UGNAYAN May 2 to 15, 2016

Ugnayan

THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 20 No. 15

May 2 - 15, 2016 C1

CFC inks deal with ABS-CBN for new TV show Couples for Christ has marked a new milestone in its history. The community now has a TV show!

CFC Chairman Joe Tale, CFC President George Campos and CFC Director for Communications Michael Ariola set the ball rolling for this significant event when they signed the contract covering the airing of the TV show with executives of ABS-CBN last April 26 at the ELJ Building, ABSCBN Complex in Quezon City. The ABS-CBN executives were Ms. Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast, Ralph Menorca (ABS-CBN Head of Programming Content and On-Air Management), and Catherine Lopez (ABS-CBN Head of Finance for Broadcast and Intergrated News).

In the initial season, CFC TV will be airing 13 episodes of Pluma, which will feature inspiring and extraordinary stories of ordinary people who are members of Couples for Christ and its ministries (Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ, Kids for Christ, Servants of the Lord and Handmaids of the Lord).

More than merely touching the hearts of televiewers, Pluma will tell of God’s extravagant love and grace in the lives of ordinary people, strengthening their hope in life and faith in God. The series aims to proclaim the sanctity of the family, the beauty of Christian values, the essence of unwavering faith and the joy and humor in each person's personal journey.

Pluma will be aired on Channel 2 starting May 22, 2016, and every Sunday after that, at 5:30 in the morning. (Alma Alvarez)

One Africa—21 years of God’s faithfulness Leaders of the six regions of CFC Africa gathered at the Elementaita Country Lodge in Nakuru, Kenya recently for the One Africa Conference.

CFC Chairman Joe Tale, IC member and African Continent Overseer Michael Ariola and Evangelization and Missions Office Coordinator Nic Escalona travelled to Kenya to lead the conference. They were joined by East Africa Region Coordinator Jun Clarito and his wife Malou, and Lay Laya, Regional Coordinator for the Indian Ocean Islands.

Abraham Munene, CFC Kenya Country Head, welcomed the delegates, while Jun Clarito gave the overview of the conferencecum-strategic planning.

Tale delivered a talk about the CFC Global Status and Directions for the year.

In his exhortation, Ariola expressed gratitude for the 21 years of CFC Africa and termed those 21 years as evidence of God's faithfulness to the region. Bishop Maurice Muhatia of the Diocese of Nakuru celebrated the Holy Eucharist.

(Caloy Rubio)

Top photo: Ms. Cory Vidanes and Joe Tale exchange ceremonial pens. Left photo: Network executives pose with Joe Tale, George Campos and Shok Ariola. Right photo: The three IC members signing the contract.

At the Heart of the Celebration As the saying goes, each time a soul gets converted, the angels in heaven celebrate. Luke 15:7 attests to this. And daily, God calls each one of His children to conversion.

It may not be as dramatic as Saul’s conversion, but day by day, a little bit at a time, God calls each person to surrender his or her life more and more deeply.

This was how Deanna Griño presented Session 1, in the form of a worship concert, where she told of Saul’s transformation, mission and imprisonment, and how he exhibited joy, prayer and gratitude in his ministry.

When Saul became Paul after his change of heart, he immediately set out on mission, going to different places proclaiming the Word of God. Among those whom he led to conversion were women, influential women who used their resources in helping the mission and converting their households.

In the same way, the Handmaids of the Lord, following the lead of the CFC, have embraced as their mission sharing the Gospel to other women.

The HOLD ICON, known for its festive presentations, powerful talks and inspiring testimonies,

The Beatitudes—A Stairway to Heaven According to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “the beatitudes are also a roadmap for the Church… they are directions for discipleship, directions that concern every individual…”

This echoes what St. Gregory of Nyssa said: “the Beatitudes build one upon the other”, like a stairway that each person needs to climb in order to reach heaven.

Flor Victoriano, HOLD Coordinator in Mindanao, discussed the beatitudes in her talk during the conference. These are: • Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Admitting that one cannot make it on his own efforts is the first step on the path to heaven. Being poor in spirit means everything one has can only come from God. Humility and being childlike brings openness and a sense of inner peace, knowing fully well that one can trust God who is all powerful and loving.

• Blessed are they who mourn: for they will be comforted.

The more one is humble and becomes aware of God’s presence in one’s life, the more he or she becomes aware of one’s imperfections. This sorrow allows one to come to repentance. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, one gains strength to resist sin despite the external pressures.

• Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness does not mean weakness. It is strength under control. Despite His power, he surrendered fully to the Father’s will, becoming the servant of all. After His sacrifice, death and resurrection, Jesus affirmed God’s promise of inheriting the Kingdom prepared for each person by the Father.

• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

This beatitude focuses on God’s call for all to be holy, to be intimate with God as each has been called to do as His children.

The first four beatitudes represent a soul’s journey of searching for a right relationship with God. The last four,

CFC Build My Church completes more churches The CFC-BMC (Build My Church) Core Group announced recently that since its launching, the program has accomplished the construction of two new chapels: the Our lady of Fatima chapel in Batasan Hills, Quezon City and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Padre Garcia, Batangas.

Major renovations have also been done on the San Jose chapel in Luisiana, Laguna and the Santa Rita Chapel in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, on-going renovations are being done on the Ina ng Laging Saklolo chapel, in Payatas Trece, Q.C.; the San Agustin Chapel in BMC, C2

HOLD ICON, C2

One Africa, from top: Bishop Maurice Mohatia with the CFC leaders; CFC Africa leaders fellowship; Bp. Muhatia blessing the leaders; Joe Tale & Jun Clarito; leaders strategic planning; Lay Laya leading the opening worship.

A Letter From The CFC International Council Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Peace and Joy be with you!

Elections in a democracy, as Cardinal Chito Tagle stated in his homily delivered on May 2, 2016, are an opportunity for a great blessing. They are participation to a gift, and the act of voting is something that is rooted not just on our love for country but also our love for God. As the 2016 National Elections draw near, let us rejoice in this blessing that we shall exercise our “capacity to participate intellectually, rationally, and with conscience.” More importantly, we come together in unity and prayer to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit in choosing the next leaders of our nation.

We turn for guidance to the CBCP Statement dated May 1, 2016, entitled “PROPHETS OF TRUTH, SERVANTS OF UNITY-- Pastoral Appeal in the Spirit of Our for Love of God and Country.” We ask everyone, especially CFC leaders, to read this pastoral guidance in full. Let us heed the call of our Church, to “cast our votes as an act not only of citizenship but also as a public declaration of faith.”

Let us deeply examine our hearts and remember that “[a] choice for a candidate who takes positions that are not only politically precarious but

worse, morally reprehensible, cannot and should not be made by the Catholic faithful and those who take their allegiance to Christ and his Kingship seriously.”

Let us be mindful that “one cannot proclaim Christ as King and at the same time accept the governance of one whose thoughts, speech and demeanor are diametrically opposed to the demands of submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”

Let us also ponder on our bishops’ exhortation that change “cannot take the form of supporting a candidate whose speech and actions, whose plans and projects show scant regard for the rights of all, who has openly declared indifference if not dislike and disregard for the Church specially her moral teachings.”

Finally, we echo the CBCP’s encouragement for CFC members, in the Philippines and abroad, to pray the Rosary and receive Holy Communion every day from May 1-9 for the intentions of “a godly electoral process”.

May the Lord grant us the grace to be instruments of peace, reconciliation and healing.

JOSE T. TALE Chairman

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May 2 - 15, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 15

What’s a Fiesta all about?

CBCP Monitor

HOLD ICON, C1

in turn, represent a continuing journey of a transformed soul that is slowly bearing fruit and having a deeper relationship with God. • Blessed are the merciful: for they shall be shown mercy.

Jesus taught his followers to understand true mercy, through the Lord’s Prayer, the parable of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ conversation with the thief while on the cross. Forgiveness is cooperating with God’s grace. As mercy is shown, the healing grace of God flows in and through a person.

• Blessed are the pure of heart: they will see God. Purity of heart means shedding much of the things that keep it away from the Lord. The promise of seeing God does not only pertain to the eternal perspective but being embraced by God’s love while here on earth.

• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Peace is more than the absence of war.

It is a condition of completeness, not lacking, no anxiety or fear.

• Blessed are they who are persecuted because of righteousness, theirs is the kingdom of God. Dying to one’s self, one’s ambitions, desires and sins out of love for God and others promises the eternal life in the Father’s kingdom.

God did not give the beatitudes to burden man but to give him a foretaste

of God’s image. Climbing up the stairway must not be a dreadful experience, rather it should push each one to immerse himself in prayer, seek God’s guidance and graces, embrace our weaknesses as God does, and develop a humble desire to serve. Surely, the Lord will bless one’s heart with joy.

It is also a sign of one’s calling, which if one accepts, can be a symbol of anointing and empowerment. Galsim challenged everyone—Are you prepared to accept God’s offer and pledge to pursue a life of deep intimacy with Him? Celebrating the intimacy

Having been touched like Paul by God’s transforming love, and going through the process of becoming more intimate with the Lord, the Handmaids, according to Edythe Avendaño, HOLD International Coordinator, are being transformed into women of prayer, women of gratitude and women of joy.

Despite obstacles to praying, like lack of time, cares of the world, distractions, sin, spiritual dryness, and spiritual sloth or acedia, prayer should be a non-negotiable part of one’s life.

The HOLD are also exhorted by St. Paul to give thanks in all circumstances, cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

He likewise encourages all to rejoice in the Lord always. How? By having the right attitude, being in the right relationship with God, walking by His Spirit, seeing things from God’s perspective, and serving the Lord. Why? Because “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Hence, one’s interior transformation must also find expression outwardly in serving God and others. Many saints are great models of this expression. It is fitting to grow in intimacy with God, experience joy that is found only in Him and maintain an attitude of gratitude. (Alma Alvarez)

Growing in Intimacy with God

As discussed by Didi Galsim, HOLD Coordinator for Europe, Pope Benedict XVI said in his homily that Jesus is the true picture of the beatitudes. Therefore, the Handmaids must mirror Him, and aspire to faithfully live out the beatitudes.

The beatitudes, coupled with prayer, God’s Word, the sacraments and the presence of other people, can manifest that the Lord is truly near.

Christ thirsts for His people. It is not a physical thirst, but a longing for love and intimacy with Him. How then, should God’s children respond to this yearning?

By praying, participating in His work, in His suffering, and in faith.

Committing in intimacy

Journeying towards an intimacy with God gives a beautiful experience of being covered by Him. The HOLD mantle, which was given to all the delegates, represents this covering, like a cloak or shawl worn by people of the Old Testament. It is a token of God’s intimate presence, something that covers a person and serves as protection from the elements, a symbol of being enveloped in God’s love and protection.

At the heart of the celebration, from top: marching band from the University of San Carlos; Pandangguhan number opening the Fiesta night; Sinulog queen praising through dance; Marian procession with CFC & HOLD leaders.

Summer time is usually fiesta time in the Philippines. Almost every day, the feast day of a saint is celebrated in towns and provinces. Food, music, dancing and merry-making usually accompany a fiesta. However, it is interesting to note that most of the famous festivals in the Philippines have religious backgrounds, and are actually rooted in the Christian faith of Filipinos.

Amidst all the rejoicing, there is always the element of prayer in a fiesta.

The abundance of food is an offering of gratitude for bountiful blessings received, whether in the form of harvest, or the coming of a child in the family, or being spared from calamity.

The Handmaids of the Lord incorporated CFC’s theme for 2016—“Rejoice.

Pray. Give Thanks.”—in the HOLD International Conference (ICON) held over the weekend of April 29 to May 1.

The conference was a fiesta celebration and the theme of rejoicing, thanksgiving and prayer was palpable throughout the entire event. The inspiration for the weekend were the many popular festivals celebrated throughout the Philippines, particularly those that incorporate the expression of worship and gratitude to the Almighty.

Rejoice.

In whom must one rejoice? The Lord!

The popular festival that expresses this rejoicing is none other than the Sinulog of Cebu.

The Sinulog is a dance ritual to honor the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño.

Early Christian conquerors transformed a native dance into a worship dance that now honors properly the one true God, Jesus, the Sto. Niño!

The dance moves to the sound of drums that resembles the current of a river, which is called “sinulog” in Cebuano.

The chant “Pit Senyor,” is part of the dancing. It is a shortcut for “Sangpit sa Señor”, which is a prayer to God. It means “calling, asking and pleading to the King.”

Another dance of rejoicing is the Subli which is not just a folk dance but an expression of worship because it originated as a worship dance. This dance is performed during the feast of the Holy Cross in Batangas.

Pray.

A fiesta, or a feast, is not just about rejoicing. More importantly, it is about praying. This is why the culmination of every fiesta is the procession of the image of the saint whose feast day is being celebrated. The procession is an expression of the people’s devotion to that particular saint.

In Fort Pilar in Zamboanga, the faithful pray to the Blessed Mother not inside a church, but in front of a stone wall where the image of the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar is enshrined. During this feast, people dance in front of the wall shrine to show their devotion and gratitude to the Blessed Mother for protecting the fort from attacks of non-Christian

invaders during the early Spanish period.

Honoring the Lord and Mother Mary happens in the waters, too. After all, the mountains are the Lord’s, and so are the rivers and the seas. And so in the feast of the Santo Rosario in Cavite, the people give praise and honor to God and the Blessed Mother through a fluvial procession.

Give Thanks.

Christians are a very grateful people.

The faithful thank God, Mother Mary, and the saints for their intercession and protection. The festival of the Pahiyas of Lucban, Quezon exemplifies this thanksgiving. During the festival, people show gratitude for abundant and good harvest by decorating houses with the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. The image of San Isidro Labrador is honored during the fiesta procession, not only through the usual procession but through a very unique practice. During the procession, carabaos that form part of the procession kneel before the church door as they pass by.

In Pateros, where the world famous balut (fertilized duck embryo) is produced, the annual fiesta is in honor of St. Martha. It is believed that Santa Marta saved the balut industry when the saint protected the ducks of Pateros from preying crocodiles in the rivers of Pateros. In thanksgiving, the people dance at the procession of Santa Marta during her feast day.

Dancing is integral to fiestas because they are a very strong expression of faith.

With this as inspiration, the members of the HOLD International Core showed the delegates the meaning of the dance behind the celebration of the Obando, Bulacan Fiesta of Santa Clara.

Many are very familiar with this tune:

The many faces of joy, prayer and gratitude abound at the HOLD International Conference.

Sta. Clara, pinong-pino Ako po ay bigyan nyo Ng kasama sa buhay ko, At katulong ng puso ko!

Loosely translated, the verse means: Sta. Clara, so fine. Give me a life companion and my heart’s help.

Many think that the song is just a folk tune. But no! The song is a real prayer offered by men and women alike, by the young and the old, those who fervently ask in prayer and those whose prayers have been answered. Aside from Sta. Clara, the patron saint of the childless who want to have baby girls, the dance also honors San Pascual de Baylon (St. Paschal), the patron saint of devout worshipers looking to marry and have baby boys, and the Nuestra Señora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao), protector of people who work in fishing, the main source of livelihood in Obando.

The HOLD conference, through the sessions, the dances, the camaraderie and the joy that pervaded the venue, ably exhibited the three major elements in celebrating the fiesta—rejoicing, praying and giving thanks, elements which are precisely the focus of the community’s theme for 2016. (A. Alvarez)

2016 SCHEDULE

MAY

28

LIVELOUD

JUN

15

WEDNESDAY

16

THURSDAY

17

JUN

8:00AM - 5:00PM

CFC SONGWRITING CONTEST 7:00AM - 10:00PM

CATHOLIC PRAISE CONCERT

PASTORAL FORMATION 11-12 INTERNATIONAL SAT- SUN CONFERENCE

PM & MM LEADERS CONGRESS

FRIDAY

CLERGY AND LAY CONGRESS 8:00AM - 5:00PM

FAMILY MINISTRIES CONGRESS 8:00AM - 5:00PM

CFC THANKSGIVING NIGHT AND EMERALD BALL 7:00AM - 10:00PM

8:00AM - 5:00PM

13

MONDAY

14

TUESDAY

CFC FUN GOLF TBA

18

CFC 35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION QUIRINO GRANDSTAND 10:00AM - 8:00PM

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONGRESS

SATURDAY

INTERNATIONAL MISSION CORE GATHERING

21-25 CFC MISSIONARY RETREAT

1:00PM - 5:00PM

7:00PM - 10:00PM

TUESDAY TBA TO SATURDAY

CBCP Monitor

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May 2 - 15, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 15

CFC MM - Caring for Our Common Home

Young Pageant Winner Has A Heart For Poor Children

Adults do not have a monopoly in having hearts that care for the poor.

Mariana Lynn C. Togado, only eight years old, proved that children do care for the poor when she donated her winnings in a pageant to ANCOP USA. Mariana, a multi-talented girl from Tampa, Florida, has won in various state and national pageants for young girls. She was 2nd runner up in the National American Miss held in Anaheim California in November 2015 and a finalist in the National American Miss Florida. She continues to join pageants locally and nationally, enhancing her Godgiven talents and skills in academics, culture and the arts.

Through her winnings, Mariana has sponsored a poor child in the Philippines through the ANCOP USA Child Sponsorship Program. Young as she is, Mariana has chosen to use her cash prizes in the pageants to send a poor child to school in the Philippines. She serves as a model for young people and adults alike that compassion and

a heart for the poor knows no age. Even a young child like Mariana can make a difference and change the life of a poor child, who otherwise would have no education.

Mariana has been commended by CFC-ANCOP Tampa Bay for her active involvement in ANCOP USA activities in raising awareness and generating funds for the poor children. Whether it is an ANCOP Kick-off, ANCOP dinner appreciation for sponsors or the ANCOP Global Walk, Mariana is always ready to help.

Rich and Tina Jensen, ANCOP Tampa Bay Coordinators, addressed Mariana with these words: “We don't know of any child sponsor as young as you are. We want to let you know that your child sponsorship will truly make a difference in the life of the child you sponsored. Instead of that child being out in the streets with no hope, this child will now have a bright future. We as adults are humbled by your generosity and compassion for the poor children.”

(Tina Jensen)

Migrants Song Fest Finalists Announced

The CFC Migrants Program announces the Top Ten Song Finalist for the 2nd Migrants Program Songwriting Contest. The final list is as follows: 1. Buhay OFW - Ralph Maligro (UAE) 2. Dasal - Ralph Maligro (UAE) 3. Ikaw ay Bayani - Carlos Perez (Canada) 4. Kandungan - Cris Parman (Laguna) 5. Magkasama sa Mahabang Panahon - Dante Tierra (Cruise Ship/ South A)

6. Modern Heroes of the New Millenium - Emi Arevalo (Canada) 7. Sa Iyong Pagbabalik - Noel A. Noma / Aurus John C. Noma (Laguna) 8. Salamat sa Inyo - Danny Lopez (MM West B) 9. Together - Patrick Coronel & Michael Mercado (U.S.A.) 10. Higit Pa - Tin Catahan (MM South B) All the entries were evaluated by the committee headed by Tito Cayamanda of the CFC Music Ministry Core.

The 2nd encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si, introduced the faithful to a kind of worship that should be renewed in everyone - caring for the environment. In the encyclical, the Pope emphasized that Mother Earth, the common home of all creation, is suffering from the neglect and greed of man.

Thus, the Pope enjoins the faithful to act swiftly in order to save, renew and restore the earth’s resources for the benefit of future generations.

In answer to this call, the CFC OIKOS Society of Metro Manila initiated the Laudato Si Seminar Workshops to further reflect on the message and the challenge of the Pope. The first in the series of this seminar was held last April 16, 2016 at the DENR Social Hall, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. Thirtyeight (38) CFC leaders and

coordinators around Metro Manila came to the seminar.

Eric de los Reyes from the OIKOS team gave a session about Stewardship of God’s Creation, after which five workshops on Laudato Si were conducted. The seminar ended with an action plan that is expected to be implemented as

soon as possible.

The Laudato Si Seminar will be replicated on Saturday, May 21 in Northern and Southern Luzon. In Northern Luzon, the venue of the seminar will be in Greenfields Paradise Resort, Barangay Bacundao East, Malasiqui, Pangasinan while in Southern Luzon, the seminar

will be held at the City Hall of Calamba, Laguna. The seminar will also be brought to the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The CFC OIKOS Society, focused on taking care of the environment, is one of the Social Development Programs of Couples for Christ.

(Yvonne Dolorosa)

ANCOP Canada, C4

New hope for Yolanda survivors, clockwise from top left: new homes on ANCOP Canada 1st Street; CFC leaders and workers with Abp. John Du; Ricky Cuneca with home partners; Abp. Du blessing the houses; the first 10 home partners receive key and certificate.

The workers encountered many difficulties at the site, but the help of everybody in order to facilitate the completion of the Pope Francis Community made things easy. The Archbishop added, “I know the hardship of the people who have been here since Day 1. We pray for everyone, especially the home partners, to work together.” In his final note, Archbishop Du shared, “As we concretely experienced God’s mercy and compassion, we have truly known how blessed we are. The love of God is indeed stronger than any calamity we experience.” The archbishop exhorted the home partners and the community workers to not let differences divide, but rather, be always united in their dealings with one another.

Jimmy Ilagan, President of ANCOP Global Foundation Inc., expressed his gratitude to SM Cares and the RCAP for giving ANCOP the opportunity to bring its brand of community development to the project.

“We are humbled by the trust reposed on us to help the people not just build their homes but

build a community through the promotion of good values and the witness of volunteerism and cooperation,” Ilagan added.

Ilagan likewise thanked SM Foundation and SM Cares for appointing CFC ANCOP to handle the soft programs that will be implemented in the community.

Ilagan articulated CFC ANCOP’s commitment to deploy its army of Christ-centered servants (in the Couples for Christ) to promote values formation, programs for the youth, the kids and their parents, as well as provide programs for livelihood and other capacity-building programs.

“This partnership gives a signal to the world that great things can be done by ordinary people as long as everyone has a singular focus—the genuine desire to bring new hope to those who thought all hope was lost; new life to those who thought their lives ended on November 8, 2013; and a renewed faith to those who felt God has abandoned them,” Ilagan said.

ANCOP Canada Head Ricky Cuenca gave the response from the donors’ side. He revealed:

“Before Yolanda happened, we didn’t even know each other.

We went our own individual businesses. But after typhoon Yolanda changed the lives of our brethren in Tacloban, somehow, we all ceased this to-each-his-own attitude and everyone jumped in to help.”

Cuenca added, “I believe that in our own little way, we have become extensions of God’s love to our brethren here in Tacloban. The houses we see here are not just shelters but symbols of love and hope for our brethren. We just have one request: please take care of this community. These homes are manifestations of love from all our donors. We may not be able to thank them all individually, but please promise to pray for each and every one of them.”

Promoting sports as a way of life for the residents of the Pope Francis Community, the owners of Global Port headed

by Mikee Romero donated a basketball court and community center.

The Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, Neil

Reeder, likewise shared how he and his wife Irene had flown to Tacloban a day after the typhoon struck, bringing with them food and financial assistance from the Canadian government.

“Now we come back and see all the good work that’s been done,” Amb. Reeder added. “Many of us in Canada have family ties in the Philippines, and so the Canadian government has truly contributed to helping your people. You’ve gone through a very difficult situation, and I want us all to celebrate today your ability to bounce back.”

The turnover of the 400 homes, 100 of which came from ANCOP Canada, was truly a cause for rejoicing.

Beyond the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the blessing of the houses and sports facilities, and unveiling of the marker of the Pope Francis Community, it is the renewed hope in the hearts of the home partners that was most celebrated. (CFC Global Comm)

BMC, C1

YFC ICON, C4

importance of prayer as a part and a foundation of a young person’s life as a follower of Christ. Er Er Abringe YFC missionary to the Middle East, emphasized how prayer strengthens one’s relationship with God and how in return people experience God’s unlimited love.

Bunny Enriquez of YFC Metro Manila, Andrelene Veloso of YFC Negros Occidental and RJane Beltran, also from YFC Metro Manila shared how prayer became instrumental in transforming them and allowing them to see God’s hand working in every area of their lives.

The third day focused on appreciating the importance of being grateful to the Lord for His unlimited blessings and His love that overflows in all of us. In his homily during the Mass, Most Reverend Danilo Parcon, Bishop of the Diocese of Talibon, emphasized a wonderful lesson of obedience: “Obey God and not man. Obedience is our best expression of our love to God. A person who disobeys God is inviting troubles in life.”

Edyvmar Abuan, fulltime pastoral worker for YFC Laguna led the morning worship to begin the

last session, Grateful, given by GJ Ramores of YFC Metro Manila.

Ramores talked about remembering blessings and struggles, and challenging everyone to be thankful for everything and everyone that became instrumental in each person’s journey of following Christ.

The CFC YFC International Conference is an annual event of Youth for Christ and is attended by thousands of young people from all over the world. The 24th YFC ICon in the summer of 2017 will be held in Ilocos Norte.

Palo, Leyte; Our Lady of Fatima chapel in Cainta, Rizal; the San Miguel Arkanghel chapel in Barangay Batasan, QC; the Dado Dangwa chapel in Tabuc, Kalinga and the Saint Anthony de Padua chapel in Virac, Catanduanes.

Other projects submitted by Metro Manila North A, West C, Central B, CFC Aurora, CFC Nueva Vizcaya, CFC Bulacan, CFC Sorsogon and CFC Bataan are currently being processed.

CFC-BMC enjoins all other Metro Manila Sectors and Provinces to organize their BMC Teams, find their target pilot chapels and coordinate with the BMC Core group for assistance.

(Lito Abaño)

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May 2 - 15, 2016 Vol. 20 No. 15

CBCP Monitor

First FamCon excites Kids for Christ and families The Kids for Christ from the different provinces of the Visayas Region, together with their families, gathered together in Dumaguete City for the first-ever KFC Family Conference held at the Open Hall of St. Paul University, Dumaguete.

The first day started with the Kids Praise led by Provincial ROCK Facilitator Cris Cordel Daron of Negros Oriental. This was followed by the Family Challenges, where the KFC members, KFC coordinators and the older Youth for Christ members whose responsibility is to take care of the kids, moved and sang their hearts out in the Family Dance Showdown, Family Can Duet, Pitch Perfect Family, and Family Acoustic Band.

Others joined the sports competitions, like the Family Basketball shootout, the Obstacle Race, Badminton, and Table Tennis, while others bested one another in the Family Catholic Quiz Bee, Family Amazing Race, Family Art Project, Top Model: Family Edition, and Family Saints.

As the conference was about and for families, one of the highlights of the FamCon was the testimony of Neil Balite of Bohol, together with his family. He exhorted the families about how to honor one another, emphasizing the value of showing love to one’s family by saying, “I love you.”

The first day ended with the closing Kids Praise led by JM Zamora, KFC FTPW from Metro Manila, followed by the Family Praise Parade. With colorful and dazzling costumes, families rocked the dance floor as they performed the festival

dances of their hometowns.

In the second session on Day 2, the kids and their families learned that Jesus’ greatest gift of Himself is the Eucharist. Angel Letigio, KFC FTPW from Cebu, reminded the kids about the importance of receiving Jesus, the Vine who gives strength through the Holy Eucharist. The session was immediately followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Cyril Juarague, who exhorted the kids to always pray and rejoice and always be thankful to the Lord for all the graces He showers upon them.

After lunch, the 1st KFC Parenting Summit opened simultaneously with the Kids Fun Booths. In the Parenting Summit, Nino Guerrero told the parents that the Lord uses their children to proclaim His Good News and to relay His message to them. Michelle Alignay, a registered psychologist, also talked about parenting as not just an ordinary mission, but a God-given one. She also pointed out some disciplining errors parents make and gave out notes and pointers n effective correction.

And what’s a Kids for Christ conference without the most anticipated fire hose bath, which was a welcome treat for the kids after enjoying the outdoor booths?

In the evening, Manny and Anne Licup of CFC Leyte, with their daughter Agnes talked about family prayer. The families prayed together during this session and ended the day with the Lord’s Day Celebration to thank and praise God for His goodness and for giving each one a great gift—the gift of family.

The session highlighted that prayer is a way to God’s heart; that it is talking and listening to Jesus Christ.

Afterwards, Kuya Dondon Buntod, KFC FTPW from Luzon, led the Closing Kid’s Praise and reminded the kids to make their parents proud by the way they serve Jesus and the way they love them.

After the evening session, all R.O.C.K. ates and kuyas attended the R.O.C.K. Forum, led by the KFC International Coordinator, Adrian Enaje. He reminded the R.O.C.K. ates and kuyas that their purpose in serving Kids for Christ is to lead the kids to Christ. The day ended with the R.O.C.K. Facilitators’ bonfire activity where they shared their reflections within their respective groups.

Bishop Julito Cortes from the Diocese of Dumaguete celebrated the Sunday Mass. In his homily, Bishop Cortes shared that kids should pray for one thing—to know, to love, and to follow Jesus more closely.

Ian Talisic, KFC FTPW Visayas Coordinator, led Session 4, which was all about giving thanks to the Lord as a family. He reminded the delegates that the reason that they dance and pray is to make God happy. He also asked the families to make a Family Dream Board where they can place all their dreams and visions for their families.

To end the session and the entire conference, Talisic led all the delegates in a Closing Kids’ Praise and assured them that they can achieve their family dreams together with Jesus. (KCom)

Kids and parents alike enjoyed the sessions, the workshops, the competitions and the Kids for Christ signature activity, the fire hose bath at the first-ever Family Conference.

400 families receive new homes in Tacloban

CFC PPC brings CFC to Moyomba Mission volunteers from Couples for Christ USA, together with local CFC (Parejas Para Cristo) and Fr. Rober Martinez Guerrero opened four new areas in the Prelature of Moyomba in Peru, under Obispo Rafael Esudero. The four new parishes are the Moyomba Cathedral and the parishes at Jepelacio, Nueva Cajamarca and Naranjillos. A total of 118 individuals were welcomed into the CFC PPC family.

Aside from the CLPs, the group composed of Glen Santayana, Justo Estrada and Esther Prexl, also presented CFC PPC to the graduating class of the San Jose

Seminary. Prexl impressed upon the senior class that they have an ally in the person of the CFC PPC in helping strengthen the families once they are ordained priests.

Prexl likewise stayed on to give pastoral teachings to the Handmaids of the Lord in Rioja.

Carlos Bello flew to Rioja, joining Prexl to continue the CLP missions in the last two towns—Nueva Cajamarca and Naranjillos.

This month, the mission group is planning to go to Colombia. (Glen Santayana)

SM Prime Holdings executives led ny Hans Sy, President & CEO (center), together with the local government of Tacloban headed by Mayor Alfred Romualdez (3rd from left), Archbishop John Du (4th from left), ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan (extreme right), ANCOP Canada Head Ricky Cuenca (4th from right) & Amb. Neil Reeder (5th from right) cut the ribbon during the awarding of the 400 homes in Leyte.

“Our presence today is a clear manifestation of shared love, a demonstration of the resounding response to the call of Pope Francis to experience God’s mercy by performing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy—to give shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, counsel to those in doubt or in despair, and comfort to the afflicted. Renewed hope is shared to the beneficiaries. May the Holy Spirit hover over the community, and peace and hope ever renewed in mercy.

Hope is there when everyone cares.”

This was the central message of the invocation led by Father Filomeno O. Borgueta, JCD, during the turnover of 400 homes at the SM Cares CFC ANCOP Canada Pope Francis Community in Tacloban, Leyte last April 16, 2016.

Hans Sy, President & Chief Operating

Officer of SM Prime Holdings, together with His Excellency Archbishop John Du of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo (RCAP)v; Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines Neil Reeder; Mayor Alfred Romualdez; Mrs. Yedda Romualdez, representing Cong. Martin Romualdez; ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan; ANCOP Canada Head Ricky Cuenca; and Julian Payne of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce witnessed the awarding of the houses to the families who were among the survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

The community, situated in Bgy. New Kawayan, overlooks the ocean and the city. Dr. Violeta Perez donated the lot to the Archdiocese even before Yolanda came.

In his welcome remarks, Mayor Romualdez expressed appreciation for the project and assured the community of the support

of the local government in helping maintain what he called the stakeholders’ “investments” in his city—that of empowering the people.

The first 10 profiled home partners were awarded with a certificate and the keys to their houses.

Archbishop John Du could not hide his joy over the completion of the project. He said, “I am very happy that this dream has now been realized. We laid the foundation at this site last December 2014, and I have since wanted to see this dream come true.”

“We thank all our donors, especially the donors of this land,” the prelate added.

“Our dream then was to establish housing for the poor. But we do not have money to build the project. But through all of you who sponsored these homes, this is realized.”

ANCOP Canada, C3

CFC missionaries from the United States finished the conduct of CLPs (left); top right: with seminarians; CFC missionaries with Fr. Rober Martinez Guerrero.

Experiencing Christ’s Unlimited Love in the 23rd CFC YFC ICon More than 6,500 Youth for Christ leaders and members gathered from April 29 to May 1, 2016 to celebrate Christ’s unlimited love at this year’s International Conference (ICon). The hot summer weather in Tagbilaran, Bohol did not stop them from enjoying and experiencing fun, friendship, freedom and faith in the weekend conference.

The conference was formally opened by worship led by Vince Lecerio from Youth for Christ Canada and opening remarks by the International Coordinator for YFC, Lawrence Quintero. What made the thousands of YFCs in Bohol more excited for the day were the competitions held in different venues around Bohol and the Church Integration Congress participated in by priests from different areas around the world.

The advocacy parade which started from Plaza Rizal to the conference’s main site at the Carlos P. Garcia Complex served as an avenue for the youth to express the advocacies they feel strongly about, including education (A+), work with the poor (Rev UP), environment (G project), and chastity (100% Free).

Everyone then gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. In his homily, Bishop Medroso reminded YFC about the personality of Jesus. “Being the Son of God who is unlim-

The YFC ICON highlighted the ministry's advocacies, the parish encounter and the competitions.

ited in giving love, Jesus is a person of compassion, full of mercy and Someone who looks into the suffering of others but still continues to serve them” Bp. Medroso exhorted.

Ace Elevera, a full-time pastoral worker, led the worship prior to Session 1 followed by a performance

by the Loboc Youth Ambassadors.

Session 1, titled Shout for Joy, was a fitting introduction to the Praise God It’s Friday show hosted by Kyle Beley of YFC Canada. It was a session of remembering to rejoice in God knowing that true joy can only be found in Him. True joy, as Beley

shared, is God not leaving you and not abandoning you. This statement was reinforced by testimonies from three young people.

RL Pingul, YFC from Qatar, recounted the pain of losing his parents and a younger sister when fire consumed their house in Qatar. “At that

time, I thought there were no reasons to rejoice anymore but by God’s grace, I gained life again through the CFC community that took care of me,” Pingul shared.

Joice Regudo of Mindoro Occidental joyfully testified about rising up from a difficult challenge in

her life—that of being deprived of parental love. Her father had been unfaithful, her mother had died due to cancer. Despite these, Regudo was able to free herself from hurt through forgiveness and the power of God’s love.

Finally, Martin Ballon of YFC Albay talked about living a life of sinful pleasures and how the love of the Lord led him to true happiness.

Unlike the previous conferences where the YFC spent the second day in various workshops, this year, YFC immersed in parish encounters, highlighting the importance of the relationship of the lay and clergy in parishes. Youth for Christ members visited 27 parishes in Bohol and experienced personal encounters with different ministries and organizations in these parishes. The heartwarming experience focused on meeting new friends, learning new songs, discovering histories and sharing God’s goodness to all. The Parish Encounter activity was made even more spirit-filled by random acts of kindness initiated by the Youth for Christ members and the parishioners, including the Parish Youth Ministries and the Parish Pastoral Councils.

Evening segments of day 2 started with worship led by Fredy Lou Baybay, fulltime pastoral worker of YFC Bukidnon. The session titled No Matter What immediately followed. This session focused on the

YFC ICON, C3