the last Mission Core gathering for the year, on December 3, 2017. The gathering was held at the St. Paul College Gym, Pasig City. The December gathering recorded the highest attendance for this year, with 1,434 attendees. The recollection began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Msgr. Jesus Norriel Bandojo, WAIT AND WATCH, C4
A Household without walls The CFC International Council marked the coming of the Advent season with a simple yet memorable gathering. Accompanied by Spiritual director for the IC, Msgr. Allen Aganon, they visited the Our Lady of Banneux (OLB) ANCOP Community in San Mateo, Rizal on December 2 to hold what they called “household without walls.” The household without walls is the community’s reHH WITHOUT WALLS, C4
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CBCP Monitor
Reaping the Fruit of the Spirit this Christmas The fruit of the Spirit refers to nine attributes manifested in a person or community living in accord with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These are not nine individual "fruits", but are collectively taken as one single fruit. This means the nine attributes are the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. The nine members of the CFC International Council, as their Christmas message to the global CFC family, reflect on each attribute to inspire us all as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love - Melo and Nini Villaroman Among the attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, LOVE could be the best-known, yet most misunderstood, for the world has been overusing the word. Love is used to sell hamburgers ("I'm lovin' it!") or to give up on someone ("There is no longer love in our relationship!"). Love as a fruit of the Holy Spirit is "Agape love". Goodness and compassion cannot be defeated, the triumph of unconditional benevolence cannot be conquered by any force in the universe, because this love flows out of the heart of God Himself. This is the LOVE that never tires to invite and embrace us to intimacy with God when we are "down and out". This LOVE is the grace that molds us daily towards holiness, unattainable by our own strength. This fruit of love stirs our hearts, awakens our minds, and moves our bodies to mission -- so that we can strive to be families, despite our own hardships, radiating the light and hope of baby Jesus to a desolate "new Israel". This is the LOVE that has become flesh in the manger, so that through "God with us", we will not be afraid to live each new day of the coming year in Fullness. Our homes, workplaces, and areas of mission will never be the same again because this LOVE lives in us, and in them, we can choose to be this kind of LOVE, the greatest and most potent in the universe. Take courage. Be not afraid. This LOVE never fails! Joy - Michael and Carel Ariola Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go. ~Anonymous Did that make you smile? It probably made some of you smile. Others may have snickered a bit, but some showed not even a smirk. Haha! JOY does not depend on whether you’re smiling or not, or whether you’re happy or sad. JOY, one of the nine attributes manifested by the fruit of the Holy Spirit, is the assurance of this one Gospel truth: that God is with us, God is in us, and that He is ever present and will never leave us. Merry Christmas, dear CFC! And may Jesus, the cause of our JOY, remain in all of us today and always! Peace – Reggie and Janet Ragojos Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. – James 3:18 In our modern world, it seems that peace is an elusive ideal. All around us is chaos, from the traffic in the streets, to the rumors of war, to evil attacks on innocent people, to ideologies that seek to shut out all opposition. But we Christians ought not to focus on these but on our Savior who, by his coming to earth as man, already ensured our salvation. It gives one peace to know that, simply by living as He lived, and loving as He loved, we can claim the reward that awaits us in heaven. May we all find peace in our hearts this Christmas and radiate the love we receive, especially to those who need to know that God loves them too.
Patience – Rouquel and Nina Ponte Brothers and sisters, in our journey of faith, the Lord has truly worked in our life and the life of our CFC community. Bearing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit of Patience is one powerful witness of a transformed life that has also inspired others. May we consistently grow in the fruit of patience as we go about relating to people we encounter everyday. We pray that the coming New Year will bring more opportunities to proclaim the Good News through God’s transforming love.
Kindness - Ricky and Irma Cuenca Kindness is the virtue of showing love and having a sympathetic, affectionate, warmhearted and considerate nature. It is having concern and respect for others. It needs to be showcased. Kindness can be manifested in a simple smile or in helping someone cross the street. We all need to use this virtue in every situation, especially during these times when people are rushing, there is heavy traffic and people are impatient. We all have the ability to choose how we treat others. Let us choose to be kind. For me, it is much more important to give kindness than to receive it because it not only gives another person the opportunity to feel better about themselves, it also gives me the ability to feel better about myself. Giving kindness to others will always be rewarding. Let us do random acts of kindness every day of our lives.
Goodness – Anel and Bing Santos Goodness, as our CFC teachings say, means having the good of others at heart. It is our motive in relating to others. Its opposite is malice (or desiring harm for others) and selfishness or indifference toward others. This is why in another translation (NABRE) “goodness” is equated with “generosity.” Indeed, to accord to others the highest good is to be generous, always acting with the best interests of others at heart. Christmas is truly about being good, being generous. For God is good. God is generous. May the same goodness and generosity move our hearts to seek and look after the best interests of our family, community and society.
CFC Laguna Celebrates 31st Anniversary
Faithfulness - Lito and Linda Tayag Let us all rejoice for we have a faithful God! His promise of a savior has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him we are doomed to eternal damnation. May we respond to God's faithfulness with our own faithfulness to our own mission of being families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth. A blessed and joyful Christmas to one and all! Gentleness - Joe , Mila and the Yamamoto family Nothing is as strong as GENTLENESS; Nothing so gentle as real strength ~St. Francis de Sales The Latin translation of “gentleness” is Mansuetedo. Gentleness in Greek is Praotes, and is commonly known as meekness. The word is best translated as meekness, not as an indication of weakness, but of power and strength under control. The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries , corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well. During this season of Christmas, may the Baby Jesus pour upon us the bounty of God’s blessings. Gentleness allows us to receive openly and fully the whole spirit of Christmas. A blessed Christmas to all. Self Control - James and Ella Solano Every day, we are in the middle of a battle between good and evil. The evil temptations in this world— pride, greed, lust, anger and the like—all pose a challenge to every Christ follower. Thus, it takes a lot of self-control for Christians to walk as true models of God's Kingdom and His righteousness. This Christmas season, our challenge is to become Christians who can patiently stand firm in the faith, to do good, show true godly love, and become gentle servants of the Lord. May we all grow in self-control in our decisions, especially when we are faced with difficult situations. Let us peacefully allow God’s will to happen in our life. Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters!
MSU Marawi Campus Holds Youth Camp The Youth for Christ of Mindanao State University Main Campus – Marawi counted another victory for the Lord after conducting a Youth Camp and adding to the almost a hundred YFCs in the campus. The Youth Camp was held over two weekends, November 30 for sessions 1 to 3, and December 3 for sessions 4 - 5. Seventeen participants were initially present on the first day. Later, 10 more who couldn’t attend on the first day because of conflicting schedules were happily welcomed
On their 31st anniversary, CFC Laguna gathered for a wholeday celebration at the new fully-air-conditioned Sta. Rosa City Multi-Purpose Complex in the heart of the Lion City of Laguna. The celebration was hosted by CFC Laguna West 2 Sector and was anchored on the theme, 'Our Joyful Journey with Jesus.' (James 1:3). The celebration started in the morning with the culmination of the Music Ministry Festival, a competition among the eight (8) sectors following the chapter music ministry elimination round held in November. The main activity started at 1:00 pm with opening worship led by YFC Laguna Head, Mark Nery. The family ministries presented production numbers, the most memorable of which was performed by the Potenciando family of West 2, recognized
as the KFC Family Acoustic Band Champion during the KFC South Luzon Family Conference held in Legazpi City last May. Rouquel Ponte delivered the anniversary message which he anchored on the 2013 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, “Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).” He challenged CFC Laguna to “continue to have constant transformation in moving ahead in life and mission towards joyful journey in Jesus.” He concluded his message with an excerpt from the apostolic exhortation: “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” Melo Villaroman, CFC Chairman, and his wife Nini, sent a
video message of congratulations. A very exciting parade of sectors followed, capped by a performance by each sector depicting the life and mission of the patron saint of their respective parishes. Holy Mass, a fitting and traditional feature of every CFC activity, was officiated by CFC Laguna’s previous and present Spiritual Directors, Msgr. Mar Castillo and Rev. Fr. Emil Urriquia. Everyone had a fun time during the raffle draws that were intermittently held throughout the afternoon’s activities. The celebration was concluded by a powerful praise fest. The celebration was characterized by joy and laughter among the members as they related in love and respect with other sectors in the province. It was truly a joyful journey. (CFC Laguna Communications)
into the YFC community on the last day of camp. Despite the prohibition on overnight activities, demands of academics (as the semester was compressed to four months with classes scheduled from Monday to Sunday), and a disturbing environment (gunfire, bomb explosions, helicopters every now and then), the grace and faithfulness of the Lord reigned over all, empowering both participants and the service team to “fight the good fight”. (Kurt Navarra)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight Zenaida A. Gimenez Editor-in-Chief
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
Andrelene D. Veloso Editorial Assistant
Yvonne Grace J. Dolorosa Staff Writer
Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist
Evangeline C. Mecedilla Circulation Staff
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 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com
CBCP Monitor
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Perform the work of an evangelist Paul Anton, a German scholar, was the first, in 1753, to designate 1Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, as “the pastorals”. Subsequent scholarship has retained this term and thus since the 18th century, these three letters have been called the “Pastoral Letters”. This practice arose since these three are the only New Testament letters addressed to “pastors” of Christian communities – from Paul, a pastor, to other pastors, Timothy and Titus – and also because they deal with “pastoral” theology, that is, with Church life and practice. Our community’s theme for 2018 is taken from the following verses of Paul’s pastoral letter to Timothy: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be selfpossessed in all circumstances, put up with hardships; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
This periscope may be divided into two parts. The first part (verses 1-2) answers the question: why, what, when and how to preach? Why? Because Jesus Christ will be coming in “his kingly power” to “judge the living and the dead”. What? We ought to “proclaim the word.” When? At every opportunity “whether it is convenient or inconvenient”. How? By convincing, reprimanding, encouraging “through all patience and teaching”. The second part (verses 3-5) tells us that hearing the word is of great importance but due to man’s sinful nature many “will not tolerate sound doctrine” but will follow “their own desires and curiosity”. And soon they “will stop listening to the truth”. Therefore the pastor needs to persevere and to “put up with hardship” and “perform the work of an evangelist”. This is Paul’s final charge to Timothy. That Paul anticipates his imminent execution and death is evident in the immediately following verses: For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Realizing that the time of his death has come, Paul is handing off the ministry to his younger friend and disciple, Timothy. Prompted by the Holy Spirit,
Paul is aware that the devil will attack the Gospel relentlessly. Having taught the soundness of the Gospel, he now solemnly charges Timothy – and thus all the young pastors after him – to be faithful in proclaiming God’s Word even under the most difficult circumstances. Many years ago while working at the United Nations in Bangkok, I took flight PR 730 to Bangkok after visiting Manila for some work- and CFC-related meetings. At about ten in the morning, the pilot announced that we were about to land at Bangkok international airport. I was glad that we were on schedule since we (I, Jean and our son, Jon) were scheduled to fly to Phnom Penh that same evening for our second pastoral visit as CFC country coordinators for Cambodia. It was a quiet and uneventful flight. The plane was descending normally and was about to land when suddenly it pulled up, ascending steeply. We remained in the air, flying in a circular pattern. After a while, the passengers seated in front were asked to move to the rear. I thought that there must be something seriously wrong. After circling for over half an hour, the pilot announced that the control panel showed that the front landing gears were stuck. He asked everyone to make sure that seat belts were fastened and to prepare for a very rough landing. After another
Officials commend OSM efforts on Character Enhancement Volunteers (or Spearheads) of the CFC Order of St. Michael gathered last November 23 for the 3rd PACEP-CFC OSM Convention. The convention discussed the program’s accomplishments over the past year and the launch of new modules. It also recognized the prime movers in its advocacy—the character enhancement of uniformed personnel in the country. The convention was held in the Philippine Army Officer’s Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with the theme was “Nation Building through Character Building”. Spearheads from the provinces and Metro Manila sectors where CFC OSM is present came to the convention. The number of participants was a manifestation of how the Spirit has been moving through the program, and especially in the lives of the uniformed personnel who have undergone the Character Enhancement Module (CEM). This was affirmed by Philippine Army Chief Chaplain Fr. (Col.) Fernando G. Gaila, CHS, who said, “We thank God for all the things you have done.” The Philippine Army Chaplains and the CFC OSM have been working hand in hand to pursue their collective aspirations through the conduct of the Character Enhancement Programs. Present during the ceremonies
was His Excellency Bishop Oscar Florencio, DD, concurrent apostolic administrator of the Military Ordinariate, who was also the main celebrant of the Pontifical Mass. The Mass was followed by the welcome remarks of Fr. (Col.) Gaila and the program overview by Col. (ret) Arturo Alabanza, head of CFC OSM. After the overview, the Chaplain’s Report on activities in the PACEP side and the accomplishment report of CFC OSM given by MGen. Wilfredo Ona, vice head of the program, followed. The convention was an opportunity to launch the newest module, another supplement for the participants of the CEMs. Leo Deux Fils Delacruz, one of the members of the program’s core group, gave the overview of the Psycho-Spiritual Processing for Stress and Trauma. Jaycee Dela Cruz, also of the OSM Core Group, gave updates on the previously launched website development for the OSM. The jam-packed and gracefilled convention became even more Spirit-filled with inspirational messages from Reggie Ragojos, CFC International Council member, who talked about CFC’s commitment to nation building, Mon De Leon, CFC Social Development Programs director, who talked about the vision and mission of CFC OSM
and guest of honor, Police Director Oscar Albayalde, who lauded the efforts of the brave soldiers sent to the war in Marawi. He said, “The war may be over but the battle continues,” referring to the soldiers’ and policemen’s battle against emotional stress from the war. For Albayalde, character enhancement programs like those of the OSM will be a big help in battling stress and enable his comrades to gain back their normal lives. The convention also recognized the top performing Spearheads, among them the most CEPs Performed by Sector Spearheads (CFC Metro Manila South B), the Most CEPs Performed by Provincial Spearheads (CFC Rizal), Moderators and Speakers Award (Hazel and Danny Sayson, Edna and Elmer Jacob, Roland Ong, and Ver Rubillos), Enthusiastic Coordinators Award (Boy Lastimosa, Jett and Sandra Alfiler, Tony Obien, and Archim Yanto), Administrators Award (Eddie and Linda Igna, Henry and Khaiza Venezuela), CFC OSM Service Support Award (Justo Castillo), Most Independent Spearhead Team (CFC Metro Manila North B) and Outstanding Service awardees (Leo Delacruz, Jaycee dela Cruz, Imee and Willy Ona, and Mon De Leon.) (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)
half an hour, the pilot announced that we would be landing but that he was not certain whether the front landing gears were down or not. As we descended, a recording announced repeatedly, “Emergency, keep heads low! Emergency, keep heads low!” We all ducked with our heads close to our knees following emergency instructions. As soon as the plane landed, the pilot put on the reverse thrusts and announced that we would have to wait to be towed. We sat in the middle of the runway for another half an hour. Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles came. But we were safe. The front landing gears were down after all. The panel indicator lights were wrong. With the plane very much delayed, I had little time to review the tongues workshop manual and prepare for the weekend mission in Cambodia. Jean suggested we postpone the mission to the following day so that we would not have to fly again that same day. But the thought never crossed my mind. There was a heavy thunderstorm as we rode to the airport. Knowing that we would be taking a small plane, Jon remarked, “I think it will not be safe to fly.” But we arrived in Phnom Penh safely. From the airport we proceeded directly to the home of the CFC leaders in Cambodia where the participants of the tongues workshop were already
waiting. We dropped our bags on the kitchen floor and proceeded to greet the participants waiting in the living room. After a song and a short opening prayer, I delivered the talk on the gift of tongues and conducted the workshop. That evening we had a truly Spirit-filled workshop with everyone receiving the gift of tongues. The following day, Saturday, Jean and I gave the talks on Living as a People of God. Then on Sunday afternoon, I gave the CLP talk on Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit to over 30 participants. After everyone was prayed over, I gave the exhortation and the mini-talk on vocal prayer and led the full charismatic worship. The worship was full of life and spirit with everyone praising and singing enthusiastically, clapping and raising hands, and dancing with abandon. Even the Khmers! After the worship, we rushed to the airport. We were still perspiring profusely and breathing heavily when we boarded the car to the airport. We arrived home in Bangkok at midnight. We had to be up early the following day. Jean had to prepare breakfast. Jon had a class. And I had to go to work. But there was joy and peace in our hearts knowing that somehow, with God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we had performed the work of an evangelist.
CFC Project ReForm Pursues Batang 20
Forty-four street children, who have made 20th Avenue and Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City their home, were invited to attend a simple Christmas Party last December 12, 2017 at the CFC Global Mission Center. The party was initiated by Lingap, a program of CFC Project Reform under the Social Development Program
of Couples for Christ. Jaycee dela Cruz, CFC Project Reform Officer-inCharge, believes that activities like these will encourage the children to leave the streets and eventually go back to their families. “Aside from giving them a Christmas party, we also aim to establish regular activities with them. Moving forward,
the ultimate objective is to give monthly Catechism lessons, where they will also have fun while learning,” he said. Lingap and the whole Project Reform hope that the children of Batang 20, as they are now called, will continue to participate in the succeeding activities, so that they may ultimately be led back to their homes. (Andrelene Veloso)
Globe Telecom Conducts Immersion In Pook Masagana Globe Telecom, one of the leading telecommunications service providers in the Philippines, is also CFC ANCOP’s partner in helping those who are in need. Just this month, Globe personnel spent several days immersing in CFC ANCOP 25th Ville Community in Pook Masagana, Quezon City. The said activity was part of Globe’s annual event for the sales academy people engagement titled “Project Wow”. The team conceptualized and planned the immersion program including building houses and tutorial sessions for the children in the community. The first batch had their immersion last December 1, 2017, while the second batch conducted theirs during the Taguig City Day last December 8, 2017. Aside from building shelter, the second batch also had the chance to interact with the home partners and exchange stories with them. Among the second batch of the volunteers was Mr. Joey Bernardo, the People Management Manager of Globe. He shared that the experience, though a short stint, was very meaningful for all of them.
According to Bernardo, the experience will also help them as individuals, and hoped they would be able to do the same in their own communities. He is also looking forward to getting into the other programs of ANCOP to cultivate the volunteerism in all of them. He said, “I know sobrang short ng program, kaya nga sana mas marami pa kaming ma-create na programs like this, mas maraming partnership, dahil alam kong marami pang nangangailangan”. (I know our stint was very brief, that’s why we hope to create more programs and partnerships like this, because I know there are more who need our help.) Lastly, he shared how they were inspired by the joyful disposition of the people living in the CFC ANCOP Community. He also imparted that in building a community, cooperation is a must, not just within but also outside. The Globe team had the last part of the immersion last December 16, 2017, where they conducted tutorial service in a Cornerstone school in Pook Masagana. (Diana Mendoza)
WAIT AND WATCH, C1
Episcopal Vicar of the Diocesan Clergy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. In his homily, Msgr. Bandojo shared that the word Advent means “to wait” and the season, which is all about waiting for the coming of our Savior, symbolizes hope. To the question, “Why would the Lord want us to wait?” Msgr. Bandojo expounded on the following points: 1. Waiting reveals one’s proper motivation. 2. Waiting builds patience. 3. Waiting builds anticipation. 4. Waiting helps transform one into having a better personality. 5. Waiting allows one to understand his/her intimacy and dependence on God. After the Mass, Msgr. Bandojo segued into the Advent recollection talk, which focused on spiritual warfare and how one can search for interior peace. His talk also expanded the topic of his homily—Advent as a season of waiting. He shared, “In our waiting, we should be watchful but most of all, prayerful.” Msgr. Bandojo also shared three steps that one must take in order to find Jesus, the Messiah. The first step is ‘Kenosis’, a Greek term
which means Christ's self-emptying in His incarnation. Following Christ’s example, the monsignor encouraged CFC to also empty themselves of what is not of God and to focus only on Him. The second step is ‘Enosis’, which means union. He emphasized that one’s goal in life should be knowing God, loving God and serving God in order to be in communion with Him and, having achieved that, to teach other people to do the same. The last step is ‘Theosis’, which means edification or improvement of oneself morally, which Christians oftentimes acquire from the challenges and pains that they experience. Msgr. Bandojo said, “God does not give us pain, though He allows it for a higher purpose. And when we reach that high point, God will reveal to us many wonderful things. Miracles happen! So, offer your pains to God.” It was an affirmation, a time of learning and refreshment for the CFC Metro Manila Mission Core. During the closing worship, IC member Reggie Ragojos invited everyone to “await the Lord’s coming with love, sacrifice, and great expectation.” (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)
GMC, C1
somebody just like Jesus is the greatest gift of all mankind, Fr. Lawrence exhorted everyone to be a blessing to others, especially to those in need. Barangay Captain Cesar dela Fuente Jr. delivered the welcome remarks. He expressed his joy and gratitude to the CFC volunteers for sharing their time with the community of Bgy. Mangga. To his constitu-
ents, he said, “Huwag po tayong tumigil sa pagtawag sa ating Panginoon dahil sinasagot ng Diyos ang ating mga dasal.” (Let us not get tired of calling on the Lord, because He always answers our prayers.) Loot bags containing Noche Buena packages and snacks were given to the families. The families were entertained by the games and dance pre-
sentations led by some of the fulltime pastoral workers. To close the activity, CFC Family Ministries director Lawrence Quintero shared his Christmas message, reminding everyone to appreciate every blessing that they receive despite the problems. For him, “Ang paggising ay biyaya kahit may problema. May pag asa pa.” (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)
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December 18 - 31, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 25
CBCP Monitor
Families in Canada Stand for Jesus Two months, four weekends, four provinces, four Family Conferences. In concrete terms, that’s about 150+ families, 300+ parents, 500+ children and young people—one family in Christ experiencing great love and affirmation through the Kids for Christ Family Conference (KFC FamCon). 2017 marked the second year that Canada has conducted the CFC KFC Family Conference. Conducted in Edmonton, Surrey, Toronto and Winnipeg, each FamCon was an occasion for praise and worship, inspiring family and keynote speakers, and competitions and workshops for the entire family. Joining the KFC mascot, Happy the Dog, this year was Faith the Cat. Happy made his first appearance at the 2016 KFC Family Conferences. The theme for this year’s Family Conference, We Stand for Jesus, posed a challenge for families: to grow more in relationship and love for one another. The message was clear—to stand for Jesus as a family, they must grow and build their relationship with one another. In the first session, “We are fam-
ily”, families were reminded about God’s plan for the family and the need to protect families from attacks of the evil one. One way to protect the family is through communication and prayer. Families were taught how to conduct parent and child one-on-ones, which they were able to practice during the session. In the second talk titled “We stand for Jesus”, families were reminded that love and foundation can grow in the family only if Jesus is present, because where there is Jesus, there is love. One of the best ways to keep love in the family is to treasure the gift of time spent together, like the family mealtime. Families were encouraged to dine together at least three times a week. The last session, “We do everything in Love,” suggested a new meaning for the word LOVE Learning how to forgive, Offering what one has, Valuing each other, and Eating together as a family. Simply put, when families live out L-O-V-E, they can take on the mission to love like Jesus. This year’s Family Conference also featured its signature familyfocused activities. Participating
families enjoyed bonding moments over competitions like the family relay. Parents were also able to teach their kids about the saints through Catholic words for little saints and Catholic spelling bee competitions. There were also fun and enlightening workshops for the parents and kids separately. Parents received more insights about parenting in the digital age, while the kids enjoyed different workshops that enhanced their skills in cooking, drawing, dancing and eating healthy. We Stand for Jesus truly put emphasis on the importance of God and family, how each individual must therefore stand firm for Jesus and the family. Indeed, the family is precious, and each person is called to protect it by growing in faith, hope and love. This is especially difficult in a world full of distractions. With Family Conferences bearing such crucial reminders, Couples for Christ and its ministries can be simple witnesses of family life. Such empowering events will bless not only the present generation of families, but the generations to come. (From www. couplesforchrist.ca)
Canada Senators Cites Ricky Cuenca for ANCOP Work Early this year, the senators of Canada nominated, for the Senate 150 Medals, a number of Canadians and permanent residents in Canada who have dedicated their lives in the service of people. The medals are a commemoration of the first assembly of the senate of Canada on November 6, 1867. Senator David Wells, Co-Chair of the Advisory Working Group on the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal, stated, “Senators want to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions made by Canadians from all walks of life. We want to give some much-deserved recognition to Canadians who share the Senate’s goal of giving voice to people or issues that sometimes fly under the radar or don’t grab headlines.” One of the nominees was Ricky Cuenca, President of CFC ANCOP Canada and a member of the CFC International Council. He was nominated for the work being done by ANCOP Canada by the late Senator Tobias Enverga Jr. who passed away before the award was given. Cuenca was adjudged one of the awardees and the award was given on November 29, 2017 at the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada. The late sanator’s wife, Rosemer Enverga, handed the award to Cuenca. Cuenca was acknowledged as “co-founder and president of ANCOP Canada, provider of solutions to extreme poverty by
responding to basic needs”. The citation also mentioned that “ANCOP Canada and its partners, together with Cuenca, worked to build 2,500 homes for the poor in the Philippines and had sent over 3,000 poor children to school”. These students come from India, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, most recently Ethiopia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Cuenca said: “Today was a great day for all ANCOP Canada volunteers and our beneficiaries. As I share this award to all advocates, volunteers, officers in various areas were ANCOP Canada is, and members of Couples for Christ, I remember as well the hardships we’ve gone through to make ANCOP Canada where it is today – an organization of people who truly answer the cry of the poor. I am blessed to be a Canadian, and doubly grateful for our friend, the late Senator Enverga for this honor.” Senator Serge Joyal, Co-Chair, Advisory Working Group on the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal said that, “As the Senate approaches a milestone anniversary of its own, this is an appropriate time to celebrate the volunteer work of Canadians. Not only will the medal highlight the contributions of Canadians – from coast to coast, from all walks of life and from varied backgrounds – it will highlight the wide diversity of the people whose efforts make Canada great.” (CFC ANCOP Canada) CATCHFIRE, C1
Venture beyond your comfort zone What does it mean to go beyond one’s comfort zone? What was Peter’s comfort zone? According to Quitain, it was the boat. Peter was a fisherman; he was safe in the boat because in the boat, he was in control. “But brothers and sisters, when Jesus asked him to step out of the boat, and when he stepped out of the boat, Peter was no longer in control, Jesus was!” Quitain pointed out. He added, “Maybe some of you here have been following God, no big problems, no suicidal tendencies, not into drugs, your life is okay, and yet you’re still in the boat. You’re not a bad person, but you’re also not excellent in following God. You are not committing a terrible sin, but you’re also not doing something great for your great God. Can I challenge you today—those people who are still not giving full control of their lives to God—to step out of the boat and give full control of your life to Jesus? Why are you holding back? Step out of the boat and God will let you walk on water, where you are no longer in control, but He is,” Quitain dared the congregation. Expect God's saving and sustained grace “When you listen to God, when you obey God,
and when you venture beyond your comfort zone, don’t expect a smooth sailing. Expect challenges and difficulties,” Quitain emphasized. He added, “If someone tells you that following Jesus is easy, he must be following the wrong Jesus. Because in following Jesus, you will experience difficulty and you will sink in the midst of temptations, you will sink in the midst of pain, you will sink in the midst of challenges.” Marc Alejo of Lingkod ng Panginoon, Rene Medrocillo of BCBP, Michael Lobrigo of CFC, and Roel and Chonette Villa of ALNP, also shared their personal testimonies of being “fearless” because of God’s transforming love, hope and divine providence. The gathering ended with praise and worship led by Quitain, who encouraged everyone to be fearless in following God and to never doubt His unfailing love. He led the congregation in a concluding prayer: “Dear God, thank You for loving me. Because Your love casts out my fears, I want to step out of the boat and surrender my whole life to you today. For I know that You have great plans for my life and I will not waste my life for anything less than the best. I give my life to You. I give my life to You again, and I give my life to You until my very last breath. Jesus, be King of my life.”
HH WITHOUT WALLS, C1
ERRATUM We apologize for inadvertently using the wrong anchor verse in the story on the YFC Metrocon and RYC (CBCP Monitor Ugnayan Vol 21, No. 23)- 1 Timothy 4:12 ("Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech,
in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."). The correct anchor verse should have been 1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
sponse to the Catholic Church’s invitation to the lay faithful to proclaim Christ to the peripheries. The first household without walls was organized with the help of the ANCOP OLB coordinators, Warren and Lorna Isaguirre. The IC members met with five couples who are residents of the OLB Village. The couples were victims of typhoon Ondoy who were relocated to OLB right after the calamity. The meeting followed the household format, with the IC and the OLB couples sharing stories on how they celebrate Christmas and how, in spite of modern society’s consumerist take on the season, they manage to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. The
OLB couples shared their appreciation of the community that welcomed them and of the simple yet grace-filled life that they now enjoy. The household without walls concept is encouraged to be observed in all households. Asked how the “household without walls” should be conducted, CFC Chairman Melo Villaroman, Jr. said that it will follow the structure of the usual prayer meeting of CFC, with praise and worship, discussion or sharing and fellowship. The “household without walls” is unique because of its objective: to go beyond the borders of the usual monthly meetings, to meet other people and to listen to their stories of love,
hope, and trust in the Lord. The couples—OLB residents and IC alike—went home with smiles in their hearts, knowing that Christ is truly present wherever they are, and appreciating the joy and gratitude of being together. Hence, the IC hopes this “first” household would inspire other households all over the world to replicate the activity in their areas. Shok Ariola, CFC President, shared a beautiful prayer of encouragement: “Tayo ay nasa iisang tahanan, kung saan Siya ang Ama. Sana mas dalasan natin ang pag-uwi sa ating tahanan.” Indeed, the household without walls is a “homecoming” to the heart of Jesus. (Yvonne Grace Dolorosa)