CBCP Monitor
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Vol. 18 No. 21 October 13 - 26, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Hail Mary! Queen of Families CFC’s Continuing Journey with Mary
By CFC Global Comm In preparation for the Community Consecration to Jesus thru Mary of the Global Family of Couples for Christ on December 7, 2014, the CFC Mission Core of Metro Manila held a recollection on Marian consecration last October 5, 2014. Rev. Fr. Melvin Castro, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, was Recollection Master. In the recollection, Fr. Castro recounted the meaning of consecration to Jesus through Mary, and why all should do it. “To consecrate (from the Latin words con and sacrare) means to make holy, to set apart for the Lord,” Fr. Castro said, to begin the recollection. The first consecration hap-
pened at the foot of the cross, when Jesus said, “Woman, behold your son... Behold, your Mother.” (John 19: 26-27) “Jesus wanted us to be taken care of by a mother,” Fr. Castro added. “But He didn't want it to be just any mother, but His own Mother.” This is what consecration is about: entrusting that the Blessed Mother knows what the faithful needs, even without telling her. “To be possessed, to be covered with the mantle of her protection, to be owned by Our Lady... means we submit ourselves to the Lord himself. When we consecrate ourselves to Mary, we consecrate ourselves to Christ,” Fr. Castro said. He added, “Any devotion to be true, it should lead us to Christ.”
And so on November 5, 2014 (Wednesday), the global CFC family shall begin the do-ityourself retreat prior to the community consecration using the book 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. On December 7, 2014, the global community of CFC will be consecrated to Jesus thru the Blessed Mother. The Marian consecration shall be done simultaneously in all CFC areas in the Philippines and foreign countries on December 7. On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, will mark the personal consecration of every CFC member. Fr. Castro concludes, “Through this consecration, let us, like John the beloved disciple, bring Mary into our own homes.”
CFC Leaders Personally Encounter Catchfire Rally 2014: Pope Francis at the Synod of Bishops Set the World Ablaze!
By CFC Global Comm CFC was blessed to be have a personal encounter with Pope Francis and to participate in the III Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family, with George and Cynthia Campos as official representatives of Couples for Christ in the Synod. The theme for this year’s Synod is “Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization”. According to the Vatican website, the Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution of the Catholic Church established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, shortly after the close of the Second Vatican Council. It was instituted to continue the spirit of collegiality and communion that was present at the Council. The Synod is an assembly of bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing counsel on important questions facing the Church in a manner that preserves
the Church’s teaching and strengthens her internal discipline. The ongoing Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is the third; previous Extraordinary General Assemblies were held in 1969 and 1985. The Preparatory Document described the purpose of the III Extraordinary General Assembly as “to define the status quaestionis (current situation) and to collect the bishops’ experiences and proposals in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the Family in a credible manner.” The III Extraordinary General Assembly will then thoroughly examine and analyze the information, testimonies and recommendations received from the particular Churches in order to respond to the new challenges of the family. The Synod opened last October 5, 2014. Together with Cardinals and Bishops, 13 lay individuals also participated in the Synod. George Campos
and wife Cynthia shared about their personal family life in the synod last October 7, 2014. Below is the testimony of the Campos couple, following the presentation of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila: Your Holiness, Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Are YOU a Christian in active service of a Church community or parish? • Are YOU a Christian seeking to be involved in Church ministry or service? • Are YOU a Christian who seem to have lost the zeal in Church ministry or service? • Are YOU a Christian simply longing to take your faith more seriously? If you are any of the above, then Catchfire is for YOU! Catchfire is a major inspirational event that aims to re-ignite the” fire” among Catholics and other Christians by allowing them to receive the fire of God’s love and spread it to others. After all, “Catchfire” means to ignite, to burn, to excite, to set on fire. Catchfire provides an exciting opportunity for Christians from all walks of life—from those who are already actively serving in the Church parishes and its communities to those who are still in search of more meaning in their faith—to become inspired, renewed and refreshed. Amidst a very cold and modern world, Catchfire aims to give hope, inspiration and courage. Through Catchfire, our hope is for people to receive the fire and spread it to others. What is the FIRE to be spread and for people to catch? The FIRE of God’s Love! By coming together as God’s people, Catchfire hopes to enable people to stand firm in their faith and engage in
the mission of evangelization amidst the moral relativism that they face in this modern world. On November 23, 2014 (Sunday), Christ the King Sunday, about 18,000 people from various Catholic Communities, as spearheaded by Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), Couples for Christ (CFC), and Familia, are expected to troop to the SMART Araneta Coliseum as they set the world ablaze. Catchfire will start with the Rally Proper, which promises an exciting afternoon of praise and worship with inspirational talks and personal testimonies that are meant to set ablaze the fire in the hearts of Catholics and other Christians so that they become more ready and willing to step out into the world and proclaim their faith. It will conclude with a Eucharistic Celebration on the occasion of Christ the King Sunday. Through Catchfire, people would be overwhelmed by God’s love that they would come out of it ready to do anything for Him. For inquiries and tickets, please call (02) 709-4868 local 25, or email cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com. An official Memo will be sent to all leaders in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces soon.
Our Call to Vocation: Cynthia and I were married in 1987, blessed with four children. In 1990, we became members of Couples for Christ, a Private Lay Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right. We have committed ourselves to be a living catechesis of our vision to live as “Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth”and our mission: “Building the Church of the Home and of the Poor” in the 107 countries that we are present in.
Kids save up for the Global Day of Service
CFC LEADERS/ C2
By Alma M. Alvarez As early as Summer of 2014, members of CFC Kds for Christ have been saving up in their decorated coin bottles, all eagerly looking forward to the day when they will crack their coin banks open and share the contents with those in need. And true enough, come September 27, 2014, during the Global Day of Service 5, CFC KFC opened their bottles of blessing in order to bless others. All over the world, children of all ages trooped to various locations together with their families in order to share love
in any way they can. This year’s GDS is Kids Love― To My Beloved, and kids all over the world were encouraged to express their love for the poor. Through GDS 5, children were made to understand how blessed they are, and how they could become blessings to those in need. The GDS became an instrument which empowered KFC to put their faith into action by doing something concrete, like saving up, pooling their resources and sharing everything they saved so they can help. The beauty of this year’s GDS is that the children did not just
stop at saving money themselves. They were likewise encouraged to tell their friends, classmates, cousins, etc. to do their own saving and sharing. Among the activities during the GDS 5 were cleaning up of schools and surrounding areas, gift-giving to Cornerstone tutees, helping SFC Ates and Kuyas in the feeding program, visiting the abandoned elderly, visiting other children in institutions, and tree planting. In Leyte, which was severely hit by typhoon YolaGDS/ C2
Ugnayan
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Canadian teen wears burlap dress to graduation and raises $10K for Philippine orphanage
By Romy Medina Courtney Barich, an 18-yearold senior from Holy Cross Regional High School in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada decided to forego a $700 prom dress for graduation. Instead, she has done the unthinkable by wearing a dress made of potato sack. Courtney felt guilty about buying a $700 dress, and so after her mother told her that she would look good even in a potato sack, she let go of the expensive dress, bought a $3 burlap fabric and sought the help of Vancouver Art Institute student designer Suman Faulkner to design a dress for her. All this was all part of an effort to raise $10,000 for San Martin De Porres Children’s Center in Tondo, Manila. Courtney started a website in December explaining: “I will give up the glitz and glam of a beautiful grad dress and I will wear a burlap dress to grad instead, if I can get $10,000 in much needed donations to help this orphanage.” Flashback Six months ago, thirty-two students from Grades 11 and 12 of Holy Cross Regional High School came to the Philippines to participate in what they call the Holy Cross Mission Trip 2014. The students, together with 7 teachers and a priest spent two weeks in immersion, building houses and making friends with residents in ANCOP Communities, namely ANCOP Kapatid Community, AVANAI and Our Lady of Banneux. Then, the group visited San Martin de Porres Children’s Center in Tondo, Manila. Courtney Barich, prior to her trip to Manila, had pledged to raise money for the said center. “It was definitely an eye-opener to see all the poverty, from the houses they
live in to the food they eat. All the kids were walking around with no shoes. It was very sad. I came back grateful,” she told Today.com. Labor of love Courtney Barich teamed up with designer Suman Faulkner of Lata Design, who donated her time and skills to create a white fitted one-strap gown, made from burlap, with a winding trail of small pink and yellow flowers. “For a teenager, the prom is almost like a wedding,” said Faulkner. “So for her to want to do this, it just touched my heart.” The stunning gown took two weeks to make, but for the designer it was no easy task as she was quite allergic to burlap. But despite this, the outcome was purely magical. Courtney went to her graduation ball in a glamorous and stunning burlap dress, all in the name of charity. On August 24, 2014, during the Ancop Walk Canada, Courtney Barich, presented a $15,000 cheque representing the money she raised through social media for the San Martin de Porres Children’s Center. The said amount will sponsor 40 children of Tondo, Manila in their one year education. Coming back to Manila On September 25, 2014, as promised, Courtney arrived in the Philippines, together with her sister Kelsey and friend Joseph. They dropped by ANCOP office where they were met by the staff and ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan. The next day, September 26, was very special for Courtney as she met her 40 sponsored children in San Martin de Porres Children’s Center. The children were very happy and excited to see Courtney in person. One by one, the students, all in elemen-
tary, introduced themselves and thanked her, at the same time promising that they will work hard in school. All the children knew Courtney’s burlap dress story. Courtney expressed her happiness in seeing the joy in the children’s eyes. She said, “I am also thankful that I was given the chance to help.” Courtney also asked for prayers as she embarks a new chapter in her life as she enters college. Courtney, Kelsey and Joseph distributed some goddie bags, including volleyballs and basketballs for the children. Courtney’s Story Immortalized Courtney was in for a surprise when Eunice Chua Cheng, Excecutive Director of San Martin Children Center and Ruel Canda, Livelihood Trainor brought her to the livelihood area and showed her assorted bags made from potato sacks. The bags were designed and made by Ruel Canda. Each bag has a tag showing Courtney’s picture holding a potato sack and her beautiful story. The bags were labeled “Courtney Inspired”. Courtney was asked to pick one for herself. She also signed her name in one of the bags for memorabilia purposes. Cheng said they are planning to sell the bags and use the proceeds for the children’s center needs. Kelsey and Joseph bought “Courtney Inspired” bags for themselves too. Courtney ended her Manila visit with an interview with a morning television program, “Good Morning Boss” at PTV 4 on September 29. Together with Kelsey and Vida Cuares, ANCOP Canada Coordinator for the Philippines, they told the story of the burlap dress, the burlap bags and their experiences with ANCOP and the children of San Martin de Porres.
CFC ANCOP Elects New Board of Directors
CFC ANCOP recently elected the new set of members of the Board of Directos during the recent membership meeting. The new BOD are Joe Yamamoto, Jimmy Ilagan, George Campos, Mannix Occampo,James Solano, Eric delos Reyes, Manny Garcia, Steve Maningat, and Arnel Santos. A new set of officers were likewise chosen, with Yamamoto as Chairman; Ilagan as President; Garcia as VP; and Maningat as Treasurer. Rene Punsalan remains Corporate Secretary. GDS / C1
na last year, KFC and their families went to the CFC ANCOP Communities and helped in the activities involving the building of houses in the area for the typhoon survivors. Of course, what is Kids for Christ without Kids Praise and prayer? In all the GDS activities, the children opened and closed the day with the recitation of the Rosary, kids praise, and the offering of special prayers. The kids also enjoyed creating love cards for their parents, siblings and new-found friends. These photos are a testimony that the innocent hearts of children are capable of expressing love at its purest. Through the Global Day of Service, CFC Kids for Christ hopes to truly pursue its vision of “Bringing Kids to the Lord and Building a Bright New World.” (To see more photos of Global Day of Service 5, please go to http://bit.ly/GDSfive and http:// bit.ly/GDSgroup)
CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2014
Princess Necy and Andrew --Pursuers of Dreams
Princess Necy Gonzales was born blind while Andrew Onas is nearly blind and an amputee. They are considered persons with disabilities (PWDs), but they prefer to be called as differently-abled. Due to lack of education, many blind people end up begging for alms in front of churches, along the sidewalks and other places where there are plenty of people. Under Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, the government is mandated to provide the differentlyabled citizens access to quality education. However, education especially among poor disabled persons remain a luxury. Princess Necy and Andrew have big dreams and ambitions, despite their physical conditions. They completed elementary and high school amidst plenty of sacrifices and unending challenges. In one week’s time, Princess Necy has proven to her doubting teachers and classmates that she could be in mainstream high school. Andrew has mobility problems and needs assistance in going to and from the school. But he persisted, finished high school and even learned how to swim. However, Princess Necy dropped out of school after one (1) year in college while Andrew was out of school for five years after completing high school. Their families could no longer support their college educa-
tion, which means no more dreams to fulfill. But God really has a way of connecting people in need to the right people. Andrew Onas was referred to CFC ANCOP by a partner organization, the Breaking Barriers of Child and Youth with Disabilities (BBCYD), to pursue tertiary education under the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP). Andrew started 1st year college at age 21 and after four (4) years of continuous financial support from ANCOP USA, he graduated from the Western Visayas State University last April 2014, with a degree in Special Education. Princess Necy, on the other hand, was endorsed by the Camarines Norte CSP team for the ANCOP scholarship. She was an ANCOP USA scholar since 2010 until May 2014, when she finally completed BS in Special Education at the Mabini Colleges. Princess Necy was cited by the provincial government for her outstanding achievement as the first visually impaired person that earned a degree in Special Education from an education institution in Camarines Norte. Andrew and Princess Necy took the board exams for Teachers last August 17, 2014. Both are hopeful they will pass and become licensed Teachers so they can do their share in educating differently abled young people. (Efren Tompong)
CFC LEADERS/ C1
Vocation Discernment: I applied to be a nun with the Rosas Hermanas (Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit), a contemplative congregation. I was accepted, however, I was asked to undergo a one-on-one directed retreat with a priest. At the end of the retreat the priest said, “You are not meant for the religious life. God will give you a husband who will help you rear the children who will serve Him in the future. Your work is outside.” After this seeming rejection from the Lord, I went back to school to finish my course. By the way, George was an altar server in the same convent I was applying to. I attained a high stature in a company I was working with for 25 years. At age 46, I opted to resign. I told the owner that “I have spent the first half of the prime of my life serving this company and now I want to spend the 2nd half serving the Lord.”Cynthia at 47, resigned too, so we can serve together as a couple. We have grown deeper in faith and love for the Lord through our teaching formations and weekly household prayer meetings with other couples. This blessed encounter with Jesus led us to become full time missionary disciples. Our children are following suit. They have joined the CFC Family Ministries beginning
with Kids, Youth and Singles for Christ. We have been in missions together in Vietnam, Thailand and Australia. Cynthia’s dangerous pregnancy: On my 4th pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. We were told that my life would be at risk if I continued the pregnancy and my child had a high probability of being born abnormal. We were advised to choose between terminating the pregnancy or taking the risk. It was truly a test of faith and surrender. We decided to have the baby and to abide by the will of God. By God’s grace, we both survived and my daughter Christen is now very healthy and full of life. Breast Cancer Diagnosis In 1998: I was diagnosed with breast cancer with 3 to 6 months to live. Instead of letting go of our service, we continued, supported by the prayers of my family and our CFC community. My prayer was, “Lord with just a flick of your finger you could change my illness. You just have to will it.” God heard our prayers for now I am standing before you, cured with a simple medical intervention and a dose of antibiotics. The pastoral formation and
support CFC gives strengthens and sustains us and our family in the daily challenges we face. But how about those who do not have the privilege of having a support group? And so our mission continues with greater passion. CFC has ministries for mature men (Servants of the Lord) and women (Handmaids of the Lord) who are single, with spouses working abroad, who lost their spouses either through death, legal separation/ divorce or a diverging view of associative Church groupings. For couples in irregular situations, the JACOB’s WELL ministry was established. This was inspired from the conversation of Jesus with the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John (4:1-42). It didn’t fare well due to mutually felt uneasiness and lack of interactive preparedness with regularly married couples and a Church advisory that our organization is meant only for couples married in Church. An enlightened pastoral charity inaugurating innovative forms of “accompaniment”, of conjugal spirituality formation and of inclusionary participation in church life leading to full communion needs promotion and enactment by our ordained ministers. Caritas Christi urget nos. Grazie!
Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 21 October 13 - 26, 2014
Men’s Conference – Abba Father
C3 Mission Story
Meeting God on the road to Botswana
By Bads & Agnes Ellica
By Ammie Quizon-Alano “This is going to be historical”, exclaimed one of the organizers during the planning stage of the Men’s Conference. He was referring to the recent Abba Father’s Weekend, the firstever men’s conference held in St. John’s Church, Kuala Belait, Brunei, with 76 registered participants. Being the first conference conducted and attended by fathers and fathers-to-be, the preparations involved even the cooperation and participation of the families of the participants. Through God’s grace and guidance, help and motivation, all things went well. The first talk titled “God’s Plan for Fathers” delivered by Charly Laiz gave the fathers the chance to reflect on how they are doing as a father and as a husband. They were asked to ponder on their relationships in the family, asking questions like, Are they giving enough love to their families? Or they are just the typical breadwinner and
provider? The second session, “A Father’s Response to a FastChanging World”, by Willy Padida, gave the participants an overview of the father’s role. Towards the end of the talk, they were enlightened on how they can balance their time with their jobs, with their families, including their time to do their service in the church or in the community they belong to. They were also asked to set their priorities in life. Sharers Eiel, daughter of an OFW, and Jeremiah Naweh, son of participant Johnny Naweh moved the fathers to tears, as the two honored their respective fathers on their great sacrifices for their children and families. Session three was a bit emotional, as the title suggests, “Redeeming Love”. It was all about loving and forgiving. Videos featuring father-andson relationships made some tough men cry as they recalled their own fathers, remembering their own relationships with their fathers and their present
relationships with their own sons. Sharers, Bien, Rene and Rodman gave moving accounts on their respective fathers, honoring them for what they are now and for what they become as fathers. The video about forgiveness gave substance to the talk, and the personal testimonies led to the prayer for healing and forgiveness. The importance on how men father their children and the famous line, “Let Go and Let God” was emphasized. Overall, the conference was summarized as forgiveness doesn’t change the fact, can’t erase the past but enlarges the heart and enables one the capacity to love people who have caused hurt. The final session, “Never Too Late to Start” gave each participant time to reflect on how the Lord can lead them as a father and as a husband. Indeed, it was an empowering weekend, giving the fathers an opportunity to be recharged, and be refreshed about their roles as fathers and husbands.
First Issues of UGNAYAN Turned Over to CFC GMC
On the 19th of September 2014, the team for Botswana was formed from among the available South African-based fulltime missionary workers. The team went in a private car owned and driven by a local South African FTW, Dillon Naicker, who was part of the team along with Bads and Agnes Ellica and Zee Deiparine. The road looked better than many roads back home and driving was at a steady speed of 120 kilometers per hour but it was a seemingly endless journey. The destination was Francistown where CFC community is already established. However, after 6 hours of travel, it only brought us to Gaborone, the capital city, which is another 6- hour drive away and driving at night is too dangerous due to the presence of wild animals. We were forced to rest overnight at Gaborone. It was a blessing as it gave us the opportunity to visit the Filipino parish priest, Fr. Ariel in his Church and meet some of his fellow Filipino parishioners. The following day, the team proceeded with the journey to Francistown. It was another 6-hour drive where the car experienced some alarming mechanical sound that made everybody uneasy. As not one among us has technical know-how, we went on with our journey trusting fully in the Lord’s faithfulness that He will bring us to our destination safely. And by God’s grace and mercy, we reached Francistown safely despite the disturbing sounds that became sharper and stronger in the last 30 minutes of our travel. We were received by the CFC Country Head, Felix Onya who escorted us directly to our host, Aris and Angela Urio, where we were briefed on the plan for the following day. The program was simple. We attended Mass at 8 a.m. and conducted the conference after. The talks were given for one hour by each speaker. The 21 participants were vibrant and particularly drawn by the moving and touching testimony of Dillon Naicker on the challenges of the family in the first talk. The four talks were
aptly delivered, reminding everyone of our basic Christian calling to pursue and continue the mission of Christ, to give glad tidings to the poor, and to fully engage in the evangelization and mission work as the true demonstration of internalizing the message of the Gospel. In the concluding talk, all were concretely led to understand the significance of being called the Beloved Sons and Daughters of God, which prompts each Christian and CFC member even more, to accept the call to be another Christ to others. The culminating kiss of peace truly expressed the unity of the community as the participants’ gladdened faces could hardly contain their overwhelming joy in having experienced God’s presence. Once again, the Holy Spirit graciously manifested His divine power in rekindling the hearts of this CFC community who remained true to their covenant despite the challenges of not having received continuous nourishment from our Global Mission Centre for a period of time. After the hearty parting of the Beloved Conference participants, the fulltime missionaries were accompanied by Angela Urio in paying our respects to His Excellency Bishop Frank Nubuasah, SVD. The good Bishop was a true father in nature with his warm accommodating words of welcome. We felt so at home with him even if we only met him for the first time. He was aware of the painful split that created some problems among the members but exhorted us, with his support and encouragement to continue the work. After the conference was a teaching night at the house of Dominic Mwansa. The teaching was a re-visit of the life and mission of CFC underscoring the essentials of the community such as the regular conduct of household prayer meetings, daily personal prayers and reading of the Holy Scripture. It was also accentuated that the transformation of each one is a continuous living out, of the Gospel message as well as sharing and proclaiming the Good News. It was therefore reiterated that the tangible sign of this conversion is for each one to bring at least one member to the community and conduct regular yearly CLP.
Priests from CFC families
Sons of Couples for Christ in Pangasinan, former members of YFC, now members of the clergy, all four of them, concelebrating the Mass at the Pangasinan anniversary. CFC truly praises and thanks the Lord for Fr. Allan Abuan, Fr. Greg Francisco, Fr. George Bacani, and Fr. Jonathan Dulay.
The Pastoral Formation Office, thru its Director Arnel Santos, received three volumes of the first issues of the UGNAYAN from Caloy Yturzaeta this morning at the the CFC Global Mission Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The UGNAYAN is the official publication of Couples for Christ. Yturzaeta was one
of the earliest editors-in-chief of the UGNAYAN. The hardbound copies of the newsletter were entrusted to the CFC Global Mission Center and will become part of the CFC heritage library. Katy Abaño is lending her expertise in the design of the CFC heritage library. (A. Alvarez)
Ablaze Communications launched its early Christmas campaign last October 13, 2014. Dubbed the 12 Days of Christmas, the campaign aims to encourage everyone to go beyond gift-giving. More than celebrating the season, Ablaze challenges all to celebrate the Reason for the season. Visit the Ablaze store every Monday, until Christmas at the CFC Global Mission Center, 156 20th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City. The News Supplement of Couples for Christ The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com facebook.com/CFC.Global.Mission
@CFChrist
George B. Campos IC Oversight
Bernadette Cuevas Editor-in-Chief
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist
Evangeline C. Mecedilla Circulation Staff
Couples for Christ Serves Episcopal Commission on Missions Couples for Christ is now actively serving the Episcopal Commission on Missions (ECM). According to ECM Chairman Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD of the Diocese of Sorsogon, “CFC is now involved because at least 2 of them, George Campos and Jun Famatigan, are in the Philippine Catholic Mission Commission or PCMC.” The PCMC is an arm of the ECM, which helps make policies and programs in view of the numerous activities, especially for the culmination of the 5th centennial of the evangelization of the Philippines in 2021. Bishop Bastes added, “CFC, among the lay organizations, is the most organized in terms of international and local missions.
And because of this vast experience, the community is very ready to help us.” Today, the ECM Execom composed of Fr. William Larousse, MM, Secretary of the PCMC; Fr. Andrew Recepcion, Mission Director of the Archdioceses of Caceres and Consultant for the ECM; Fr. Soc Mesiona, MSP, National Director of the Philippine Missions Society and Executive Secretary of the ECM; Bishop Arturo Bastes; George Campos, Executive Director of CFC; and Jun Famatigan, convened to formulate the national mission plan. One of the concrete activities that the ECM has decided to do is the creation of a newsletter. They are also looking at doing a
survey on the mission situation of the Philippines. A major event that the group is excited about is the planning for a big national mission conference set tentatively for May 18-21, 2015. “In the conference, we will be inviting mission directors, bishops and lay people, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vatican II document on the missions, Missio Ad Gentes. This will also give us Filipino missionaries to have a good formation on missions,” Bishop Bastes said. The meeting was held at the newly-refurbished office of the ECM, which Bishop Bastes blessed this morning. A luncheon followed to celebrate the occasion. (A. Alvarez)
CBCP Monitor
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Vol. 18 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2014
‘God’s Beloved’: A Victorious UAE HOLD 2014 NatCon
By Connie Balda
This year’s HOLD International Conference in the Philippines was a 3-day affair and a 1-day condensed version of the event was echoed on September 19, 2014 at the Abu Dhabi Country Club needed a great deal of creativity and prayers. A total of 576 participants from all over the UAE were present. An inspiring opening prayer paved the way for the sessions for the HOLD ICON echo. Marilu Moreto, who gave the talk titled “Quiet My Soul, Oh Lord”, taught the Handmaids that it is only in silence that one can listen to and Hear Jesus speak. The second speaker, UAE AGT Wife, Amie Valarao talked on “Lord, That I May See”. The session talked about being transformed, being evangelizers and having hearts committed to work with the poor. Like Mama Mary, HOLD needs to give that heartfelt “Yes” and
call on the Holy Spirit to help each one accomplish the work set before every member and leader. The third Speaker, Jessy Corpus of Doha, Qatar talked about “In Your Presence, Lord”. The opening song, “I Just Wanna Be Where You Are”, implied that all must strive to be where Jesus is. UAE NC Wife Jingle Valencia, the fourth Speaker spoke on “At the Foot of the Cross”. It was about Jesus Christ’s sufferings as Christians walked with Mother Mary through her sorrows from the Cross and to the Tomb. The last Speaker was Bernie Cuevas from the Philippines on “God’s Beloved”. This powerful session talked about what a Handmaid’s true identity should be—as God’s Beloved. Each HOLD was told to “wear the attire of” Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience and Forbearance, Forgiveness and Love. The sessions were interspersed with personal testimonies which enhanced the message of each talk.
CFC UAE Leaders Meet with HE Bishop Paul Hinder
By Baltazar Quiambao The CFC-UAE’s National Council, the Area Governance Teams of the three Areas (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates) and the ME and Africa Regional Center Coordinator, were granted an audience by His Lordship Bishop Paul Hinder last September 6 at the Bishop’s House in St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. Despite His Lordship’s very hectic schedule in pastoring God’s flock in his vicariate, Bishop Paul attentively listened and interacted with the top leaders of CFC-UAE. Ramuel Garcia, CFC-UAE National Director, presented the highlights of the community’s national and global events and activities, including missionary activities in CFC UAE supported mission countries. Among these were, the mission trip to Lebanon in January, Team Building training and workshop of top leaders in February, Behold and Ponder Conferences in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Seychelles, and KSA, Mission Pairing Workshop for the UAE’s Mission Countries, and various Pastoral Teachings conducted by CFC International Council Members from Manila together with the Regional Coordinator of ME and Country Coordinator of UAE, Romy Alfaro. In the second quarter of the
year, missions in Nagaland-India, Burundi, Namibia, Egypt and Pakistan were among those victoriously conducted. But God’s miracle was not completed yet: a mission trip in Iraq has re-established the CFC community there with the help of a former Abu Dhabi SFC member and some Filipino church workers. Thus, when the humanitarian crises in Iraq worsened, the CFC community was one of the firsts who was sought for help by the affected area’s Archbishop and Clergies. Immediately, relief operations were launched in coordination with the top leadership of the UAE and the National Council. Financial assistance was immediately sent to the area under the care of the Archbishop. Garcia reported to Bishop Hinder the community’s involvement, not only in terms of evangelization efforts, but even in the more practical initiatives of bringing glad tidings to the poorest of the poor through its BCOP-ANCOP initiatives. Early this year, CFC UAE donated over Php3.0 M to victims of the typhoon “Yolanda” through ANCOP’s shelter and community development programs. The community also pledged to fund 3 surgical missions, with the first one was already completed, while the second and third are scheduled in the 4th quarter. CFC UAE ANCOP current-
ly sponsors 100 college level scholars and is funding 18 Cornerstone projects. While the community is involved in all of these, it continues to focus on strengthening couples and family ministry members by implementing spiritual and family life formation teachings and cross-over programs for its young adults. His Excellency was also briefed with the coming events and activities and the pastoral visits of Bishop Joseph Nacua, Msgr. Allen Aganon, the Spiritual Director of the CFC Global community, and Bishop Pablo David in November. For his part, His Lordship praised God for continuing to use the community and its members mightily in God’s vineyard. He also reminded the top leaders that as the community experiences unprecedented growth in membership and achievements, CFC must maintain its fidelity to the Church and continue to nurture spiritual maturity of its members by immersing them with the teachings of Christ and coordinating and cooperating with the spiritual advisers of the community in the three areas. In parting, His Lordship announced the completion of the multi-room parish hall which will be made available to all communities in the parish, and blessed the top leaders and the CFC UAE community.
Jebel Ali cluster leaders conduct four-day mission in Egypt Art and Elle Los Baños, leaders of Jebel Ali cluster under Dubai area, conducted a four-day mission at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Maadi, Cairo, from August 28 to 31. It was the first overseas mission of the couple who pastors two CFC chapters as well as a SOLD and HOLD chapter. They first gave Talks 8 and 9 of the Household Leaders Training in the evening of August 28 before an SFC and an HOLD household leader, together with three singles and three handmaids. Elle talked about ‘Brotherly and Sisterly Love’ while Art discussed the importance of ‘Evangelistic Headship.’ The next day, the couple presented Talks 3 and 4 of the Christian Life Program before two CFC participants and four HOLD participants in the afternoon. Aside from the service team members, several brothers and sisters listened to the talks, too. It was supposedly their rest day being a Friday but they chose to come and were very supportive of the new missionaries. The Covenant Orientation (CO) was the 3rd teaching module assigned to the two. On August 30, Art discussed the purpose and sacredness of a covenant and Elle encouraged the participants to enhance their prayer life and reminded them to
read the scriptures every day. On the fourth day, they continued the CO with Elle emphasizing on strengthening family life in order to defend God’s creation and to renew the face of the earth. Art reiterated to the participants comprising Filipinos, Nigerians, Kenyans and Cameroonians the Christian culture of CFC and assured them that wherever they go they will always feel at home when they attend a CFC gathering as the practices are the same. As a gesture of solidarity with the CFC community in Maadi, the couple turned over several new Bibles and a cash donation collected from the MER 2 and Mega CLP service teams of Jebel Ali cluster. The cash donation was used to purchase a window type air-conditioning unit for the new CFC Maadi mission house. Art and Elle promised the leaders that they will continue supporting their evangelization work and are looking forward to their next mission trip. Recollecting on their first overseas mission Elle said: “Brethren in CFC Maadi made us feel welcome, special, and valuable. They validated us and our roles as missionaries. God was talking to us through our brethren.” (A. Los Baños)
SFC UAE Finishes Mission Exchange Program 2014
Egypt is known as the land of pharaohs, pyramids and mummies. It is also popular as the setting for the stories of Moses, Aaron and the 10 Commandments in the Old Testament, of the hiding place of the Holy Family from King Herod in the New Testament. It is also the place where you will find Virgin Mary’s tree, the Hanging Church, the floating Bible, to name a few things of significance to the Coptic Catholic faith. “Blessed be Egypt my people.” (Isaiah 19:25)―this passage was read open when the ‘floating Bible’ was found on 12th March 1976 along the suburb area of Maadi, Cairo along the Nile River. Indeed, the power of
Divine Intervention led another Mission Exchange 2014 Program team of seven 7 Singles for Christ (SFC) members from UAE and Qatar, to Cairo, Egypt. The team arrived on 4th September 2014 and completed the 9-day Mission Exchange Program on 13 September 2014. The first full day and leg of the Mission Exchange Program on 5 September 2014 included the promotion of the first ever CFC Egypt National Conference (NATCON), “The Beloved Weekend”, in the morning and the Christian Life Program Talks 5 and 6 in the evening. With the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, and the direction, support and inputs of Joel “Jojo” Sarmiento, CFC Country Head for Egypt, and his wife, Tita Lany Sarm-
iento, the CLP Talks were conducted to 12 participants for CFC (4), HOLD (6) and SFC (2). The following 6 days were daily reminders for the Beloved Weekend after every morning Mass followed by conducting the Christian Character Weeknights (CCW), an Intercessory Prayer night and fellowship with SFC Kenyan sisters, and a Household Meeting with one SFC brother’s household group. The first night of the CCW, the Prologue and Talk 1: The Character of Humility, was attended by 9 SFC Members, and a couple. The following CCW night of Talk Nos. 2: The Character of Courage and 3: Our Emotions and Our Character highlighted by colorful Emotions Letter Activity, was contemplated on and enjoyed by 4 CFC, 6 HOLD and 12 SFC members. The third CCW night of Talk 4: Righteous and Unrighteous Anger, coupled with reflection writing and Confession, was attended by a total of 23 participants. Talk 5: The Character of Surrender together with healing activity, on the fourth CCW night, was another insightful night for 3 CFCs, 6 HOLDs and 10 SFC members. The last CCW night (Talk 6: A Heart Attuned to Christ) that ended with The Lord’s Day Celebration and praise fest of songs and dances, had 19 CFC, HOLD & SFC-Egypt members and the Mission
Exchange Team. With much excitement and zeal, the SFC Mission Exchange Team-Egypt was blessed with the opportunity of being the Service Team during the first ever CFC-Egypt NATCON “The Beloved Weekend” on the 12th of September 2014. A crowd of 62 brothers and sisters listened eagerly to the talks, with everyone blessed through the Spirit and wisdom-filled prologue and talks by Ramuel “Ram” Garcia, UAE National Director, BCOP Head, and Regional Coordinator for North Africa; and Ronald “Ronnie” Rasco, Country Coordinator for Egypt, with his wife Malou. The personal testimonies added life to the Conference. Edmond Durst, a convert from non-practicing Orthodox Catholic to convicted Roman Catholic, proclaimed “Jesus Christ is 100% human, and 100% God!”. Mhob Rose, a single woman coping with life’s difficulties and trials affirmed that “serving the Lord is my source of strength and wisdom”, and Jocelyn Cacho, an SFC Mission Exchange Volunteer and member for 13 years, exclaimed and testified “forgiveness is very difficult, but possible by the grace of God”. The First CFC-Egypt NATCON was even made inspiring with the visit of Fr. Joseph Amin, the Parish Priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Cairo,
Egypt. The Beloved Weekend was concluded with the powerful praise fest led by Joel “Jojo” Sarmiento. The last day of the Mission Exchange Program was highlighted with The Master’s Stroke, a teaching by Garcia, and was attended by 2 CFC, 5 SFC, 5 HOLD-Egypt leaders & members, 3 incoming YFC members, plus the Mission Exchange Team. All of above mentioned CLP, first CFC-Egypt Nat-Con “The Beloved Weekend”, CCW and Master’s Stroke teachings, conducted at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Maadi, Egypt were attended by members and non-members of CFC alike. Indeed the harvest is plenty in this part of the world. The mission was also a thanksgiving by four of the Team Egypt members, two of whom celebrated their birthdays just before leaving for mission, and another two celebrated their birthdays while on mission. Indeed, the mission was also a celebration of God’s gifts of life. (By The SFC-Mission Exchange Team-Egypt 2014: Gilbert Mariano, Annie Gervacio, Maria Victoria Gervacio, Maricel Ternate, Jocely Cacho, Sis Leorosa Vercede, Verna Moralita)