Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST CBCP Monitor. Vol. 21 No. 9
May 1 - 14, 2017 C1
‘My Heart in Your Hands’
The CFC HOLD International Conference By Alma M. Alvarez
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love. ~1 Corinthians 16:13-14 THE verse spells out St. Paul's words of encouragement to the believers in Corinth, following the crisis the Church there was experiencing. It is also the anchor verse of Couples for Christ's theme for 2017—'Stand firm in the faith'.
The CFC Handmaids of the Lord expressed this firmness in the faith by offering the one thing that will make sure they respond to the call stated in the letter to the Corinthians—their hearts. Thus, their International Conference (ICon) for 2017 had a theme that was fully expressive of their commitment to Jesus: “My heart in Your hands”. About 6,700 HOLD leaders and members from 24 countries and all over the Philippines converged at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal over the weekend of April 21 to 23 for the 24th HOLD ICon, eager to learn and ready to entrust their hearts to God. The ICon opened with the HOLDon-Tour fellowship night on Friday, April 21. As Edythe Avendaño, HOLD International Coordinator put it, the occasion is the one time when the Lord gathers thousands of women from the different corners of
6,700 HOLD leaders and members from all around the globe making one united offering at the HOLD ICon: 'My heart in Your hands!'
the world to have fellowship, as well as to experience love and friendship. Playing tour attendant, Heidi Magnaye of MM North B gave the delegates a guided tour of Africa, Europe, Oceania, the Americas, and Asia via the songs and dances prepared by HOLD
members from the various areas in the Philippines, the entire evening culminating in the singing of “It’s A Small World”. The celebration of the Mass ushered in the second day, followed immediately by the first session titled
We Stand For Jesus! EVEN at their young age, the Kids for Christ already know the significance of faith in their lives. They already know how to pray, how to care for others, how to love their family. The sight of young ones rapt in worship, singing and dancing for joy, can give adults goosebumps, and maybe even envy because adulthood often brings with it the loss of such spontaneity in their relationship with God. The more than 2,000 Kids for Christ members from North Luzon, Metro
Manila and some foreign countries who, together with their families, gathered at the Baguio Convention Center in Baguio City last April 28 to 30 showed this joy in worship. The occasion that brought them all together was the 2017 KFC Family Conference. The theme, taking off from the Couples for Christ theme for 2017 of “Stand Firm in the Faith,” was “We Stand for Jesus”. As with any KFC conference, the focus was on faith, fun and friendship. The conference had, of
course, all the elements of any CFC conference – inspiring talks, even more inspiring testimonies, praise and worship, and the daily Eucharist. But because the participants were children aged 6 to 12, there were also entertainment, sports activities and creative challenges. Unlike other conferences of CFC, this conference had as focus the family. Thus, throughout the conference, entire families did things together. Even the talks
Journey of Faith with Avendaño as the speaker. She described faith, like life, as a journey, progressing from one stage to another until one reaches the final destination. In one’s journey of faith, one must first come to the faith, either by being
born into it, by man’s search for God (like the Magi), out of curiosity (like the shepherds during the Nativity), by taking that so-called leap of faith, through God’s extraordinary ways, like what happened to St. Paul, or through the witnessHOLD, C3
Faith and fun rule at the CFC SOLD Conference
KFC, C4
CFC-SOLD mix faith and fun at the Catholic Men's Conference
"While tears are normally shed in times of sadness, I shed tears out of sheer happiness in finding Jesus." THIS was the powerful testimony of 86-year-old Hector Campos, the most senior participant in the recently-concluded 16th CFC-SOLD Catholic Men's International Conference held at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Notwithstanding the near-40° scorching weather, the jubilant CFC of Pangasinan— home of world renowned Bonoan bangus and sweet mangoes—joyfully hosted this year's “Be Strong and Courageous” conference last March 24-26, 2017. The Families doing everything together and standing for Jesus as one at the KFC FamCon
conference was attended by 600 true men (and women) of God coming from all parts of the country and joined by delegations from Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and the USA. Three members of the CFC International Council were present at the weekend event to deliver God's message, interspersed with heartwarming and inspiring sharers from different parts of the world. The first session, titled I Dare You was given by Joe Yamamoto, IC member and Philippine Missions Director, with a moving testimony from Butch Santos of SOLDUSA. The session challenged the brothers to
be truly men of God, faithful and firm, despite the obstacles and tribulations that may come their way. Manny Garcia, IC member and SOLD International Core Group Member, spoke about how true men of God can face these challenges with the strength and courage from God in his talk, Show Me What You Got. Testimonies from Arnel Sacris, Provincial Area Director of CFC Cebu, and Randy Agbulos showed the whole assembly what they have got in dealing with life's challenges. George Campos, CFC President, in his session I Will exhorted the assembly on how to follow the will of the Lord,
transforming the "I will" to "His will." Likewise, sharer Errol Martinez, missionary to South America, inspired everyone with the story of his journey as a mission worker for 10 years in Africa. This session fittingly ended with the SOLD core group members and CFC sector heads distributing “I Will” bracelets to all the participants. Charly Laiz, SOLD ICG member, presided over a teambuilding activity and the "God is Enough" workshop that enlivened the spirits of the men all the more. The men were divided into 10 groups where they shared their skills as well as their thoughts, SOLD, C3
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May 1 - 14, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 09
CBCP Monitor
Put out into deep water Luke 5:4 IN MARK’S and Matthew’s versions of the gathering of the first disciples, the scene is clearly shared by two sets of brothers, Simon and Andrew first, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee, next. However in Luke’s version, the focus is on Simon. Andrew is not even mentioned by name, and James and John play merely supporting roles as “partners of Simon”. It also seems that Jesus is already quite familiar with this group of fishermen, giving further credence to the claim by some scholars who harmonize the three differing accounts of the gathering of the first disciples that Luke’s account is the third and decisive encounter between Jesus and this group of fishermen. In addition, this event is reported after the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, thus partly explaining the familiarity and why Jesus has chosen to use Simon’s boat. While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower
your nets for a catch”. Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets”. When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man”. For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching men”. When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:1-11). Contrary to popular preaching, the first disciples appear to be not the poorest fishermen. They owned fishing boats and employed hired hands. A close reading of the narrative also leads one to ask, “What happened to the crowd?” The crowd seems to have disappeared and the rest of the scene covers merely the interaction between Jesus and Simon. And here Simon is called to obedience based on faith. Perhaps because Simon earlier witnessed the miraculous healing of his motherin-law, he, without questioning, imme-
diately follows the instruction of Jesus (a non-fishing carpenter) to “put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch”. And despite the fact that they “have worked all night and have caught nothing”; or the fact that it is now daytime when fish can no longer be attracted by the fishermen’s light, yet Simon puts his trust on Jesus, and the result is a marvelous catch of fish. Another point for reflection is the fact that the marvelous catch is made in “deep water”. We have just returned from a twoweek pastoral visit to CFC communities in Qatar and Bahrain, and we were amazed by the commitment and dedication of the members of the communities there. CFC Qatar, for example, is experiencing a robust growth in numbers. The generous hospitality we experienced during our visit is remarkable. This we also experienced during our two previous pastoral visits to CFC communities in UAE and Kuwait a few years ago. We consider these areas “deep water” for “catching fish”, indeed dangerous areas for evangelization. And yet, these are the areas where CFC communities are very much alive. Our experience in predominantly Muslim Indonesia where we lived for 12 years is the same. While evangelization was difficult (as in daytime
fishing), the harvest had always been plentiful and the members dedicated and committed. Members were very generous with their finances thus enabling us to support mission trips to various parts of Indonesia as well as visits of CFC leaders from Manila. CFC Indonesia also organized and funded the first regional Marian conference in Southeast Asia. The same was true in predominantly Buddhist Thailand where we lived for a total of eight years. From Bangkok we were able to open new CFC communities in Myanmar and Laos and helped grow the newly established CFC community in Cambodia with the help of couple volunteers who funded their own travel and accommodation. CFC Thailand was also able to organize three regional conferences on mission ad gentes, hosting two of them in Baan Phu Waan near Bangkok and one in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The predominantly non-Christian countries of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and now India and China, are all “deep waters” for evangelization. By obeying Jesus’ command, we are experiencing “marvelous catch”. But the even deeper water where God is calling us to evangelize next is Central Asia. My first visit to Central Asia was in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in 2004. I met
Fr. Carlos Avila of St. Joseph Church. His church was small and simple with around 30-40 people coming to Sunday Mass regularly. I introduced CFC to him and gave him copies of my book and other CFC materials. My second visit was to Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan also in 2004. In Almaty, I met a young Filipino professional working for a multinational company. We talked in the lobby of my hotel for several hours. He shared with me the loneliness of living alone in Almaty, where he had not met any Filipino and had difficulty communicating in Russian. I encouraged him to invite even just a small group of 2 or 3 colleagues from his office, and then I would come back to conduct a CLP. My third visit was in 2005 to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan where I met a Jesuit, Fr. Paul Chemparathy. I attended the Sunday Mass, which was in Russian, and met some parishioners. There were no Filipinos and very few speak even just a little English. After Mass, I met the Jesuit community and had lunch with them at the Apostolic Nunciature. We believe that the time for focused and funded evangelization has come. And the Lord is calling us now to new evangelization in Central Asia. In obedience, let us put out into deep water.
HOMILY, C4
MIGRANTS, C4
walang ebanghelisasyon ay parang ilaw na walang liwanag, o asin na walang lasa. Ang nagbibigay liwanag o nagbibigay lasa sa ating mga Kristyano ay ang ating gampanin na magpahayag ng Magandang Balita. Gamitin natin ang pagtitipong ito upang ang ating bawat gagawin ay maging kasangkapan ng ebanghelisasyon.” (The Church without evangelization is like a lamp that does not give out light, or flavorless salt that doesn’t enhance flavor. What gives light or adds flavor to us Christians is our mandate to proclaim the Good News. Let us use this gathering to ensure that everything we do would be an instrument of evangelization.) Jess Ferrer, Program Head for CFC MP, reiterated in his welcome remarks the role of migrant workers. He said, “Our OFWs are the missionaries of the New Millennium.” Ferrer added, “The CFC Migrants Program mission of ‘Empowering migrants and their families through Moral Values Reorientation resulting in active consciousness of their missionary role’ is what fuels the passion of the program volunteers to minister to the OFWs.” CFC Chairman Joe Tale reminded the delegates that the basic charism of Couples for Christ of family renewal is what should continue to fuel those serving in the Migrants Program. Tale likewise shared the community's major future directions regarding caring for migrants and their families, not only for departing OFWs and their families left behind, but also those returning through reintegration. Reintegration was among the provisions indicated in the MOA with the Department of Labor and Employment and CFC in 2008. Ric Casco of the International Organization for Migration shared about "Managing Migration for the Benefit of All". Casco explained, “Why do we need to manage migration? Because migration is a human choice and there are many forces and factors that influence it.” On behalf of Hans Leo Cacdac, Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Office (OWWA), Julia Fabian presented the roles of government in migration. Fr. Resty Ogsimer, Executive Secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (CBCP-ECMI) revisited the agreement between CFC and ECMI in caring for migrants and itinerants and their families. In the agreement, ECMI is expected to invite CFC to its Diocesan Migrants Desks, Commissions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for better cooperation and coordination on the Migrants Ministry Formation in the diocesan level down to the parish level. The CBCP-ECMI
ensures that wherever there are migrant workers, there must be a pastoral worker, whether clergy, religious or lay missionary. The Commission also links with Churches abroad and sends missionaries if there is a need. In turn, CFC will inform its chapters about the ECMI Diocesan Desks to closely coordinate and abide by the protocol, processes and mechanisms for migrants and complement the Diocesan Migrants Desks’ efforts based on the needs and dynamics at their areas of jurisdiction. Together, ECMI and CFC work to complement each other on the values formation of migrant families through sharing and exchange of existing modules. ECMI will likewise coordinate with CFC regarding the formation program of the sons and daughters of OFWs, especially in the schools. In line with this, Fr. Ogsimer mentioned the search for the 10 Outstanding Sons and Daughters of OFWs, which was launched three years ago, to counter the seemingly popular notion that children of migrant workers behave badly or become unmanageable in school. ECMI likewise invited CFC to participate in the inter-agency council that takes care of migrants’ concerns. Fr. Resty was happy to report the positive feedback regarding this. Lastly, both entities are also expected to partner with one another in special projects and activities for the migrant sector as needed. Arnel Santos, Head of the Social Development Programs, rallied the delegates on the social development thrusts of CFC, highlighting an item in the community’s Statutes which states, “CFC, in raising up holy Christian men and women, likewise raises up responsible members of societies and patriotic citizens of countries.” During the integration, Fr. Resty summed up the day’s proceedings by reading the message of Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, Bishop of Balanga and Chairman of CBCP-ECMI (please see page 4) Overall, the volunteers from CALABARZON, Metro Manila and Cebu came out of the convention with a stronger conviction to serve not only migrant workers and their families, but also those who have fallen into human trafficking and itinerant and displaced people. The social costs of migration may be taking a toll on God’s plan for the family, but with the Church, government agencies and prayer communities like CFC working together, ministering to OFWs and their families will be much easier to address. As Bishop Santos mentioned in his message, “We are their strength, we speak for them.” (Alma M. Alvarez)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Michael C. Ariola IC Oversight
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
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The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org
upon. What are these? First is fear. We don't have to fear them. And second is indifference. We must not be indifferent to them. Fear: "Don't be afraid. It is I" (Matthew 14:27). Jesus Himself says this. And He tells it to all of us. We are hindered from accepting migrants because of fear; we become afraid. Fear paralyzes. Fear isolates. Because of fear one is hesitant to communicate or to cooperate with the other. Our fear can make a person suspicious of the other’s words and actions. Fear brings about mistrust. Fear reduces us to cowardly silence and takes away our voice. Take away that fear and one becomes free to interact and to integrate with one another, and with the society. Remove fear in one's heart and one builds up confidence in oneself and in the community. Now it is fear of migrants that makes others avoid them or unwilling to accept and assist them. What is that fear? Oftentimes, it is fear that makes them think that their job or employment would be taken away from them. But this is not so. On the contrary, migrants are added labor force to an aging society. The Compendium of Social Doctrines of the Church urges "that immigrants from less privileged areas of the earth and their arrival in developed countries should not be perceived as a threat to the highest levels of economic growth" (217). Blessed Pope John XXIII in his encyclical Mater et Magistra admitted also the "right of the family to migrate" and that "freer movement of goods, capital and men would lessen inequalities among nations" (53). What is that fear? It is the fear that something bad will happen to them. But man is basically good. Remember that God "saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). When migrants come to any country it is not to do something bad or to inflict harm. They migrate for the sake of their loved ones, that is, to sustain them towards a better future or to keep them safe from the danger in their home country. Laborem Exercens tells us "emigration in search for work must in no way become an opportunity for financial or social exploitation" (23). Faith fosters our welcome of a migrant. Instead of fear let us have faith. Our faith in God tells us that we are our "brother's keeper" (Genesis 4:9). Our faith in Jesus reminds us, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me into your house" (Matthew 25:36). With our faith we are not afraid to be with migrants and refugees
and to care for them. With our faith we are not afraid to get involved with them and to help them be integrated in our communities. With our faith we are not afraid to step up to the plate and to serve them. The words of Jesus Christ ring loudly for us: "Whenever you did this to these little ones who are my brothers and sisters, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40). Let me share with you this inspiring story. An earthquake hit a certain region in Italy. It was terrible and terrifying. Many suffered. It brought so much destruction, injury and death. The people of the town worst hit were in dire straits and needed much help. Many from the country moved to unite and help. Our Overseas Filipino Workers grouped themselves according to their days off and presented themselves to the civil authorities. They said, "We will offer our skills and our strength. As domestics we can wash clothes and dishes, clean tents. We can also watch and take care of the children and old people. We are doing these with your people in Rome, and we will do it for your people here in L'Aquila. What we do is small and simple but this manifests our love and how much we care. We are also one with you in your pain and problem." Indifference: Indifference also hinders our acceptance of migrants. Indifference means being callous, insensitive and blind to the suffering and needs of others. It means evading the pitiful realities in life. We could do something better and beneficial, and yet we choose not to. We could be charitable and compassionate; but we are hesitant and afraid to get involved. We fear that such involvement would disturb our comfort zones or demand from us our time and treasure that we do not wish to give. We have all the means and resources to make a difference, to help or serve; but we shrug our shoulders, put our hands in our pockets, and walk away. Letting go of indifference is taking the initiative and doing what is called for and necessary without being told or with no one compelling us to do so. And we do so not to earn praises or rewards. Not desiring reciprocation, we still make the first move to share and to serve because we care and are concerned for the condition and situation of others, especially those in need, our migrants and itinerant people. When we are charitable and show compassion we can accept and mingle with anyone and anybody. Jesus teaches us to take the first step to be of service, as He said to His disciples "We must go on to other villages
around here. I have to preach in them also. Because that is why I came" (Mark 1:38). Our attitudes towards migrants can be further nourished by these two actions: responsibility and solidarity. Responsibility: "God blessed them and said to them, “be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28). We are God's stewards. We are accountable to God. We are responsible to His creations and creatures. Responsibility is our ability to respond to God's call. Every need calls for a corresponding action. Every cry demands a response. For the welfare and wellbeing of his loved ones, man leaves his home. For the safety and sustenance of their family, they migrate. To be responsible one will do everything for the safety and salvation of his or her beloved. And this is what a migrant thinks of and does. And we are also called to assist and accept them. It is also our calling to help and to heal their hurts. We are accountable to God for them. We are responsible to them. Our ability to respond is a call to action. It is to respect, not to discriminate; to receive and not to reject; and to recognize and acknowledge them and not to ridicule them. Our Holy Father Pope Francis asks us to open our homes, churches, and monasteries to shelter and save our migrants and refugees. He said, "Let the Church always be the place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven." It is our responsibility to speak for them and about them in our communities, in our society and in our world. We are their voice. We are their strength. Solidarity: Solidarity is oneness with others, with a cause, with a principle. It is being united. No one is left alone. No one is abandoned. No one is forgotten. Here a person is able to affirm, "I am with a group. I am in a community." Solidarity is belonging. Evangelii Gaudium attests that no one can proclaim that "religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life without influence on societal and national life" (183). Man is a social being. Everything he does or fails to do affects his surrounding, his community. Man interacts. He is in communion with another, in solidarity with one another. Pope Francis admitted in his meeting with the young people in Rio de Janeiro, "I want to see the church get closer to the people." We are for all. Our faith is open to all. It is wholly social, and in solidarity with one another, whatever his or HOMILY, C3
CBCP Monitor
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May 1 - 14, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 09
CFC ANCOP—Beacon of Hope for Poor Students
Lora Catahay
Lloyd Christian Calvario
Christian Louie Quahong
Mar John Cruz
Sheena Shane Santos
THE CFC ANCOP Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) has been providing sustained educational support to the poor ever since it was officially launched in 2010. As of May 2017, a total of 9,065 poor students in elementary, high school, vocational and college levels nationwide have received financial support for tuition fees, food and transportation allowances, uniforms, school bags/shoes and other school related benefits. As of 2017, 268 scholars have completed 4-5 year college courses in the fields of Business/Entrepreneurship, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Information Technology, Social Work/ Community Development, Hotel Restaurant Management/Tourism and Social Sciences, mostly from state college and universities. The graduates were supported by CFC ANCOP through its network of foreign and local donor partners, including proceeds from the ANCOP Global Walk (AGW) of the sectoral and provincial teams. On the average, the scholars received funding support for at least three (3) school years. Leading the pack of graduates is Lora Catahay of Negros Occidental, who completed her Elementary Education degree, Magna Cum Laude, at the Central Visayas State University. Lora was continuously supported by ANCOP Singapore for a period of seven years. Six (6) other ANCOP scholars were honored with cum laude citations, namely: • Lloyd Christian Calvario (East B), BS Banking and Finance, Polytechnic
University of the Philippines (PUP), ANCOP USA • Mar John Cruz (Bulacan), BS in Information Technology, PUP, AGW • Sheena Shane Santos (Cavite), BS in Entrepreneurial Management, Technological University of the Phil., AGW • Christian Louie Quahong (Presentation of the Lord Parish), Bachelor of Technical Teaching Education, Marikina Polytechnic College, CFC UAE • Sheila Galit (North A), BS in Psychology, La Concepcion College, ANCOP Canada • Regina Pacite (South A), BS Hotel and Restaurant Management, Cavite State University, AGW Raymond Denver Buenaseda, who was cited as one of the outstanding students of the UP System, is slated to graduate in June 2017 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Cum Laude, from UP Los Baños. Jim Martin de la Cruz, who was in the Honor List when he completed Multimedia Arts at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, now works with the ABS-CBN network. The number of Deans’ Listers among the ANCOP scholars is long, proving that the poor can excel if provided with much needed financial, parental and community support. Truly, the urban and rural poor, people with disabilities, orphans, neglected children and youth and indigenous peoples have experienced significant changes in their lives and now look to a better future through the CSP. (Efren Tompong)
HOMILY, C2
her creed, color, race and customs. Our Church, being a Mother, is impelled by her maternal care and love to protect and to pastor our migrants and itinerant people, providing them safety, security and above all spiritual assistance. Thus the pastoral care of migrants and itinerant people is an ecclesial affair and concern. Our Church strongly exhorts her children to be more hospitable to them towards their full integral human development. She is so concerned with their wellbeing and welfare that she opens her door to enable them to be faithfully and fruitfully integrated
into the Catholic churches of the migrants’ host countries. The Church shows her catholicity, that is, her universality by welcoming, accepting and treating all equally. In the Church no one is treated with fear or with indifference since all are her children. There is no discrimination, no hostility, no contempt. She is a Church without borders, also without biases and favorites. When the Church welcomes a migrant or a refugee, she recognizes Jesus in them because Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me" (Matthew 10:40).
Let us cast away our fear and remove all indifference in our hearts. They need us and we need them. Let us fulfill our mission with responsibility and stand in solidarity with our migrants, refugees and itinerant people especially the children and women who are the most fragile, who have no voice. Ruperto Cruz Santos, DD Bishop of Balanga CBCP Chairman Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People
SOLD, C1
insights and experiences during group discussions facilitated by 7 Metro Manila sector heads, 2 SOLD regional coordinators and a USA SOLD coordinator. The facilitators presented the groups’ output in plenary session. At the same time that the brothers were opening themselves to each other, the women attendees were having their own
"fish-deboning seminar." The men and women extended their camaraderie all the way to the fellowship on Saturday night, which showcased the men's physical aptitude as well as their golden voices. Joemar Salumbides, SOLD International Coordinator, and Bobbee Mella, SOLD-USA core group member, enlivened both Friday night's opening ceremo-
nies and Saturday night's Grandpa's Playlist song competition with their hosting skills. In a message to the SOLD core group, Ben Cabahug, CFC Samar Area Head, emphatically declared, " . . . my learning in this SOLD Catholic Men's Conference is to say: please do continue to be a source of joy, courage and faithfulness as you serve God regardless of
health and age . . . and maybe the number of hairs. For God's glory!" The weekend event showed how a real Servant of the Lord can be a strong model of faith, and a light to the world, standing steadfast, strong and courageous in following God's command yet joyful and loving despite the challenges of time. (O. Mella)
At the end of the session, Borja posed this challenge: “Shall we allow our faith to continue being in crisis, leading to its eventual death? Or should we rise to the challenge, stand firm in the faith and protect, defend, and practice our faith no matter what the cost?” In the third session, Imelda Pagdilao, Regional Coordinator for HOLD Central Europe, spoke of Staying the Course and reminded the participants that after knowing the challenges to one’s faith journey, they should learn how to stand firm amid the hindrances by looking back and reviewing the 4Ds of spiritual warfare: deception, division, diversion, discouragement. Why? Because knowing how the enemy works will help remind everyone what he or she needs to guard against. Prayers, the sacraments, knowing and understanding the traditions of the Church and traditions of the family are the non-negotiables the faithful must hold on to in understanding the faith and preparing them to defend what they believe in. Like Joshua, whose courage came from his full trust in God’s promises when he led the Israelites to battle, or Peter, who after receiving Jesus’ unconditional love and forgiveness, was emboldened to proclaim the Good News, one engaged in spiritual battle must “be courageous, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13b). Such was the premise in the fourth session titled Warriors on Our Knees, delivered by Bernie Cuevas, Country Coordinator for HOLD China. Cuevas described the four enemies of courage: excessive fear, sloth or laziness, fatigue, and loneliness. These can hinder an individual from moving forward, preventing him or her from pursuing the good. Developing Christian courage is akin to a body-builder who strives to develop his muscles, in order to develop his physical strength. However, Christian courage is more than brawn. It is developing the strength of mind and heart to make a sacrifice, willingly undergo suffering or risk danger for
the sake of doing the will of God and overcoming evil with good. Cuevas concludes, “Courage not only helps our faith to grow strong, it also stops us from giving up and running away when we need to stay the course.” The final session, titled My Heart in Your Hands, was given by Didi Galsim, Continent Coordinator for HOLD Americas. She emphasized the five important commands given by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Be on guard; Stand firm in the faith; Be courageous; Be strong; Your every act should be done in love. Galsim stressed that in a spiritual battle, love is the weapon of choice. Love for God and others—these are needed to battle for God’s kingdom. This kind of love builds up unity among the people of God, expands the kingdom, liberates people from sin and evil, and transforms and saves souls. In a word, it can be
described as agape. It is likewise a call to serve. And despite the frustrations, fatigue and discouragement agape may seem to bring, Jesus is ever ready to say, “My child, give Me your heart.” Galsim asked, “What does giving your heart to God mean? What would it entail?” With Joshua as example, Galsim enumerated the following qualities of the young warrior: Joshua had a hunger for God’s presence and glory; he enjoyed an intimate relationship with Him; because of this intimate relationship, whenever God spoke to Joshua, he heard clearly and obeyed. Like Joshua, every Handmaid can enjoy the same intimacy with the Lord by giving Him her heart. Offering one’s heart into the wounded hands of Jesus calls for having a deep prayer life, total obedience in God, union with Him in the Eucharist, and a life of service to others.
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ing of those who follow and serve God. But no matter how one discovers the faith, it is only the first step. A person must move further and understand the faith, its truths and traditions in order to progress in one’s relationship with God and live an authentic Christian life. Quoting Pope Francis in the encyclical Lumen Fidei , Avendaño shared that “if we want to understand what faith is, we need to follow the route it has taken, the path trodden by believers, as witnessed first in the Old Testament.” (LF 1:8) This statement brings to mind Abraham as the model, who personified the four pathways of faith: trusting, believing, following and hoping. Avendaño also mentioned the truths of faith, as embodied in the Apostles’ Creed, the very foundation of the Catholic faith. As a final reminder, Avendaño echoed Pope Francis’ suggestion of not taking the journey of faith alone, but with others—with one’s family, priests, catechists, teachers, communities—all those who touch one’s Christian life. “And let us not forget that leading us in this journey is Jesus Himself, our Shepherdguide,” she emphasized. In the next session, Norma Borja, the Continent Coordinator for HOLD Europe, discussed Crisis in Faith , taking into account the impediments to faith found in the letter to the Galatians (5:19-21). However, these struggles and challenges described as happening in biblical times also occur in the present time, making one’s faith journey seem difficult. Among the crises happening in the world today are the challenges to the truths and practices of the faith (attacks on the family, aversion to suffering and sacrifice, Catholics in authority failing to practice the faith in the face of popular opinion, technology, war, indifference, secularism, moral relativism, the culture of death, to name a few).
Fam Min Director Exhorts HOLD Int’l Leaders: ‘Women have an important role in the life of the Church!’
DURING the HOLD International Missions Summit held last April 21, 2017 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City, CFC IC member and Family Ministries Director Michael Ariola rallied women leaders representing 24 countries on the role women play in the Church. “Scripture is full of stories of great women of faith— mothers, wives, warriors, spies, wise women as well as naïve women. In the past days, in the story of Christ’s passion and resurrection, we were reminded of the great role that women played in the ministry of Jesus,” Ariola began. He added, “There was probably no prophet, to my knowledge, who recognized women as their disciples or students. Only Jesus acknowledged women as disciples, students and women on mission, similar to most of you.” Ariola mentioned the presence of women in the passion and resurrection stories. First, it was the women, together with John the beloved disciple, who stayed with Jesus at the foot of the cross. The women were also the first to be at the tomb very early in the morning of the resurrection. Lastly, the women were the first ones who were given the task to proclaim that He is truly risen. Relevance to CFC HOLD? Ariola affirms, “First, each one of you have your own story. But whatever that story is, you will never be alone, because Jesus is always with you. Second, among the women who went to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning of the resurrection was a woman named Joanna. We’ve heard of Mary of Mag-
dala, Mary the mother of Jesus, but does anyone here know Joanna?” According to Bible commentaries, Joanna, a woman healed by Jesus, was among the women first at the tomb. And she was also among those who ran to Peter to proclaim the resurrection of the Lord. “As Catholics, we are to proclaim Christ’s death and profess His resurrection. And like Joanna, we need not be popular in order to witness to Christ,” he emphasized. He continued, “The first person who introduced me to the loving presence of God and the Holy Spirit was my mother. My dear sisters in HOLD, this is part of who we are, not only as members of this community, but as Catholics—we are called to proclaim that Jesus is truly risen. Let your faces show that Jesus is indeed alive!” Ariola further exhorted the HOLD international leaders that as Easter people, as proclaimers that Jesus is risen, Catholics must allow their faces to reflect this. “Your stories may be sad, the journey taking too long, and the pains you experience I can only imagine. But one thing I can promise each and every one of you, is that Jesus is with you,” assured Ariola. As a final word, Ariola encouraged the women leaders: “And so, belonging to a bigger family that is Couples for Christ, let us take to heart the directions CFC has posed for the Family Ministries: evangelize, evangelize, evangelize… and immerse yourselves in purposeful formation.” (Alma M. Alvarez)
The Eucharist, spirit-filled worship, powerful sessions, inspiring testimonies, and the loving relationship among local and foreign delegates—these are the basic ingredients of a dynamic conference, and the HOLD ICon certainly have large doses of these!
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May 1 - 14, 2017 Vol. 21 No. 09
One with the Church and Society in Caring for Migrants and Itinerants BAGONG bayani … a new breed of heroes… this is how the overseas Filipino workers have been described over the years. They sacrifice so much—their families, the comforts of home, the security of having loved ones around when the going gets tough—just to be able to eke out a living for the future of their families. At what cost, though? Estrangement from the very people they work so hard for? Abuse by employers? The loneliness that gnaws at their very core? And for the families— spouses, children, parents— the absence of the migrant workers especially in important milestones in their lives has taken a toll not just on them but on the absentee. These are just some of the realities which propelled the CFC Migrants Program to stage its first CFC Migrants Program Convention for CALABARZON. The convention, with more than 200 participants from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, plus a few from Metro Manila and a contingent from Cebu, was held last April 29, 2017 at the 8 Anchors Cultural Center inside Seaman’s Village, Dasmariñas, Cavite. The theme of the conven-
CBCP Monitor
WE ARE THEIR STRENGTH, WE SPEAK FOR THEM (Message read by Fr. Resty Ogsimer, on behalf of His Excellency Bishop Ruperto C. Santos of the Diocese of Balanga, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, at the CFC Migrants Convention for Calabarzon on April 29, 2017)
Diocese of Imus and serving in the Migrants apostolate. In his homily, Fr. Reuel exhorted, “ Ang simbahang
LIFE is a journey. We are all pilgrims here on earth. We are always on the move, searching for something better, a more peaceful and secure life. We want to give or offer to our loved ones what is best and most beneficial to them. All these desires prompt us to go to foreign lands and there seek to fulfill our plans for a better life. Migration thus becomes a means to attend to the needs of those we care for and love. We migrate to find work that will sustain them and make them more secure and well provided for in the future. People are also forced to migrate to escape violence and lawlessness and uncertainties in their homelands. Migration is often done not for a personal or selfish reason. One does so for the good and welfare of those who are left behind or for the safety of those we bring along. Yes, people are always moving; are always on the go. We travel. People migrate. And across the miles, in foreign places we meet as travelers, as fellowsearchers and even dreamers. How do we relate to one another? What are our attitudes to migrants? Certainly in these encounters there are things in us that we have to get rid of; and also some things that need to be developed and improved
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One with the Church and government agencies in caring for the OFWs, clockwise from top: CFC MP Head Jess Ferrer and wife Mercy pose with CFC Chair Joe Tale, Soc Dev Head Arnel Santos and the formidable service team of the MP Convention; Julia Fabian of OWWA and Ric Casco of IOM; Fr. Resty Ogsimer of CBCP-ECMI.
tion, Kaisa ng Simbahan sa Apostolado Migrante conveys that the CFC Migrants Program is one with the Catholic Church and many other
institutions in addressing concerns related to OFWs. The program kicked off with the celebration of the Mass presided by Fr. Reuel
Castañeda, Episcopal Vicar of the Episcopal District of St. Matthew - North Cavite, concelebrated with Fr. Junie and Fr. Mike, both from the
CFC Delaware strikes up some fun to raise funds for ANCOP's USA CSP APRIL 22, 2017, a Saturday, in Delaware, USA was gloomy and rainy outdoors, but it was all bright and sunny inside the Pleasant Hills Lanes as CFC ANCOP Delaware held its second Annual Bowling FUNdraising event. It was an afternoon of fun, fellowship and giving, as 24 teams from Delaware and neighboring states of Maryland and Pennsylvania came to offer their support and participate in the fundraising tournament. The proceeds from the sold -out event will allow ANCOP Delaware to provide sponsorship for the education of poor students in the Philippines. Marc Crew from Maryland emerged as the champion in the Advanced Team category. Marc's team also received one of the special awards from the tournament—the Most Creative Team award. The High Game Advanced medal went to Kevin DePeel of Harley Bowlers, also from Maryland. Jing Capucao of Mortal Pins team from PA swept the
BISHOP OF MOSHI WELCOMES CFC
two big awards in the female intermediate category: High Average and High Game awards. For the Male Intermediate category, the High Game award went to Anthony Gubitosi of Bowleros from DE; and High Average was awarded to Larry Vaught of Poppop's team, also from DE. The Poppop's team came with an aim to support the poor kids and have some fun, but ended up going home with the First Place trophy, followed by The Team Kalog in second place, and Bowl's Eye in third place. Both teams are from Delaware. The other special team awards were awarded to Most Spirited team of all, Glory Bowl from PA, and the Crusaders from DE for their Sportsmanship. It was a very exciting afternoon of fun and friendly competition with families, friends, co-workers and ANCOP supporters. The event also aimed to help raise awareness about ANCOP and the funds needed to support and sustain the child sponsorship program. (Rusel Valenciano)
The CFC mission team making a courtesy call to Bishop Isaac Amani (5th from right).
HIS Lordship Bishop Isaac Amani of the Diocese of Moshi in Tanzania warmly welcomed the Couples for Christ team who paid him a courtesy visit last April 8, 2017. The CFC team was headed by Eastern Africa Regional Coordinator and Kenya Country Coordinator Jun Clarito with his wife Malou, fulltime pastoral workers of Nairobi, Kenya Goi and Charm Villegas, and ANCOP Africa Coordinator Magdalene Mwikali. Rev. Fr. Wilbert Maningi, parish priest of Korongoni Church and assistant parish priest Rev. Fr. Josephat Moshi paved the way in arranging the meeting with the Bishop. Jun Clarito briefly introduced Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries as well as the work with the poor through ANCOP to the bishop. Bishop Isaac was very happy to learn that the work of CFC will further help the different parishes of his
Diocese in strengthening families. He also praised CFC for uplifting the life of the poor through ANCOP. “Your work is a continuation of Jesus Christ’s mission of propagating the Word of God and at the same time not neglecting the needs of the poor. You both feed the spiritual need of each person and show love by loving the poor,” said Bishop Isaac. The bishop identified four more parishes in his diocese where CFC is most welcome to open the next Christian Life Program. He is very hopeful that with CFC and his diocese working together, more families will be led closer to God. Valerian Elias Kimario, currently head of CFC Moshi in Korongoni Parish and Hellen Kobello, leader of Handmaids of the Lord, were also present during the visit. (Malou Clarito-CFC Canada)
ERRATUM: In the article titled ANCOP Canada Sponsors Studies of 4 Carmelite Nuns, published in the April 3 to 16, 2017 issue of the Ugnayan, the religious sisters belong to the Franciscan Congregation, not Carmelite. Thank you, CFC Canada, for the information.
Whether winners or not, everyone had fun helping raise funds for ANCOP at the annual bowling event.
For comments, suggestions, contributions and feedback, please email globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org.
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were delivered on stage by families. The three sessions, aptly titled “We Are Family”, We Stand for Jesus”, and “Do Everything in Love,” closely hewed to the CFC theme. Speakers at the sessions, who came up on stage with their families, were Singles for Christ International Coordinator Noli Manuel for the first talk, Ablaze President Rommel Ancheta for the second talk, and KFC fulltime pastoral worker Dong Borja for the third. The spiritual element was clearly evident in the celebra-
tion of the Holy Mass every day of the conference, The first day's Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Rev. Fr. Benedict Jason Lopez, a former KFC member himself. Fr. Benedict shared that his growth in the community inspired him to serve the Lord as a priest. In his homily, he said, “The Lord reminds us and tests our faith; the difference is within us, on how we see it in every situation. Even if we are rich or poor, we are one in Jesus.” On the second day, Most Rev. Victor Bendico, Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio, officiated at the Mass. Noting that
it was the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, Bishop Bendico spoke of the life of St. Catherine and how, despite the struggles she faced within her family, her love and faith never ceased. “There will be difficulties that our family may encounter, but through love and understanding, surely God will not abandon us,” the prelate exhorted. The last day of the conference saw Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Habalo celebrating the Mass. Fr. Jeffrey,in his homily, acknowledged that he too had his share of denying his family and of making big mistakes. However, he proclaimed that
“along the way these mistakes converted me to someone who is just so proud to present my family to the world”. The fun part of the conference had all the kids excited. The creative challenges featured the family dance showdown and music competitions. For the sports challenges, there was the family basketball shootout, family obstacle race, badminton, both for men’s and women’s divisions, table tennis, (men’s and women’s divisions), and family relay. The family praise parade on Day 1 was an exciting spectacle, with families from the dif-
ferent sectors and provinces, dressed in their Filipiniana attire, dancing to the music of the particular Philippine festival assigned to them. Various workshops were offered for the families present, ranging from baking, how to achieve a healthy lifestyle, photography, care for the environment, painting, doing household chores, introduction to the lives of saints, calligraphy, public speaking and voice lessons. Similar conferences will be staged in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte on May 5-7, Kalibo, Aklan on May 12 – 14 (Visayas Islands), and Legaspi,
Albay for the South Luzon delegates on May 19 - 21, 2017. (Christina Quiambao)