CBCP Monitor
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Vol. 18 No. 1
January 6 - 19, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
CFC 2013: Reliving the Year that Was 2013 was another fruitful, inspiring, empowering and blessed year for Couples for Christ. With our theme, “Obey and Witness”, our community was kept under the guidance and inspiration of our dear Mother who instructed the servants at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever He tells you”. As we responded to this challenge, we were “filled to the brim” by the greatness of God’s grace and witnessed one powerful event after another, inspiring stories by our brothers and sisters, and milestones for our community. Powerful and spirit-filled conferences and events were held during the first half of 2013: Married couples were affirmed once again of their commitment to marriage during the various CFC Cana Weekend conferences conducted in different parts of the world. Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ, and Handmaids
of the Lord celebrated 20 years of God’s faithfulness as they gathered in numbers through their respective International Conferences. And of course, the ANCOP Global Walk was once again a day of miracles as thousands of people from all walks of life joined to send less fortunate children to school. In 2013, we also witnessed milestones such as the Theology of the Body conducted in China, the firstever conference for senior couples was organized, and the gathering of international leaders during the 1st Global Leaders Empowerment Convention in June. CFC also re-launched some of its programs: the STMA (St. Thomas Moore and Associates) Breakfast Forum, the BCOP (Building the Church of the Poor) programs, and the CFC Young Couples program.
CFC: ‘Obey and witness’ By Ricky Cuenca In the year that transpired, new generation leaders have served, ablaze with ON FIRE EVANGELIZATION. We focused on our specific tasks according to our capacities and God-given talents and worked as a team. This is a great milestone in CFC where leaders at all levels took ownership of their role as leaders with boldness, acted as team players and were truly passionate servant leaders. As a result of our leadership development and formation process, purpose driven leaders in the Philippines and globally acted as shepherds following their beliefs and CFC core values in oneness with the Catholic Church. Following the principles of Pope Benedict XVI, we evolved into a strong movement of servant evangelizers away from a personality driven leadership. Together as one body in Christ, we set our four priority thrusts: 1) Building the church of the Home- On Fire Evangelization; 2) Growing in Holiness - Purposeful Pastoral Care and Formation; and 3) Building the Church of the Poor in ANCOP, CORNERSTONE and the Social Development Programs. Leaders implemented 4) Effective Governance, delivered in policy development of financial systems, monitoring and evaluation system, human resource development, communications plan, travel policies and the implementation of the CFC ROADMAP. Our membership and leadership responded with enthusiasm to the four priority thrusts and the CFC Roadmap. The alignment and adherence to the Road Map, passion for the mission and On Fire Evangelization continue to create a ripple effect in the CFC communities.
Our clear road map defined our Vision of Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth, and our Mission of Building the Church of the Home and the Church of the Poor. We declared 2012 the Magnificat year to proclaim the greatness of the Lord inspired by our Mama Mary. The year 2013 with our theme, “Obey and Witness” keeps us close under the guidance and inspiration of our dear Mother who instructed the servants at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever He tells you”. Our practice of gentle, joyful and humble obedience to the Lord and witnessing the love of Christ are called to action in the year 2013. We pray that once again throughout our one-year journey in 2013, we will serve the Lord with all our heart, our mind and spirit and that the Holy Spirit will continue to ignite our hearts and passion for an ever-stronger ON FIRE evangelization, nurturing pastoral care and formation and effective governance in teamwork. We see our evangelization work resulting in stronger families with renewed relationship with God and love for our country. The highlights of our 2012-2013 mission journey points to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The intercession of Mother Mary weaves the community during threats of disunity and disenchantment towards ONENESS, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, JOY and GRATITUDE. We see stronger Global EVANGELIZATION, with our members and leaders certainly ON FIRE, blazing the trail and sustaining regions of influence. There are many more territories to conquer for the Lord, and as we journey in 2013, our spirits soar high, OBEYING and WITNESSING with Christ, in Christ and for Christ.
The CFC Family Ministries— Delighting in 20 Years of God’s Faithfulness in 2013 Three of the family ministries, namely Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ and the Handmaids of the Lord, celebrated 20 years of being God’s instruments of evangelization in 2013 during their respective international conferences. Since it was a milestone year, with all three ministries celebrating 20 years, the ICons were all held in Manila, like some sort of homecoming or a “returning to the heart of the mission”. In February, the SFC ICon was marked by much jubilation, beginning with the praise concert on the first night. The second day brought in high-profile workshop speakers, Mr. Edwin Lopez of EWTN and Bishop Teodoro Bacani, DD, who expounded on the year’s theme “Obey and Witness”. Highlight of the weekend conference was the Mass celebrated by no less than His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila. Cardinal Tagle captured the
8,000 young delegates from all over the world with his wit and intellect, leaving an impression of becoming true witnesses in their hearts and minds. During the summer, the Handmaids of the Lord and Youth for Christ held their ICons in Antipolo and Marikina, respectively. The YFC ICon, dubbed “Jesus Expo”, was a week-long event which was a deviation from the usual 3-day activity. YFC activities included a benefit concert featuring popular local bands, a visit to the Boys’ Town, cleaning of the Estero de Pandacan in Manila, a forum on good governance, Church integration congress, sports and creative competitions, and a reunion concert where YFC alumni and new-generation YFCs mingled and had fun. The conference proper, which was the highlight of the 7 days, zeroed in on empowering the 9,000 young people in bringing to fulfillment their mission of bringing Christ
wherever they are. HOLD, on the other hand, celebrated HOLD@20 with Emerald Night, an evening of song and dance as thanksgiving for the 2 decades of the ministry. The conference proper, dubbed “All for Love”, emphasized obeying and witnessing all for the love of God. HOLD International Coordinator Didi Galsim encouraged the women to D.R.A.W. or perform Daily Random Acts of Witnessing, in their capacity as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, working women, neighbors, public servants or missionaries. Two decades as ministries of CFC, standing alongside each other as one community of family evangelizers—this alone is enough to be thankful about. As 2014 enters, each of the family ministries, Kids for Christ and Servant of the Lord included, look forward to the next 20 years and beyond of being families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth.
2013 also further strengthened our Church Integration initiatives with lay missionaries being prayed over and sent off by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle during the mission sending ceremony in April and various recognitions were given to CFC in the different states in the US. Finally, 2013 also gave our community a new set of leaders during the June elections for 3 new members of the International Council and Board of Elders. In September, CFC ANCOP elected a new 9-man Board of Trustees. Let us relive and look back at the highlights of 2013 and thank God for continously blessing our community. As we prepare for the 2014, may we experience God’s love even more, and through the guidance of our Mother Mary, embrace our theme: BEHOLD AND PONDER!
CFC Cana Weekend: Bringing the Taste of Christ’s Good Wine
By Nirva’ana Delacruz MANILA Archibishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle kicked off an extraordinary weekend for 2,297 CFC leaders with a personal message for the couples attending the Cana Weekend in Baguio on February 1 to 3, 2013. He exhorted them to “bring the taste of this good wine [of Christ] to people.” True enough, all the talks and sharings during the Cana Weekend, held at the Camp John Hay CAP Convention Center, showed the truly complex yet simple meaning of the wedding at Cana and what it implies for marital life and love. The first talk, titled “The Wedding Feast” given by Arnel Santos, focused on the basic point that “one of the greatest things God has gifted us with is our marriage.” Arnel emphasized that marriage is a “moment in salvation history”—a personal turning point for both husband and wife that will eventually end with seeing God face to face at the wedding banquet in heaven. The second session “Do Whatever Tells You,” given by Jun Uriarte, showed that obedience is crucial to a truly Christian life—in the manner Mary, the servers at Cana and St. Catherine Laboure were obedient. According to Uriarte, this is a far cry from the ordinary believer’s attitude which is: “’Pag nagdadasal tayo, halos sabihin na natin sa Panginoon kung ano ang dapat Niyang gawin. (When we pray, we tell God what He needs to do.)” The key lies in following Mary’s words to obey Jesus, ever hopeful of His mercy. After the session, the participants were exhorted to wear the Miraculous Medal of Mary as a way of entrusting themselves to Mama Mary. “Empty Jars, Filled to the Brim,” the third talk, revolved around how married life can
become tasteless, dry and drained because of serious illness, financial problems, infidelity or children’s personal struggles. Joe Tale, who gave the talk, explained how Jesus uses unworthy vessels to work miracles of abundance like the Cana miracle. After the talk, there was an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour which the couples spent in prayer, song and silence. Joe Yamamoto gave the last talk for Saturday, “From Water to Wine: The Radical Transformation,” which also featured powerful and moving testimonies from Raymond Bucu, Shok Ariola and Rhea Santos. In closing, Yamamoto said Jesus can change our “water” into “wine” if we participate actively in the work of transformation, in the same way Mary and the servers did. He added, “Our actions must help bring about the manifestation of the love and grace of God.” To close the session, participants celebrated the Lord’s Day, drinking wine mixed with water to symbolize the human hope of sharing in God’s divinity. Mannix Ocampo gave the last talk, “Witness! God’s Glory Revealed,” which discussed the significance of the Cana miracle as a precursor for Jesus’ works of signs and wonders in his public ministry. In the same way, the Cana miracle in CFC will reveal a renewed vigor for the New Evangelization, as well as individual lives full of the wine of justice, the wine of wisdom and the wine of grace or charity. In ending, Ocampo said, “Our lives are our mosteffective evangelizing tool!” The Holy Eucharist concelebrated by CFC spiritual adviser Msgr. Allen Aganon and Fr. Paul Uwemedimo was a fitting ending to the weekend, especially since all the couples present had a unique opportunity to renew their marriage vows.
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January 6 - 19, 2014
Cardinal Tagle sends off 130 Lay Missionaries
OVER 130 missionaries of Couples for Christ and its ministries will remember Holy Monday, March 25, 2013 for many years to come. On this day, they took part in the Mission Sending Ceremony held at the San Fernando De Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila and organized by the Archdiocesan Commission on Mission led by Fr. Alex Justiani Abiera of the Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society. His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle celebrated the solemn Mass and facilitated the symbolic blessing of the missionaries. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle highlighted the significance of committing to mission work most especially in this Year of Faith. According to him, “there is an intimate connection between faith and the missions… that faith is a calling to mission.” He further added that, “we are called by Christ as a disciple in faith to witness to Him.” Cardinal Tagle emphasized that to be a true missionary, we need, first, to be anointed by the spirit of God and not the spirit of the world; second to have humility as a servant of God, and finally, to be ready to bear anything—even hardships—for the sake of the missions. During the Mission Sending ceremony, Fr. Alex introduced the various groups and individually presented the missionaries. The
CFC lay missionaries were led by CFC Executive Director Melo Villaroman, International Council member Arnel Santos, and Church Integration Office Coordinator Rouquel Ponte. Couple-missionaries from CFC as well as missionaries from the different Family Ministries—Kids for Christ, Youth for Christ, Singles for Christ and Handmaids of the Lord—were all presented. Other groups presented were religious missionaries, the Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society and the Mission Society of the Philippines. After the introduction of missionaries, Cardinal Tagle blessed the crosses, symbol of salvation for the world, which were handed out to each missionary. The ceremony ended with the Prayer for Missionaries. Right after the holy Mass, Fr. Alex gave his message of thanksgiving and encouraged all to pray for the missionaries and to support the missions. And as a fitting way to close the spirit-filled afternoon, Cardinal Tagle issued an empowering challenge for all missionaries: “I will believe. I will be ready to be sent.” The activity is indeed a great reminder for all missionaries that true mission leads to faith and that mission is a call that should lead everyone to a deeper commitment to Christ.
CFC USA recognized in Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, Philadephia and New York JANUARY 20, February 26, November 14, and November 20, 2013 were very significant days in the existence of Couples for Christ in the United States. On these dates, CFC USA was conferred recognition in the Dioceses of Baltimore in Maryland, Wilmington in Delaware, and Lexington in Kentucky, as well as the Archdiocese of New York, as a partner in evangelization. These are truly wonderful gifts of affirmation for the community in the United States. More than the stamp of approval, the conferment of these recognitions are a source of inspiration and empowerment for the brethren there to continue building the Church of the Home and Building the Church of the Poor in America.
The Science and Spirit of Marriage for Young Couples Young CFC couples (those married for 15 years and below) gathered last September 28, 2013 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 workshop 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 communitycan 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.
…And Life Goes On! The first CFC Seniors’ Conference
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.
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Vol. 18 No. 1
January 6 - 19, 2014
The Elections in CFC for 2013
Three new members of the CFC International Council are being chosen via the annual elections. Last June 2013, the Elders’ Assembly elected George Campos, Jimmy Ilagan and James Solano to complete the 9-man International Council of CFC. Afterwards, the 15-man Board of Elders were chosen. They are Ding Aguinaldo, Joey Arguelles, Michael Ariola, Bong Arjonillo, Bernie Cuevas, Eric delos Reyes, Rouquel Ponte, Reggie Ragojos, Israel Silud, Joe Tale, Lito Tayag, Eric Villanueva, Melo Villaroman Jr., Joe Yamamoto, and Eric Ylagan. Less than a month later, in their first meeting as IC, the group elected the following as the new set of officers: Chairman – Ricky Cuenca; Executive Director – George Campos; Treasurer – Jimmy Ilagan. The Directorate assignments were likewise determined. George Campos was picked Evangelization & Missions Director; Ricky Cuenca is the
International Missions Director and Director for BCOP; Arnel Santos as Metro Manila Missions Director; Jimmy Ilagan and Philippine Missions Director; Mannix Ocampo as the Family Ministries Director; and Jun Uriarte as the Pastoral Formation Office Director. CFC ANCOP also elected a new 9-Man Board of Trustees last September 11, 2013. 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.
Good Governance: The Demand of Our Time
“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.”
Theology of the Body goes to China
By Joy Katigbak It all started with a prompting. It came unexpected, brief and direct to the point: Bring TOB (Theology of the Body) to China. TOB is Theology of the Body, a series of teachings by Blessed John Paul II on what it means to be human, on why God created us male and female, His design for sex and marriage, and what all these have to do with our destiny. It was difficult to imagine how we could bring this very dense body of teaching to China given the language barrier, and the strict control of the government on religion and on families. But when God commands, we follow, for we know He will always have great things in store. In March 2012, I was asked to give a talk on the Theology of the Body to the Chinese trainees who were in the Philippines for a month to undergo the Chinese Leadership Acceleration Program (CLAP). This was a program that would immerse and train our Chinese CFC and Family Ministry leaders on CFC’s culture and programs so that they could implement these in China. It was there that I met Jenny, an SFC trainee, who translated for me during my talk. After the session, Jenny shared with me how she had come across the TOB in China through a foreign nun who was serving in a center for women in pregnancy crisis. Jenny had gone there to bring a friend who was contemplating abortion and the nun had given her a paperbound photocopy of a material entitled Theology of the Body by Christopher West written in Chinese! She had read it and her interest was roused and so when she heard there would be a talk on TOB during their training, she volunteered to translate. It was then that I realized that TOB was already slowly inching its way to China. The date for the mission trip was finally set for April 18-23, 2013. Fr. Joel Jason, our main TOB teacher in CFC, would be traveling to Beijing to conduct the teaching. Fr. Joel has been patiently conducting Theology of the Body courses for us in CFC since 2011 and has been our spiritual guide in asking the Lord for this work to grow. My husband Aldy and I were to accompany him to share about how TOB has affected us as individuals and as a couple, and to see how we could proceed in the future.
The first official activity of the mission trip was a whole-day TOB seminar for CFC, SFC, and HOLD leaders consisting of five talks covering the eight cycles of the TOB. This was held in North Cathedral. Before the first session began, we met Fr. Joel’s translator, Martha, who was a friend of an SFC member who was majoring in English at the university. Martha, we learned that day, had just finished translating to Chinese two English reference materials on love, sexuality, and marriage which were intended for the youth. As we browsed through their English versions, we realized that these included the Theology of the Body! Thus, Martha, in translating these materials, was unknowingly already preparing herself for the translation work she would do for CFC during this mission trip. We also met Jenny again at this TOB seminar and we later learned from her that the TOB material in Chinese which she had shown me in the Philippines was now a published book available in Hong Kong! This meant the participants could order a copy to use as their reference material for further study after the seminar. Thus it was clear: God had been preparing everything for His message to reach His people. He had chosen and prepared the best translator for us (after all, this was a crucial ingredient), made sure there would be available material for further study, and most of all, he had prepared the hearts of His people. It was evident from the way everyone eagerly listened, took notes, asked questions, and later shared their reactions, that the seeds were being planted. The same held true for the succeeding sessions: a two-hour talk to CFC, SFC, and HOLD members at the South Cathedral, an intimate one-hour session with English Mass servants (a small multi-racial group consisting of one American, one Chinese, one Colombian, and a few Filipinos), and lastly, a session with 40 seminarians from Beijing Seminary. Wherever it is brought, the Theology of the Body never fails to stir and capture people’s hearts regardless of their race, language, and background. Bring TOB to China? Yes, by God’s grace TOB is officially in China. We pray that the Lord water and nurture the seeds that have been planted in His own perfect way, in His own unmistakably perfect time.
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
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
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
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Vol. 18 No. 1
January 6 - 19, 2014
Top Leaders Gather for 1 Global Leaders Empowerment Convention st
The potential for greater evangelization is more apparent and there is excitement across the world because of this. The 1st CFC Global Leaders Empowerment Convention (GLEC) was a highlight of the weeklong activities of the 32nd Anniversary celebration of Couples for Christ. The 3-day event, which was held from June 18 to 20, 2013 at the One Esplanade, Pasay City, gathered over 300 leaders coming from different parts of the world. The GLEC sought to unite thrusts and approaches of all CFC leaders of all countries of the world. While the community believed in the preservation of its core thrusts there is still a need to be united in our approaches in addressing major concerns of evangelization. The event also aimed to build the core of the CFC leadership, stressing the importance of working as one body, and to synergize the team in bringing down the programs and thrusts of the community. Furthermore, the convention also hoped to promote empowered leadership by inspiration. The GLEC was indeed a venue to share personal challenges in leading and shepherding God’s people, to fully embrace their calling as missionaries in their own countries and areas. Here are highlights of the 1st CFC Global Leaders Empowerment Convention: Day 1 of the Global Leaders Empowerment Convention welcomed CFC leaders from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and from more than 30 countries at the One Esplanade, Pasay City. After the recitation of the Holy Rosary led by Irma Cuenca, wife of CFC Chairman Rikcy Cuenca, the convention officially began with a Holy Mass with Rev. Fr. Benedict Lagarde Jr. from the Missionaries of Jesus as main celebrant. Concelebrating the Mass were His Excellency Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa, Kenya; Fr. Anthony Hou, Fr. Simon Jia, Fr. Joseph Duan, and
Fr. Joseph Shen from China; and Fr. Pierre Faiquin from Mauritius. In the afternoon, GLEC participants were greeted by the unique shadow show of El Gamma Penumbra, which took the audience on a tour of the various famous landmarks of the Philippines. As the participants settled down, Mon Santiago, Regional Head for SouthAsia, facilitated the workshops. In the evening after Day 1 of the Global Leaders’ Empowerment Convention, CFC leaders donned the costumes of the countries they represent and spent time getting to know new friends and reconnecting with old ones through the CFC 32nd Anniversary Fellowship. The second day of the Global Leaders Empowerment Convention once again started with the recitation of the Rosary, led by Pat Villanueva of CFC USA. Hector Poppen, Country Head of CFC India, opened the convention with a powerful worship. International Council member and CFC Corporate Secretary Arnel Santos gave the first session, leaving the participants with the message that CFC is primarily a relationship: relationship with God (communion), with each other (community), and with others (mission). In the afternoon, CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca excited the GLEC participants once more with his contagious energy in serving the Lord. Day 2 of the GLEC culminated with the celebration of the Holy Mass, with Msgr. Allen Aganon as main celebrant. Day 3 of GLEC was the Lay-Clergy Congress, with Fr. Christian Limbaring of Vietnam opening with an inspiring worship. CFC Spiritual Director Msgr. Allen Aganon gave a talk on the role of a Spiritual Director, emphasizing on shepherding like Jesus does. After the session, Bishop Pablo David of Pampanga celebrated the Holy Mass together with international clergy, including Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa, Kenya.
CFC Urged to Engage in BCOP
ANCOP Global Walk 2013 A day of miracles!
During the MCG last September 1, 2013 at the Ateneo High School, CFC Chairman and BCOP Director Ricky Cuenca rallied the members of the Mission Core to engage in the programs under BCOP, or Building the Church of the Poor. According to Cuenca, as leaders of Couples for Christ, the Mission Core should live out the community’s two-pronged mission statement—to build the Church of the Home and build the Church of the Poor. During the Mass, Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, Military Ordinariate of the Philippines exhorted the MCG to embrace Jesus in the poor and those who need help. A video titled Buhay CFC (The CFC Life) kicked off Cuenca’s talk. In his discourse, the BCOP Director showcased each program under BCOP, namely ANCOP Education, ANCOP Shelter, Health, Livelihood, Environment, Migrants Program, Prison (Isaiah 61:1), Men in Uniform, Good Governance (STMA), and the Cooperatives, and how each person can actually be a stakeholder in any of the BCOP programs. Testimonies from those who are actually immersed in the BCOP Programs followed, each one inspiring fellow leaders to find fulfillment in living out the mission of Couples for Christ. Each BCOP Program set up their own booths where the members of the MCG can explore how they can get involved in the various BCOP offerings. Before the BCOP Program Heads were called in front for the prayer for empowerment, some ANCOP scholars encouraged CFC to “Jump In” via an upbeat dance number.
“Behold and Ponder” Couples for Christ 2014 Theme By George Campos
Several provinces in Luzon, and some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao experienced heavy rains the night of August 24, 2013. In Metro Manila, the logistics team had to stop three times during set up because of the heavy downpour. When Bishop Honesto Ongtioko of the Diocese of Cubao started the celebration of the Mass, he was literally competing with the sound of rain pouring over the Luneta crowd. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, the sun was slowly shining. But before the Mass in Luneta was over, the rains had let up. And before 6:00 AM, everyone was just rearing to walk. Aside from Metro Manila, walkers gathered in 80 other points among the 65 Philippine provinces, with only one battle cry: “I will walk for a scholar, walk with me!” The same global walk was likewise held simultaneously in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Singapore. The third year of the ANCOP Global Walk may have brought in more walkers, more partner institutions, and more who share in Couples for Christ’s advocacy to build the church of the poor. But more than the numbers, it is the miracle of bringing people from all walks of life and from anywhere in the world together, to share in the call to answer the cry of the poor.
The IC Discernment Weekend last September 6-8, 2013 was a deeply moving personal encounter for me with our God who has faithfully provided CFC with the guiding spirit that inspired all our themes that moved CFC forward according to His will and plan. The last day of the weekend fell on September 8, the Birthday of our Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother. Together with all the IC members and our respective spouses, we felt that the Lord gave her to us once more as a gift. She is the Lord’s gift to us, but He also wants us to be a gift to His Mother. For the past 2 years, the Holy Spirit has given to us our Blessed Mother to lead us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. We were called to “Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord” by embracing ON FIRE Missions in 2012. It was a call to proclaim. Then in 2013, it was a call to discipleship when CFC was challenged to “Obey and Witness” inspired by Mary’s prompting to “do whatever He tells you”. This coming year, 2014, Jesus is entrusting us to His mother. Inspired by John 19:26-27, “When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to her, ‘Woman, behold, your son’. Then He said to the disciple, ‘Son, behold, your Mother’. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” CFC is being called to a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. Mary received her new mission at the foot of Cross—to be the Mother of the Church. From that moment on, she became our own Mother, validating our identity as sons and daughters of God. And for us to embrace our true identity, we are to follow Mary from Cana to the foot of the cross. Significantly, 2014 is CFC’s 33rd year, the same number of years of Jesus’ earthly life to fulfill His mission of salvation. It is the same number of years from the Annunciation, when Mary became
the Mother of God, up to His death on the cross when Mary became the Mother of the Church. 33 years for Couples for Christ… Where is CFC? We are called to reflect in silence. We need to ponder on all the things that have transpired for the past 33 years in our beloved community. Luke 2:19, 51 “And Mary kept all these things in her heart… pondered them in her heart.” It is the 3rd year of our journey with Mary and this time, she is leading us to contemplate where the heart of CFC is at this point. In order for us to determine where CFC is we need to examine our spirituality with Christ as our example: • CFC as Christ the Beloved Son – 2014 is the Year of the Laity. God is calling all of us, His faithful, lay people, to reclaim our identity as His sons and daughters. “I am another Christ, the son of the Father.” Colossians1:15-16, with Mary as our Mother. • CFC as Christ the Loving Spouse – 33rd year as a community and our 3rd year journey with Mary. Christ as the Bridegroom, is the ultimate proof of self-giving love as reflected in the mystery of the crucifixion, while Mary’s fiat teaches us of spousal love between Christ and the Church. • CFC as Jesus the Son Sent by the Father – It is the era of New Evangelization. Put into the deep our relationship with God, with our spouse, and with our family. Furthermore, it is responding to the challenge of building the future of CFC. And so with much awe to our Lord and gratitude to our Mother, we embrace our theme for 2014 “BEHOLD and PONDER”. May it bring us to PONDER our identity, establish a deeper relationship with Christ, a fearlessness to go out into the deep, and to BEHOLD the wonder of God’s plan for CFC!