Vol. 2 No.

The Official Newsletter of COUPLES FOR CHRIST FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY AND LIFE

SOUND the TRUMPETS

MARYS FIAT: AS BELIEVER, MOTHER AND FIRST DISCIPLE
impatient in waiting for Him to make known in His own space and time His true wishes for us? Marys fiat lies beyond trust and submission. It ran through the whole process of experiencing motherhood, of raising a Child destined to be the Savior of the world. The fulfillment of this role meant nursing the baby Jesus through His infancy, watching Him grow, making sure He grew up steeped in honor and respect for His elders, and providing Him the love, care, protection and guidance only a mother could give. There could be no doubt that she, together with Joseph, did a wonderful job because Jesus, by His own humanity, became a man imbued with a sense of mission, challenged the traditions of His time with wisdom and courage, inspired and encouraged the hearts of men to unconditional and selfless love, and finally, modeled and showed us the Way with His supreme sacrifice. Marys fiat also saw a reversal of roles between her and her Son. For soon enough, the mother who was obeyed, became her Sons first and ultimate disciple. Despite the worry and the tension of witnessing her Son face the challenges of an unbelieving world, she knew her place in following the path which He had to tread because she knew in her heart of hearts that the Fathers will had to be fulfilled. Up to her last moments in the town of Ephesus, Mary proved to be her own Sons first and ultimate disciple by acting out her role in fulfilling the Great Commission. n June 14, 2008 Peace!

June 2008

INSIGHTS
Nonong Contreras

FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL

Subject: THE COUPLES FOR CHRIST NAME My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Marys fiat lies in her complete and absolute trust in Gods wishes for her role in the history of salvation. Her reply to Gods messenger, made in sweet abandon, encompassed holding in her hands the fate of whether the promised Messiah would experience fruition or not. Neither a quizzical eyebrow nor a pedantic look raised but a demeanor of meekness and submission to Gods will. Looking at our own personal lives, how many times do we fail to heed the Lords call to be still, listen and wait on Him because we choose to depend on our own human abilities;

On June 5, the Philippines Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), on our petition, issued an Order reviving the original CFC foundation established in 1984, the COUPLES FOR CHRIST FOUNDATION INC. (CFCFI). This means that we now have legal right to the name CFC, and this is a prior right to that of CFC-GK-IC, with its corporation of CFCGMFI established in 1993. Many bishops, both in the Philippines and in other countries, have recognized CFC-FFL. They include Bishop Gabriel Reyes, the Spiritual Director of CFC (before he resigned as Spiritual Director of CFC-GK) and the Chair of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity, and Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Archbishop of Jaro and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). In a recent letter to me dated May 27, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, also left it to individual bishops to recognize CFC-FFL, including that of our name. Therefore, from both the spiritual and the secular, from both Church and state, we have every right to use the name Couples for Christ. Even from the moral and ethical standpoint, we can and should use Turn to page 22

Marys Fiat

UNDER THE FIG TREE

special task for you. If He does, you are especially blessed.

Frank Padilla

SAYING YES TO GOD

First, always be prayerful. Prayer is our connection with God. We cannot hear His call or discern His will if we are not a people of prayer. Second, grow in holiness. The holier we are, the more we reflect not only the image and likeness of God, but also His mind and heart. The holier we are, the clearer will be Gods communications with us. Whether that be dramatic (as we have said above) or just simple (perhaps God knows not many of us can handle His divine drama!). Third, be open. If, because of your prayerfulness and holiness, you discern that God is speaking to you, then be open to whatever He wants of you. It

God has a wonderful plan for our lives. We are His beloved children and He assures us through the prophet Jeremiah that He knows well the plans He has for us, plans for our welfare and not for woe, plans to give us a future full of hope (Jer 29:11). That is Gods part; our part is simply to accept and say our yes to Him. When we do say yes, then we can look forward to unimaginable blessings. But Gods ways are not ours, and often He discloses His plan for us in ways that are difficult to accept, in ways that are even at times astonishing and bewildering. Take the case of Mary. An angel appeared to her! And told her she would be with child without knowing man! And then told her that she will give birth to the Son of the Most High! Would that not have blown your mind! Then there was Isaiah. He saw the Lord seated on His throne, surrounded by seraphims. Isaiah was so shaken up that he thought he would die. Then there was Ezekiel. He also had divine visions. He saw God with His cherubim. He was told to eat the scroll! Then he was transported bodily to another place. For seven days he just sat there distraught. Then there was Hosea. He was told to marry a prostitute! When you are dealing with God, expect the unexpected. When He calls you to a mighty task, expect that at times He will bring the message to you in a dramatic way. Perhaps He is calling you to become a mighty healer, or a great prophet, or a charismatic preacher, or a powerful intercessor, or whatever. Not all are called to such greatness, of course, but what if you were? You need to be ready to say your yes to God. You have to be alert for your divine appointment, otherwise you may miss out on the greatest journey of your life. So what is our proper posture?
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For us in CFC, we had a great adventure during our first 25 years, as the Lord expanded the body to over a million members, brought us to 160 countries as of the end of 2006, gave us Vatican recognition as the only Asian lay association to be accorded such a privilege. But the enemy raged against that. He attacked fiercely, and unfortunately we succumbed. CFC veered away from its basic mission. But now we in CFCFFL are the restored CFC, true to its original charism. If restored, then the anointing will also return. We can then look forward to even greater work in the second quarter century of our existence. This is especially so as we have been humbled by the crisis that beset us and the split that followed. The events of the past months have also led us to embrace our Mother Church even more. We are clearer in who we are as Gods servants, and in what God has called us to. The ongoing attacks and persecution against us have been blessings. They have given us the opportunity to carry our cross, to be purified through fire, to grow in holiness, and to be more committed to our restored work. Hopefully we have also grown in discerning Gods call. That is why in all these we can rejoice. Let us continue to say our yes to God, in whatever way He might call us. n

can never be what you want or what you prefer. It is not what you have been praying for and asking of Him. Again remember that His ways are not our ways. They are as far as the heavens are from the earth (Is 55:9). Finally, have a sense of adventure. In actuality, the Christian life is our greatest adventure. It is growing into the very holiness and perfection of God. It is doing the very work of God, that of bringing salvation in Christ to others. It is renewing the face of the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. Apart from all of that, God might still have a

* Being under the fig tree is a symbol of messianic peace. (Nations) shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Every man shall sit under his own vine or under his own fig tree, undisturbed (Micah 4:3b4). Our ultimate goal is to bring the peace of Christ into the world to all.

April 30, 2008 My dear brethren, Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ! The turn of events Events have moved quickly since an article entitled Vatican admonishes CFC over GK appeared on ABS-CBN online news last April 16 (note: we had nothing to do with that article, and the writer is unknown to me/us). Then the letter of Cardinal Rylko of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Vatican) to Joe Tale dated March 11 surfaced on the Net (note:

columnists such as Esposo and de Quiros, connected with Boy, joined in on the personal attacks on me and on the hierarchical Church. We are in a time of intense spiritual warfare! Gods action in our lives Last year, the Lord brought us to Lamentations, to teach us a stern lesson, that we would lose it all if we are unfaithful to our covenant, just as what happened to His people Israel. I took command responsibility for our collective guilt, and made a spiritual offering of resignation from the Intl Council. That

We in CFCFFL, the restored CFC true to its authentic charism, moved on, with great joy and starting to experience the return of Gods anointing. The enemy, thinking he had succeeded in seriously weakening CFC with the split, now saw God bringing victory out of seeming defeat. He now saw the emergence of a restored CFC, once again totally focused on the charism given it. Once again Gods work of family renewal and evangelization could proceed in the power of His Spirit. And once again the enemy raged. Since many bishops have recognized CFCFFL, and since the Holy See,

AN OPEN LETTER TO

CFCFFL

this did not come from us as we had no copy, but came from them as they tried to downplay the ABS-CBN news item). The letter told Joe about going back to the essentials, and the priority of building up the family, in fidelity to the Church. It talked about counterbalancing the overemphasis on the social work. It talked about the public scandal due to the mistakes committed, and the need to correct them. It urged Joe to issue a public declaration in the Philippine newspapers recognizing the errors and publicly apologizing. It directed CFC to stop receiving funding (from those producing or marketing contraceptives). The reaction of some on the CFCGK side was fast and furious. Boy Montelibano, the right-hand man of Tony Meloto in GK, issued a series of writings, basically maligning me, Bishop Gabriel Reyes, Cardinal Rylko of the Vatican, and the Church hierarchy in general. He used strong words such as Pharisees and hypocrisy. Other newspaper

should have brought us back to Gods grace, if we all repented and turned back from unfaithfulness to our covenant and veering away from our calling. But that did not happen, as there was disrespect and disobedience to our bishops, and there were maligning and attacks against those who wanted to restore CFC to its authentic charism. We all allowed the enemy (the devil, our common enemy) to enter our gates, with the result that CFC plunged into deep crisis and then split. But given that bringing us to Lamentations did not have the desired result, since there were those with hardened hearts who would not repent and turn away from errors, God then allowed the split to happen. If we had not split, CFC would soon have disintegrated, as the enemy wanted to destroy us all. With the split, the tensions between the social and the spiritual dimensions of our work were eliminated.

through the Pontifical Council for the Laity, has recognized the errors committed by CFC, so now it is the hierarchical Church herself that is under attack. This is where we see that indeed we are into more intense spiritual warfare. The devil rages against the Church and her authentic work. The conflict is not just about us in CFC, but about the whole Church. Call to prayer What should we do? First, be not afraid. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. Second, rejoice in persecution for the sake of righteousness, for you are blessed (Mt 5:10-12). Such is Gods way of purifying us and moving us on to holiness.
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Third, do not retaliate in kind. Continue to love your enemy (the only real enemy is the devil). Fourth, pray hard. Prayer is our lifeline to God, who is merciful, kind, just and loving. We are His children. He is committed to care for us. He knows our pains. He allows crosses into our lives. But He has a great plan for us, not for woe but for a future full of hope. Let us pray for Gods protective mantle on us all. Let us pray for our brethren who are in CFC-GK. They are our brethren and not our enemies. And let us pray for Mother Church, especially our bishops who guide and pastor us. I ask every member of CFCFFL, in addition to your regular daily prayer and Bible reading, to look to frequent participation in the Eucharist (daily if you can), to regular family prayer of the rosary (daily if you can), and to Eucharistic adoration (if you are able). The different CFCFFL groupings (households, chapters, districts, etc.) should look to communal prayer and intercession. The intercessory groups should intensify their prayers. Let us also pray the chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I also call on fasting twice a week. We, and the whole Church, are into intense spiritual warfare. Certain demons can only come out through prayer (and through fasting) (Mk 9:29). We are on spiritual war footing. Be fit for the fight. Finally, keep your hearts pure and humble. God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. (1 Pt 5:5-7). Rejoice in the Lord It is appropriate that we in CFCFFL have taken on the theme of joy for this year. God loves us, God has a great plan for us, God will never abandon us, God turns our pains and crosses into sanctification and holiness. And God is already victorious over the enemy. What more could we ask for? I leave you with Peters wise words. Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. (1 Pt 3:13-17) Mama Mary, please pray for us and keep us in your loving embrace always. God bless us all. Your brother in Christ, Frank Padilla

WHAT ROLE DOES MARY PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

MY MOM is a traditional Marian devotee who prays the rosary everyday, goes to mass at Baclaran Church for her devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, collects Marian stampitas and medals for everybody, and even has all kinds of Marian statues in the house. I honor my mom for her devotion to Mama Mary. She lifted up her heart and the family to Mama Mary. She was the first to consecrate me to Mama Mary, because I was born on the feast day of Ina ng Poonbato. Blanche Halili I REMEMBER, I was not really a Marian person, and I always felt guilty about it, especially since I was surrounded by Marian devotees! My parents always prayed the rosary. After joining the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX), I believe I was led to Mother Mary because I ended up joining the Legion of Mary. I believe it was Mother Marys way of calling me.Since then, I became active until we became missionaries to Europe. Every morning, I would consecrate myself and my family to our Lady. Ruby Borja WHEN I WAS barely two years old, I was afflicted with H-Fever. At that time, the cause and cure for the disease was unknown. My parents spent hours at the chapel to ask God to spare me. My Mom, in her desire to save me, dedicated me to Our Lady of Lourdes. The prayers powered by the faith of my parents and the intercession of our Lady, allowed me to still be here and share this miracle. In the hospital section where I was confined, I was the only child who survived! Now, Mama Mary is reminding me of the consecration my mom made to her. She is calling me back to her embrace. Mimi David I AM GRATEFUL to my late mom for exemplifying genuine devotion to our Blessed Mother. Never a day passed that I did not see her praying the Holy Rosary. As I grew up, I understood that the tighter she held on to the Holy Rosary and to our Lady, the stronger she became emotionally and spiritually. She never missed reminding me to cling to Mother Mary and always seek her intercession for the holy souls in purgatory. At present, my husband and I are challenged to pray the Holy Rosary daily with our three children, as our fiat to Jesus who loves Mama Mary so much. The small ones try to follow by saying unintelligible words and cant keep still most of the time! I believe this is fine with Mama Mary. Her grace allows her to love us as we are. Mye Menguito

GODS WHEEL
Founder and President of The Confraternity of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace

Contributed by Msgr. Melvin Castro

MARY - OUR EXAMPLE OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

Be it done to me according to Your Word. (Luke 1:38) If there is something so characteristic of Catholicism, it is our deep love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. And for us Filipinos, our love for Her has so permeated our being that Marian devotion is apparent in our life as a nation. Like, Marys presence was powerfully felt in the EDSA Revolution of 1986. Wednesday Masses teem with our faithful invoking Our Ladys help as our Mother of Perpetual Help. And any Marian Shrine in the country is most certainly frequented by the people. And even we have our own Marian Apparition in Lipa Carmel for which we are humbly working on for the Churchs official recognition. Yet, while Marian devotion may be so extensive on one hand, it may not necessarily be deep and authentic enough on the other hand. Let me quote St. Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort: Jesus, our Savior, true God and true man, must be the ultimate end of all our other devotions; otherwise they would be false and misleading. If then we are establishing sound devotion to Our Blessed Mother, it is only in order to establish devotion to Our Lord more perfectly, by providing a smooth but certain way of reaching Jesus Christ. (True Devotion to Mary, nos. 61-62). The Catechism of the Catholic Church places Mary in the context of the Credo (the Profession of Faith that starts with I believe) in that part that says: Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Hence, Mary is placed, as God has placed Her to be, in relation to Christ, Her Son. In fact, all the Marian privileges Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Assumptionare rooted in Her being the Mother of Christ. We rightfully speak of the inseparable union of Christ and Mary. That Mary Herself was redeemed by Christ but whose redemption was applied, retroactively at the moment of Her conception. Sounds too technical? To put it more simply, Our Blessed Mother would not have been so blessed if She were not chosen to be the Mother of Christ. And Her being the Mother of the Redeemer made Her the first to be redeemed by Christ. And this brings us to a basic truth: Mary was pre-destined to be the Mother of Christ; YET God needed her YES, her FIAT -- to effect His plan. God had for Mary very wonderful things, so many wonderful things that she would later proclaim in her Magnificat. But they were just plans until Our Lady said yes and from then on, they became realities. Could she have said no? Most certainly, she could have. She has, as we all have, a free

will. Free will is a gift from God. So great a gift that God fully respects it. It is what makes us human beings and children of God we have freedom! And Mary used that freedom to its fullest perfection, she perfected her free will by submitting it to Gods Will. It sounds paradoxical enough but that is the truth we do not lose our freedom when we freely submit it to God, instead in such submission we discover its fullest meaning. Freedom is not to do what we want, it is to do what is right and good. The contrary will be the abuse of such freedom. And Our Lady, because she was predisposed by Gods grace, was able to use that freedom well. She uttered her YES to Gods holy Will. She did not lose her freedom by
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doing so, she perfected it instead. And she was not forced to say YES. She freely and joyfully gave her YES. In fact, we can affirm, it was precisely because of that YES that we can rightfully call her Causa Nostrae Laetitiae Cause of Our Joy. She caused the world to rejoice when she said her YES to be the Mother of Christ. Let us ask ourselves then and share our thoughts: 1. Do you remember when God inspired you to do something and you did comply? 2. Looking back at your life, do you not see Gods hand slowly but constantly guiding you? 3. Do you not feel God asking more from you? God has wonderful plans for you and me, but He needs our yes. He will never impose His Will on us, He awaits our own fiat to His Will.

describes for us her continuous reaction to Gods mysterious plan unfolding: She treasured all things in her heart. That is to say, she trusted in and listened to what she saw: Faith and Obedience. Mary not only heard the announcement of the Angel to her, she listened intently, and in listening she had her faith and eventual conviction to say, Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum Be it done unto me according to your word. And that word was not a simple word, it is the Word made flesh Verbum caro factum est. The simple word of a woman was what God needed to give us salvation. Just one word, salvation and life reentered the world. Let us ask ourselves again and share our thoughts: 1. Have you ever uttered a word that effected great change, for better or for worse? Watch your word! It can change the world.

In the Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, we have not only someone to extol but someone who is so close to us, someone to imitate and, in fact, someone who is our co-pilgrim here on earth: she needed as we do need FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. Interestingly, when we examine the etymology of the word obedience, it reveals to us that it comes from the Latin word, ob-audire, the root word audire which means to listen. Faith, on the other hand, means trust and confidence in the Unseen. The Tagalog translation for faith is rather very rich and meaningful pananampalataya which literally means the sense of sight is ceased, pananaw-patay, to believe without seeing. If Faith will mean sense of sight ceases; obedience will mean the sense of hearing, better yet listening, is vital. And Mary by Gods grace perfectly had both: believing in the Word that she heard, and trusting in God whom she did not see. And with the eventual birth of Christ, she beheld and touched whom she believed in and listened to. And rightfully St. Luke
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2. Do you believe because you have seen? the Risen Lord asked St. Thomas. And the Lord continued, Happy are those who believe even without seeing. Do you believe because you see? Or do you believe so you could see? Believe and you will see! Mary, in her faith and obedience, fulfilled Gods plan for her to be the Mother of the Redeemer. But her fiat was not limited to one single instance. It was one continuous YES in her entire lifetime. Constantly renewed and nourished in faith, in word, and in deed. We can even say, her life itself was her FIAT to Gods Will. Hence, in Mary we see the perfect exemplar of Faith and Obedience. We imitate her and we ask her as well in our prayers that she may obtain for us the same Faith and Obedience that enabled her to perpetually utter: Fiat Mihi Secundum Verbum Tuum, Be it done unto Me according to your word. Ave Maria! Ad Jesum per Mariam. n

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

Contributed by Santi Edralin CFC-KFL International Coordinator This article is offered to our Parent Coordinators and our Kids Volunteers who serve in CFC Kids for Family and Life. We would like to take this opportunity to inspire, inform and interact with you through the Word of God, which is, as Scriptures say, the sword of the Spirit. (Eph. 6) This is very important for us who are engaged in spiritual warfare. The Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword that pierces through our thoughts and reflections. (Heb. 4:12) This years theme is Joy in Christ from the Book of Zephaniah,

When God calls us to do something, we must obey and be faithful no matter how difficult and impossible it may be, just like Mary. Let us all reflect on the importance of Mary as we all strive to follow and imitate Jesus. As Mary let it be done to her according to Gods word, may we all be reminded that everything here on earth is all for the Glory of God! When recently and how did God speak to you to do something either through an angel, an event, or a scriptural verse? What were the circumstances? __________________________________________________ __________________________________

GODS WORD TO US THROUGH MAMA MARY

God rejoices over us! (Zeph. 3:17) Let us find our joy and allow God to rejoice over us by studying His Word. We encourage all our Parent Coordinators and Kids Volunteers to discover the message in Mama Marys Fiat as told in the Gospel of Luke 1:28-38. Let us break down the verses and understand the context. 1. Who are the main characters in this gospel? v. 26 Mary and Angel Gabriel Angel Gabriel is one of the three archangels mentioned in the Bible. Angel Gabriel is an angel serving as Gods messenger 2. How did Mary feel when she was talking to Angel Gabriel? v. 29 She was greatly troubled and pondered 3. What is to be done to her? v. 31, Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son This is the Annunciation. 4. Who is the Son? v. 31 Jesus 5. What is the significance of this conception? v. 34 How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? It is important to note that Joseph and Mary were scandalized by this because Joseph married a pregnant woman. It must have been the most difficult nine months of Marys life! Going through pregnancy amidst the rumors about her being impregnated prior to marriage . 6. How will she conceive a baby without relations with a man? v. 35 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you. v. 37 For nothing is impossible for God. 7. How did Mary submit to Gods will? v. 38 Be it done to me according to Your Word. What is the message of this Gospel to you?
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How did you feel? __________________________________________________ _________________________________ What was/is God telling you through the Gospel? __________________________________________________ __________________________________ What specific thing is God asking you to do?

_______________________________________________ ______________________________. n

CFC-YFL International Coordinator

YOUTH WORKER THE SECRET TO TRUE FREEDOM Contributed by Joseph Tesoro

the greatest man who ever lived! When we do the same (follow Gods purpose in our life), we will discover freedom beyond our imagination. We will be free from all worries that sin brings. We will feel contentment with what we have right now because we are confident that the life we are living is in accordance with the will of our Father. We will be free from any anxiety, knowing that the Lord will always provide for our every need. Just as Mary experienced all these, so too shall we. All we have to do is to obey God and decide in our hearts that we will be His servant. When we finally do this, we will experience tremendous freedom! Guide Question: Are you experiencing true freedom right now? If not, what are the areas in your life that you need to surrender to God in order to experience true freedom? n

Ironic as it may sound, the secret to true freedom is to be a servant. Yes, you read it right! To be free is to be a servant of the Lord. Most people today think that freedom means doing everything and anything you want anytime. But when you really think about it, are they really free? Yes they can do whatever they want, but they are not free from all the worry, anxiety and discontent. Like, premarital sex, for example. People think freedom means having sex anytime outside marriage. But is that really freedom? After doing it, people are enslaved by anxiety whether they will get pregnant or get sick. True freedom comes only from the knowledge that you are following God and fulfilling His purpose in your life. Mary is our perfect example. I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (Lk 1:38) When she obeyed God, even with all the uncertainty, she became ultimately free - free to do the will of the Father and bear
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GREAT UPDATES FROM OUR YOUTH WORKERS!

Paraaque Novaliches Cubao Antipolo 3 Youth Camps with 40+ participants each YFL District Planning SHOUT (a leaders training) 3 Youth Camps 22 participants for San Mateo/Montalban 21 participants for Cainta 17 participants for Antipolo YFL is now present in 8 out of 9 vicariates of the diocese! Joint Youth Camp with 50 participants. Youth Camp with 49 participants Youth Camp with 265 participants Youth Camp (Youth Camps are conducted weekly) Youth Camp with 70 participants Youth Camp with 50 participants Youth Camp with 75 participants. Youth summer missions

Pasig/Manila Tarlac Lipa (Batangas) Imus, Cavite Pandi (Bulacan) North A Kalookan Isabela

The ministry harvested more or less 700 souls!

Be it done unto me according to your word. (Lk. 1:38) The Latin translation of this verse is, Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Hence, the more popular term fiat. Luke records these words as uttered by Mary, her reply to the Angel Gabriels message, her response to Gods call. This was her Yes! Fiat means, Let it be. Many say it. The Beatles fans sing it. And the devout Catholics meditate on it at least three times daily during the Angelus. It is, indeed, a wonderful statement, a statement that triggered a very important event the incarnation of the Son of God. A Little Backtrack What makes Marys fiat so special? Like any simple Yes response, it is probably one of the most ordinary words in the language. But its very simplicity, marked with the complexity of Marys context, makes this Yes very special. Mary was a teenager when the angel appeared to her. Some say she was praying. Others say she was doing ordinary chores. But one thing is sure. When the Angel came, she was ready. While, like Zechariah, she was disturbed (Lk. 1:12 & 29), she was not afraid. Zechariah was overcome with fear

SINGLE FOCUS
Contributed by Denver Bingski D. Daradar CFC-SFL

WHERE GOD AND MAN MEET

With Marys fiat, God and Man met for the first and only time in human history, inside her womb. God became Man, and He dwelt amongst us. With her yes, Mary became the cause of our Joy, giving us our One Hope Jesus Christ, True God and True Man, the Savior of the World. Mary could have been worried about the neighbors gossiping about her. She could have concerned herself with possibly being dumped by her more-than-GG-(Gods Gift)-but-lessthan-husband Joseph. She could have worried about the big responsibility of a devout Jew having to carry in her womb and

(Lk. 1:12), but Mary asked what the angels greeting meant. Indeed, at the start, the posture of Marys heart was that of prayerful trust. Imagine a teenager with all the issues of adolescent life. But these were not in Marys mind. When an angel of God came to her with a message, she just took it in. It would seem that Mary had no trouble conversing with this heavenly messenger and digesting the word of Yahweh. When the angel revealed the incredible news that she would bear a Son, Mary humbly pointed out that she has had no relations with a man, so how could she get pregnant? But when Gabriel assured her that God would take care of it, Mary just said yes.

later feed and clothe and shelter the Son of Yahweh, the God she worshipped! But Mary was not afraid. She readily said yes. The Singles Fiat The journey of a single man or woman is really like that of teenage Mary. We have our own issues and sources of fear. Will I be able to get a good, stable job to feed myself? How will I support my parents and siblings? Will my career or business prosper? Will I find a suitable partner in life? Will I get married? Should I become a priest or religious? Will I stay single for the rest of my life?
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The causes for fear are endless. But obviously, God will not leave us alone. He most probably has sent us our own version of Gabriel those signs and messages that assure us of what God has in store for us. But do we have a heart like Marys that is not afraid? Or are we like the man hanging from the cliff, asking God to save him, but when God tells him to let go of the tree he was clinging to, he looks for another God, another sign? Some of us can say to the Lord, I hear your voice, Lord. I can feel your presence. I know your message. And then, our concerns suddenly crop up. Issues like, oh, answering that call will mean not being the breadwinner for the family. Or, maybe, Lord, do I have to give up my car? Or, perhaps, Lord, I will lose my Starbucks budget! Or even, Lord,, there are still a number of things I want to do with my life. Or worse, Lord, if that happens to me, I will lose everything. But then, for sure, God will tell us the same message He has been telling His people for thousands of years Do not be afraid. I am with you. Ill take care of everything. If, with that, we can now say YES like Mary, praise God! If not, then we must start preparing to say it. Preparing for our Fiat Maybe God is calling us today to do great things for Him. Maybe He wants us to make Him alive in the lives of other people. But we may feel unready. Perhaps, we might want to reflect on the following areas to help us prepare for our own Fiat: Do I spend time in intimate prayer with the Lord? Do I know His voice? Do I talk to Him daily and open myself honestly and completely to Him? Do I allow Him to speak to me, and do I listen? Do I realize that by praying and listening to Him daily, I prepare myself to discern His voice and His will in all things? Do I say NO or LATER to little things, so that my heart is prepared to say NO or LATER to big things so that when God calls, I can readily say YES? It can be as simple as saying NO to a cup of ice cream or a stick of barbecue, or just having your coffee break a little later than usual. What are those things that I find difficult to build my EQ on? Do I not realize that by delaying gratification, I teach myself to say NO to self, and prepare myself to say YES to God? Do I live a sacramental life, frequenting the sacraments of reconciliation and the Blessed Eucharist? Do I realize that by feeding my heart and soul with the Word and the Body, and renewing myself with the grace of Gods forgiveness, I make myself ready to be full of grace, too, to accept all that God offers? Do I talk to Mary and ask her help to teach me become like her, so that God can use me mightily for His own purpose? Indeed, Mary is the foremost missionary and evangelist: She accepted the Word into her life, and proclaimed it to the world. And we, too, can be used mightily by God. We, too, can make Gods plan happen in our life. But we need to prepare, to be like Mary, to be fearlessly in love with God.
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When we finally make our FIAT to God, despite all our concerns and problems, another great event in history will take place. It may not be another Incarnation, as Marys Fiat had done; but, for sure, it will be more than enough for Gods glory to be witnessed by many. When that time comes, God and Man will meet in us, too, and many people will come to know and love and serve the Lord. n

CFC SFL ANNOUNCEMENT

Below are our international mission trips this year. July 31 - August 20, 2008 USA New York New Jersey Seattle, Washington Chicago, Illinois July 2 - July 21, 2008 Europe Oslo, Norway Vienna, Austria Rome, Italy These mission trips are open to all SFL members who have undergone the CFC SFL Covenant Recollection by the time of the mission trip. Those who wish to join the US Mission Trip are requested to process their own visa application. Join and meet our brothers and sisters from other parts of the world, share your personal testimony and experience God in new ways.

CFC-HFL International Coordinator

Contributed by Kit Ladrido

MAIDENS CHRONICLES

under our feet? Our trial, whatever it is, is permitted by Gods fatherly love, and His watchful eye keeps vigil over us. God desires only our good. He wishes to draw us to Himself! We must believe that with all our heart! Even when He permits us to live with a serious, humiliating weakness or problem, it is for our benefit, for: All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose, as St. Paul says. We need to humbly submit our misery and unceasingly raise our hearts in prayer to Him. Let us give Him our willing consent to the cross which seems so great a burden to us today.

MARYS ANSWER TO THE ANGEL

Sis. Rea Santos from Cavite shared at the 1st World Handmaids Congress (WHC) in Tagaytay Cty about the series of trials since becoming a Handmaid - she was wrongly accused of stealing money (she later met the real thief and forgave him); her husband had an accident in Davao which caused temporary amnesia to the point of even forgetting her (he eventually came home to her); she had several bouts with cancer which would recur (the latest one again needing surgery which she postponed till after the WHC). All through these trials, she never thought of lying low, making sure to always show joy to others. She never questioned God except to ask, Lord, what is it you want of me? And then, in full trust and submission, she continued to serve. Like Mary, Rea responded to the Lord: Let it be done to me according to Thy word. Fiat not only once or twice, but daily throughout her life. Fiat as she prepared for her surgery. Fiat whenever she experienced pain. Was it easy for Mary to give that answer? Did she give it hastily and without reflection, as we so often do when we pray the Angelus? Mary must have been frightened by what she saw and heard. She was frightened by the angel, frightened also by the unheard-of task God expected of her who wished to be the handmaid, not the mother of the Redeemer. There wasnt much time and she had to come to a decision. The Angel waited for her answer, the answer on which rested the redemption of the world. Mary did not clothe herself with the mantle of false humility I cannot do it! She did not negotiate with God like Moses did I have a slow tongue, let Aaron speak for me. The humble maiden of Nazareth, after the Angel revealed that she would become the Mother of God, did not hesitate for a single moment. With childlike simplicity and trust, she uttered the words, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word.

Now, what is our answer to the sorrows and trials we bear? How do we respond to the message of our Father in heaven? What is our reaction when death robs us of our dearest one in life, when sickness tortures us and our very existence rocks

When things seem without rhyme or reason, let us say humbly with Mary, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word. n

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The 1st World Kids Conference
CFC Kids for Family and Life concluded its 1st World Kids Conference last May 9-11, 2008 held at the Father Luigi Caburlotto, Daughters of St. Joseph School located in Barangay Buho, Amadeo, Cavite. The event gathered 827 participants from all over Metro Manila including the provinces of Rizal, Isabela, Catanduanes, Laguna, Batangas, Tarlac, and Hongkong! The Conference theme was Joy Adventure - The Quest for Real Treasure, which speaks of Gods joy over us if the Joy of every kid is our Savior Jesus Christ! The first day of the WKC started with a praise parade and a kids praise, graced by the presence of the School Administrator Sister Idangela Del Ben and Cavite Councilor Dondie Bayot. The second day was filled with workshops, fun games and sports clinics. Also, KFL lauched its first batch of Manuals: the Junior Kids Day, Senior Kids Camp, and Leaders Training during the Parent Coordinators Forum. The afternoon was capped with the traditional fire hose bath. The highlight of the conference was the Joy Adventure play which underscored where our should be! The last day of the conference had a Mothers day festival to honor all mothers. It ended with a kids praisefest and a simple awarding ceremony for the winners in special competitions and citations. The World Kids Conference will be echoed to the different districts, provinces, countries and restoration villages. WKC International Schedules: June 25-27 World Kids Conference, New York July 10 World Kids Conference, Toronto August 1-3- World Kids Conference, NorCal August 20-22 World Kids Conference, Vienna n

JOY ADVENTURE

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can never comprehend but which He will reveal only in His time. On the last day, God allowed me experience Him. During worship, I saw Jesus walking in front of me in a beach during sunrise. As I called out His name, He continued walking on and I continued to call out until He turned around to answer. Rays of sunlight blinded me and prevented me from seeing Jesus straight in the face. Perhaps, my heart would have never been able to grasp how beautiful He is, it would have never been able to contain the joy that a glimpse of Him would give. But just seeing some part of my Lord was enough to affirm me that I was in the right place and I can only expect the best in the coming days, months and years as I serve Him not only in this community but in my life. Pain and trials may try to obstruct my way but I am confident that in this community - in this family - Im home.

The 1st World Youth Congress

Contributed by Tinay Mamaril, CFC-YFL I went to the 1st World Youth Congress carrying a lot of burdens about family and school. I wanted to set aside that weekend as the intimate date I promised the Lord a long time ago. Unfortunately, it wasnt easy to detach from my personal concerns. But God is good. As the Congress unfolded, I saw young people like me counting their blessings and giving God all the credit. I saw their openness to the changes that God allowed to renew their lives and build them into something greater than they could ever imagine. I saw them assuring each other that they had but the same Father and that nothing could break the bond they have with Him and with each other.

JOY RIDE

On the second night, God became personal with me. During the session on God being a Mighty Savior, I remembered the times when God rescued me from my distress. Indeed, God has been faithful to me during the difficult dry spells of my life. It was at that moment that God struck me with the question: Does He always have to do something magnificent in my life just so that I would be in constant awe of Him? The World Youth Congress made me realize a lot of things but, most importantly, it made me see that I am unique in the eyes of God! He has the best plans for me - plans that my mind
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CFC Singles for Family and Life members and leaders from the Philippines (Antipolo, Cubao, Novaliches, Paranaque, Manila, Pasig, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Quezon, Catanduanes, Biliran, Iloilo, Samar, Isabela ) and abroad (Taiwan, USA, Turkey ) trekked to Alpadi on March 28-30 for the 1st World Singles Conference. The WELCOME STRUT, a parade which magnificently showcased the uniqueness of the areas, provinces, and countries represented in the conference thrilled the more than 300 delegates! After the remarks by CFC SFL International Coordinator Patrick

Contributed by Myra Menguito, CFC-SFL Coordinator

The 1st World Singles Congress

ON A HIGH

likewise explained how we can remain focused despite the distractions whenever we pray/worship. We also expressed appreciation for Mother Marys cherished presence through the praying of the Holy Rosary. After the Morning Worship, Mon Arguelles explained how it is to be on higher ground. This, he said, entails the realization that

overflowed, as everyone shared with each other. Fruits and pastries were in abundance, too! Though the roasted calf and the desserts were mere symbols, the activity truly drove home the point of heavens celebration when we renew our love for God. The Spiritual Deepening Workshops on Saturday afternoon provided the singles a deeper perspective on

Oconer, and by CFCFFL Family Ministries Head Lachie Agana, Bambi Urgino led the Heart of Worship Praise Concert. The concert was unique because sharings expounding on the different components of a powerful and meaningful worship were interspersed with the songs: Mon Arguelles for Vibrant Praise, Jessie Barcelona for the Life of a Worship, and Maricar Gatchalian for Listening to God in Worship. Joseph Tesoro
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after the pain we went through in Lamentations, there is so much promise as Gods love restores us. There should be a yearning to go back to the Lord, like the Prodigal Son. As we do so, we see our Father dancing and leaping for joy! He will spare nothing to celebrate our homecoming! The singles were given a taste of such celebration, when a fattened calf was served for all! The sweetness of Gods love and mercy

enhancing ones personal relationship with the Lord. Simultaneously conducted were Praying with Scriptures by Rev. Fr. Francis Alvarez, SJ; Power of Intercession by Vita Monforte of Light of Jesus; Contemplative Prayer by Ilsa Reyes; and Spiritual Journaling by Rev. Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ. The singles were grateful to Bishop Gabby Reyes of the Diocese

PDATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGRE

of Antipolo for celebrating the anticipated mass. He stressed how each of us is called to holiness, and how valuable is the role we play as Christs evangelizers, that our being on the ground and witnessing to Christs love makes us effective evangelizers! Saturday evening was a hit as well! After dinner, there was the Singles whose transforming power renews us in His love! Tin Venerayan of CFC SFL Paranaque, gave witness on how the Lord blessed her with a tremendous amount of joy, despite the hardships she encountered while growing up. The story about her parents failed marriage (which the Lord is now restoring), and how she was able to finish schooling in spite of extreme poverty, endeared Cocay (Tins can do his/her share in bringing other singles to Christ without sounding too preachy. His humorous true-to-life testimony of his efforts at evangelizing not only animated the delegates, but also provided a refreshing insight on how one can be an effective evangelizer. Sound the Trumpets! SOARing HIGH! culminated a very powerful

Got Talent. SFL from Laguna, Biliran District, Tarlac, and Novaliches enjoyed every minute of their performances. The audience went on an uproar when emcees Jepoy Meneses and VL Ramos gave their own version of the Kuracha Dance rendered by SFL Biliran. The evening went on a more meaningful high when everybody was led to worship the Lord by Wally Magtibay. Indeed, after the worship, everyone felt inexplicable joy, which was an affirmation of the challenge posed by the second session for all of us to be HAPPY, since we should all be HIGH ON CHRIST! Maricar Gatchalian, a woman teeming with the Lords joy, inspired everyone to move on from lamentations to joy, as she reminded how the Lord, our God, is in our midst, how He is our mighty savior, and

nickname) to the other singles. As if the singles couldnt get enough, they were kept ON A HIGH by Patrick Frias who talked about Christs several sources of joy, as found in the Holy Bible: Davids zealousness, Jobs abounding trust, Mother Marys obedience, and Abrahams faithfulness. Everyone was touched, as they received the message that imperfect as we are, we can be a source of Christs joy as a fruit of our obedience, faith, and trust in Him. The singles woke up on the last day of the conference fully charged, stirred by the inspirations from the Holy Spirit the entire weekend. The Evangelization Workshop given by Joseph Tesoro was an eye-opener, as he shared how each CFC SFL member

weekend for the single men and women who will serve as the core of Gods mighty warriors. Pat Oconer gave marching orders which empowered the singles to fly high for the Lord, exalting Him through ones life. He also shared how the CFCFFL Core Values will keep each one grounded and focused on Christ. There was no final farewell, as each delegate looked forward to be with one another once more this time on mission, for the CFC SFL ROAD TRIP SUMMER MISSION! How exciting it truly is to serve the Lord!!!! Definitely, Christ will lead us carry us anoint us empower us, as we move forward, confident that God is with us, as we all fulfill the mission that the Lord has laid down before us. n
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May 3 and 4 marked the 1st World Handmaids Congress of the CFC Handmaids for Family & Life, held at the Tagaytay International Convention Center. With the theme, I Rejoice, it was an awesome experience for the more than 560 delegates from here and abroad. The Congress opened with the Holy Mass by Fr. Serg Arenga, followed by the recitation of the holy rosary, led by Sis Charit Mutuc of Tarlac. After this, our ever so lively and lovely emcee, Sis Baby Ligeralde started the ball rolling. The first session entitled From Hope to Joy was given by Sis. Kit Ladrido, who spoke about the chaos, sorrow and confusion we have gone through. She stressed that, despite our sinfulness, God has shown mercy and spared us as His holy remnant. Thus, we have every reason to rejoice. The second session was Women of Joy given by Sis. Maribel Descallar, who spoke about rebuilding our
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The 1st World Handmaids Congress

Contributed by Marlyn Surtida, CFC-HFL Laguna community using our seven core values as guide posts. These are Gods gifts to us more than enough reason to rejoice. Session 3 talked about Our Joy in Rebuilding, given by Sis Menchie Donato, who exhorted about rebuilding our community starting with ourselves: being faithful, building a disposition of quiet listening and having a special devotion to Mother Mary. The second day of the Congress, which was a Sunday, started with the holy rosary (in Thai and English) led by Sis Sida Jarungjitpracharom from Thailand, who was completely garbed in the Thai national costume. This was followed by the Holy Mass, presided by Fr. Melvin Castro, founder of the Confraternity of the Mediatrix of All Grace. Session 4, Sharing our Joy, given by no less than our founder Bro. Frank Padilla, spoke of, first and foremost, praising and honoring God and finding joy in being Gods people. He also pointed out our mission of liberation. We are engaged in spiritual warfare, a sign that we are in the end times. This makes our work even more urgent. However, we are assured that we who are faithful will rise victorious in Christ. The congress was all the more meaningful because of the Sold Out Bands joyfully energetic way of providing music for both worship, reflection and dance (which the Handmaids love to do). This was especially felt during Saturday evenings spirit-filled Heart of Worship concert. The Congress was capped by a power-filled worship and praisefest led by Maricar Gatchalian. She enlightened me so much about the real meaning of our mission we may now be fewer in number, but definitely not in power. n

I REJOICE

ATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGRESS

The 1st World Servants Congress
Contributed by Elpidio Damaso, CFC-SvFL was highlighted by talks which truly touched the hearts of those present. Bro. Frank Padilla spoke about the Joy of Rebuilding Self and the Community with powerful sharing from Bros. Jun Cabalan and Butch Sinconegue. Bro. Gary Faustino expounded on the Magnificence of the New Temple and how SvFL represented the hammer on one hand and the spear on the other hand. Bro. Tony Espiritu, one of the first 16 couples who formed CFC and who is now with SvFL with the passing of his wife, related his experience about the beauty of the original charism. He spoke of the anguish he felt over the veering away from the original values that led to the split, and how in a dream he saw and entered a new, rebuilt and glorious temple set on a hill. To prepare the members to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, four priests were present to hear confession after the days talks. The 1st World Servants Congress was held on May 23-25 at Maryhill Retreat Center in Antipolo with delegates from Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon, Central Luzon and Visayas, including a delegation from Bohol. Bro. Tony Cruz and his band provided the music for the praise and worship session of the opening night with Bro. Glen Angeles as worship leader. On Saturday at six in the morning, wake-up call was Gregorian Chant music through the piped in system. To start the days activities, Fr. Manny Gambino, SJ led the assembly in praying the rosary. The format included the recitation of the Our Father and Glory Be in continuous tai-chi and oriental body stretching exercises. The Hail Mary was prayed in less strenuous posture. The format was enthusiastically received by the participants and will be used in other future assemblies. The Congress, emceed by Bros. Edu Neponuceno and Tony Asis, After dinner, the Sold-Out Band conducted a spirited Heart of Worship Concert. Bro. Bambi Urgino gave an inspiring talk on the need to worship the Lord; Bro. Patrick Oconer led the members in a Tongues training; and Bro. Patrick Frias tackled the Gift of Prophecy. After the Sunday Mass, the CFCFFL core values were reemphasized by Bro. Lachie Agana. He reiterated the need to focus first on rebuilding our individual spirituality and holiness, and how each member is a building block in the new temple built around Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone of the edifice. SvFL International Coordinator, Bro. Boy Katigbak, explained to the assembly the next steps to be taken by the ministry, focusing on the duty to bring Gods Word to many. He also stressed the call for SvFL to assist in parishes especially in the area of migrant worker families training and value formation and evangelization. n

JOY IN REBUILDING

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CFC-SFL FLIES HIGH!

During the1st WSC, I faced three Goliaths: First, was my finances, which was why I registered late. Second was my work because it was audit and tax season, which meant huge stress and pressure for me. Last was my MBA class in which I only had two hours to prepare for an important exam. But throughout the congress, God spoke very strongly to me. On Saturday, the message was, Happy are those who obey the Lord, who live by His commands. Your work will provide for your needs; you will be happy and prosperous, And on Sunday, He assured me, You are blessed. Indeed, Gods faithfulness is never outdone. I got regularized in my work and was given a 20 percent salary increase. We were also able to file our audited Financial Statement on time with tax payable of only half a million. And, finally, I graduated with academic excellence. Contributed by Christine Yong When the WSC Service Team went up to Alpadi last March 27 to start the 1st World Singles Congress with a recollection, I was amazed with what I saw. The Renewal Center was transformed into a resort-like place. It was a peaceful sight! It was like paradise on earth. Friday nights worship was so awesome! It was good to be reminded how to truly worship, to worship in reckless abandon, to just pour out my heart to God and sing praises to Him. And the Lords presence was felt by all. And I even had a vision. As I worshipped, I looked up in the sky and saw light radiating from the clouds, with Gods hands outstretched and sending to me His love. That weekend, I was reassured that God loves me despite who I am and what Ive done with my life. Going back to Him was so liberating. Contributed by Anna Arcaya
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During the worship, I cried and I felt God hugging me. It was a perfect evening to cap the first day of the conference. We did not even need a party/disco which we usually do in our conferences. Saturday and Sunday sessions were a bigger bonus. It was an elaboration of Gods message to me. It was like an arrow that hit my heart. I loved every moment of our WSC. Everything was just perfect from the speakers, sharings, workshops, and even the food! It was like a Hand was there to make everything special. Moreover, even my bloopers were meaningful. The organizer who denied our room transfer was a sharer! She shared about growing up in a tiny shelter devoid of any comfort, and there I was, complaining about our conference accommodations! Her message made me realize how blessed I was. Contributed by Jean Mirto n

UPDATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGRESS UPDATE CONGR

My Savior, He can move the mountains It took about three hours for me to get to Bataan. I never liked traveling long distances. You see, I am motion sick. I easily get dizzy when I ride a moving vehicle for more than an hour. However, those three hours were worth it. As soon as the soles of my slippers touched the pavement of Bataan, I was all-smiles. I knew that my ride was not over yet. I knew that it was simply the prelude to a longer and happier ride. Theres no need to watch where Im going. As long as I know where Ive been. - Cars Ive been serving in YFL for less than a year now. I am enjoying this service, even if my previous service is still in my heart. They were the reason why it was hard for me to let the old community go. I kept on watching out for them. I was trying to find my old service in the old community. Sadly though, I had to face the fact that I cannot stay there any longer. However, my old service found me here in YFL. My old service found me there in Bataan. My old service molded me into what I am now. Men No one knows where to find them. The wind blows them away. They have no roots, and that makes their life very difficult -The Little Prince I watched people through a live viewer. For two nights, I was behind the lens and captured people worshipping God in every manner. I guess if everyone worshiped the same way those people did, probably no one would drift away, everyone would be rooted in God. Are we there yet? -Shrek That is probably why we gathered in Bataan. We had to face the reality that not everyone is experiencing the joy we were experiencing. We had to face the fact that a lot of youth out there are drifting away from God. But we must never fear. While praying, God affirmed me that He is a mighty God. He affirmed me by showing me how fast the district of Antipolo has grown in a matter of months. He affirmed me that if that could happen to Antipolo, it could also definitely happen in other areas. He is indeed an amazing God. We are probably far from getting there. A lot of youth are still in need to get to know God. We still have a lot to do. Right now, I am excited for whatever will happen to YFL Antipolo and for YFL in general. I am excited because I know that, no matter what I do, I would not be doing it alone. I know I have a lot of brothers and sisters to serve with. I also know that my mighty God will always and forever be with me. He is mighty to save, he is mighty to save! n

LESSONS IN BATAAN
Contributed by Bianca Bonjibod

Editorial Staff

Frank Padilla, overseer; Nonong Contreras, editor in chief; Mimi David, Mye Menguito, associate editors; Msgr. Melvin Castro, KD Albino, Anna Arcaya, Ramon Arguelles, Bianca Bonjibod, Bonjie Bonjibod, Tony and Ruby Borja, Hazel Cumpas, Denver Bingski Daradar, Santi Edralin, Ben Escano, Kit Ladrido, Ponet Ladrido, Keeshia Marcial, Tinay Mamaril, Jean Mirto, Luis Portugal, Marlyn Surtida, Joseph Tesoro, Christine Yong contributors; Manny Estrella, Cleone Baradas, graphics/layout artist; Ansel Beluso, editorial consultant. Apartelle 12, Star Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel. No. 718-2213 Fax No. 718-2213 or visit cfcffl.org 19

CIAL MINISTRY NEWS SOCIAL MINISTRY NEWS SOCIAL

LIVELIHOOD MINISTRY
PROGRAMS LINED UP, PARTNERSHIPS FORGED
Contributed by Ponet Ladrido
Livelihood Ministry Coordinator

program is completed, the parish will be invited to participate in the program. Graduates of the program will gain not only employment opportunities with the Honda network of dealers in the City of Antipolo Motor Pool, they will also have the chance to organize a Repair Shop Cooperative to serve the large tricycle industry in Antipolo and the neighboring areas. The draft memorandum of agreement is currently being reviewed by all parties involved in the program. n

The Livelihood Ministry (LM), in support of the overall evangelization program of CFCFFL, has lined up programs in the parishes (through the Family Ministries) and in the Restoration and Mission Villages. The main mission of the ministry is to extend assistance in job generation and employment. Its secondary mission is to help organize micro/small enterprises to those who wish to form group enterprises. The Livelihood Development Program (LDP) consists of Community Organizing and Evaluation, Values Enhancement Education, Manpower Pooling and Skills Training, and Enterprise Development Training and Services. Currently, discussions are ongoing among Noli Payos, Head of the LDP Manpower Pooling and Skills Training, Jun Siccion, member of the LDP Core Group and Head of the Antipolo City Livelihood and Cooperative Development Group, Honda Motors Philippines, Inc. and a technical school accredited by TESDA for a joint training program in motorcycle repair and maintenance. This will be a Trainors Training Program. CFCFFL LM will be the Program Coordinator and Facilitator, while Honda Philippines/Honda Foundation will conduct the on-the job training program. The Antipolo City LGU will provide the first batch of trainees with special preference for CFCFFL members. Meanwhile, the technical school in Antipolo City will provide certification and training facilities. Once the pilot phase of the

EDUCATION MINISTRY
LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
Education Ministry Coordinator

Contributed by Mimi David

So many doors of opportunities opened for the education ministry of CFCFFL this year. First, we started the year pursuing our work in ARMM supervising and training teachers among our Muslim brothers and sisters. Second, the Lingkod ng Kapayapaan Foundation (LKF) established by action star Robin Padilla, asked for support in the supervision of their school for Moslem children. This school year, we will help integrate Catholic children in their school, as well as develop the curriculum and provide values formation to their Christian parents. In the light of this development, we are also continuing our work in Bataan (Matalangao, Saysain) for early childhood education and for the Alternative Learning System for the Indigenous People (IPs). This is a very good opportunity to start our work on inter-religious dialogue with indigenous people. Meanwhile, we assist the St. Peters Parish in Commonwealth

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Ave. (Diocese of Novaliches), together with Fr. Tony Labiao, Vicar for Pastoral Formation, and the parish social action group, in setting up a library and a childrens center in the parish grounds. We will eventually have our CFCFFL brethren in that parish working to support and keep the program running. With the plan of Fr. Labiao to set up similar centers in the major parishes of the diocese, our work for family life renewal is very much in place. Recently, we offered a Readership Training and Storytelling Workshop, in coordination with the National Book Development Board, which gathered more than 50 parents and other education volunteers from variousprivate and public schools and day care centers. We also capped our Headstart Training (Early Childhood Education Seminar Workshop) in Tarlac last May 19-24. The same training will be conducted for the DSWD day care workers of Caloocan City in June. All told, we are looking at over 300 teachers and day care workers and over 1,000 parents ready for the harvest to hear the word of God this year. n

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE MINISTRY MAXIMUM BRETHREN

Restorative Justice Ministry Coordinator

Contributed by Ramon Arguelles

The CFCFFL Ministry for Restorative Justice (MRJ) recently concluded its first ever CLS in the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. The CLS started with more than 150 participants despite great efforts exerted to limit the participants to 100. Last May 10, 2008, our community welcomed 98 new brothers in a fellowship celebration. Among the graduates were one vice commander, one mayor and several others with various titles/positions in their respective brigade or gang.

Through our Adopt-A-Public School Program, we have touched base with public and private schools, as well as DSWD day care centers, to conduct formation sessions for the teachers and parents. This school year, the IMPACT (Empowerment and Mentoring Program for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers) will be conducted for the guidance counselors of public schools in Quezon City and for our newly-adopted public school, in partnership with Prudentialife the San Vicente Elementary School in Quezon City. These formation sessions will eventually culminate in a CLS for the parents and teachers of these schools.

One very touching sharing came from Hernani Ilan from Daet, Camarines Norte. He narrated that he wanted to have her wife, Mercy, attend the CLS. Much as she wanted to, she could not because she was in the province. Given this situation, Hernani would mail the Participants Handout weekly to Mercy,
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NISTRY NEWS SOCIAL MIN

which included his personal notes/sharings about the recent session. He also advised her to pray with him daily every 10:00 PM. Later, Mercy shared that she made it a point to wake up and pray. However, Hernani ran out of funds to mail the Participants Handout, so he only got to send until Talk 4. Miracle of miracles, Mercy came all the way from Daet to the Maximum Security Compound to join her husband Hernani for the CLS fellowship-celebration!

From the Servant General . . . from page 1

the name CFC. The Church considers me the founder of CFC, and in the ecclesiology of new movements, the charism resides in the founder. Where the founder is, there is the charism. Where the charism is, there is the authentic CFC. So to all my brothers and sisters in CFC-FFL, if you ever had any doubts at all before, be assured that you are indeed CFC. The Church and the state, and I believe the Lord as well, say so. With regard to our brethren in CFC-GK, we do not intend to do to them what they have been doing to us. For the sake of peace and eventual reconciliation, we do not intend to prevent them from using the name CFC, for as long as they strive to not let go of what it means to be truly CFC. In fact, I reiterate my long-standing and constant proposal, that of having one big CFC family but with two separate and distinct branches. This has many models among the religious congregations, such as the Franciscans and the Carmelites. This way, we co-exist peacefully, and even keep the door open to eventual reconciliation and true unity.

The service team came from CFCFFL Diocese of Las Pias and Paraaque. They were supervised by our Ombudsman, Bro. Ver Gante and led by Bro. Bert Villa with 22 facilitators. Further Developments Last April 17, the Correctional Institute for Women organized a Restoration Assembly with Frank Padilla as speaker. The team was headed by Sis. Sandra Cruz. At present, the Ministry for Restorative Justice is organizing various technical working groups to undertake action and research in the following areas: Ministry for the Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) The intervention will not only include ministry to the child but to the parents as well who are doubly broken. Ministry for the Victim of Crime While there are numerous groups that minister to the offender, the victims are left to fend for themselves to heal the wounds of crime. This ministry will attend to the needs of victims. Post-Release After Care Ministry This will cover various interventions to mainstream offenders released from jail or penitentiaries into the community and prevent them from going back to their old life of crime. Jail Paralegal Ministry This will involve facilitating the disposition of cases of detention prisoners and help decongest the subhuman conditions in the various jail facilities. If you feel you have a calling or an interest to serve in the restorative justice ministry, please contact Ramon Arguelles at
22

I extend my hand of peace to my brethren in CFC-GK. For us in CFC-FFL, let us continue to move on, as we have been doing. There is much work to be done. Since last year we have been praying: Lead us back to you, O Lord, that we may be restored: give us anew such days as we had of old. (Lam 5:21). The Lord has answered our prayers. God has restored us to our authentic charism of evangelization and family life renewal. Now God has even restored the original CFC foundation. So now we look to such days of old, when we were focused on our calling, and when we zealously proclaimed Christ throughout the world. Let us praise and thank God for His wondrous deeds in our lives and in our work. We thank our Blessed Mother Mary for interceding for us and granting our prayers. Let us be humbled by Gods faithfulness to us, and continue to dedicate ourselves totally to Him and to our mission. And let us continue to rejoice! Always! God bless us all. Your brother and co-worker in Christ, Frank Padilla

RESTORING THE PHILIPPINES!

A very fruitful, spirit-filled Restoration Assembly was held in Laoang, Northern Samar on May 24. There were about 20 couples, 20 YFL and SFLs who attended. The next day, together with the leaders of CFCFFL Western Samar, we proceeded to the town of Motiong, 20 km from Catbalogan, where we had a Prayer Assembly . We were surprised to be welcomed by around 300 members. There were CFC, SFL, YFL, and KFL who attended, most of whom were the new members who graduated from two recent CLSs and two youth camps. It was heartwarming and so inspiring to witness this harvest in such a small town as Motiong. We are also planning a Restoration Assembly on the 1st weekend of July in Borongan, Eastern Samar.
Contributed by Benjie Gadi Regional Coordinator for Middle East and Samar Provincial Area Head

SAMAR

the assembly. The Q&A was very informative and fruitful. It was noteworthy that our brethren from Catbalogan, Biliran, Lao-ang, San Jose (Tacloban), all decided to be CFCFFL.

The Restoration Assembly filled the church with about 500 people.

BATANGAS

Msgr. Luzon, Vicar General of the Diocese of Maasin, joined the fellowship night of the CFCFFL members and leaders in Maasin recently. He blessed them and advised each one to proceed vigorously with the Christian Life Seminar in the parishes. The Diocese gave its full support. The group is spiritually ready for the mission ahead. They regularly spend two hours in adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, aside from the daily mass, communion, and praying of the Rosary.
Contributed by Ben Escano

MAASIN, LEYTE

Bishop Joel Bailon, Head of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, said he recognizes two CFCs. He added that his commission is working on the recognition of CFC Youth for Family and Life and CFC Singles for Family and Life. It was in Cataingan that CFC started in Masbate. Almost the whole CFC is now solid CFCFFL. The Restoration Assembly gathered 200 brethren who came from eight municipalities. The mission team also visited an LGU-donated site for a Restoration Village. They later met with Fr. Biong Espenilla, Head of the Diocesan Family and Life Office. After explaining that the Restoration Village is now parish-based, he expressed his whole-hearted support.

MASBATE

The only province that is 100% CFCFFL. They decided on their own, after monitoring developments in Manila, discussing the issues, praying and discerning. Bishop Bactol said that what Biliran decided on was what he was praying for! His priests were happy with the CFCFFL parish thrust. There were 250 participants, including 6 from Maasin, Southern Leyte, during the Joy Weekend.

BILIRAN

Frank Padilla and Jess Lumbang were warmly welcomed by Bishop Gregorio. Jess had served CFC Batanes for 13 years. Meanwhile, Fr. Zenki asserted that it is spiritual corruption if a change is made without the knowledge or approval of the founder. Jess related what was new in CFCFFL and mentioned our consecration to Mama Mary. Fr. Zenki said that because of Mary, he is for CFCFFL! He said to count him in as among the priests supporting CFCFFL. We also met Fr. Wilfred, parish priest of Ivana, the second town from Basco. He was with the Society of the Holy Family. He invited CFCFFL to revive CFC there. We were more inspired! Likewise, Mahatao (first town from Basco) parish priest Fr. Bridge, who is also an SHF priest, wants us to start CFCFFL there. So the plan is for CFCFFL to start in these places soon! Frank and Jess were also interviewed in Radyo ng Bayan. The anchor person was an inactive CFC member. He appreciates CFCFFL. n
23

BATANES

Archbishop Palma declared that CFCFFL is welcome in his archdiocese. He said he will tell all his priests to do likewise. In a meeting with Msgr Aguilos, parish priest based in the cathedral, and Fr. Mannix, BEC head, the CFCFFL mission team gave an upadate regarding our parish thrust, our support for BEC, and the importance of Mother Mary to our community. They were open to our proposal to start building our parish-based Restoration Villages. After attending the high mass with the archbishop, three bishops, 60 priests and 80 nuns, the CFCFFL team proceeded with the Restoration Assembly. One chapter of Tacloban is 98 percent CFCFFL. They harvested 30 couples, 50 youth and many kids. There were 40 persons in

PALO, LEYTE

EUROPE
Our 2008 Spring Euro mission trip was the most hectic and physically exhausting mission after visiting 16 cities. Spiritually, it was the most exhilarating, inspiring and exciting mission! The presence and the power of the Holy Spirit was undeniably felt and experienced during the CLSs conducted by the different areas, some as early as November of last year. In other areas, they have finished their second CLS. More participants attend the CLS now compared to the CLPs before the split. The service teams make the participants feel the love and joy in the community like in the early years of CFC. Even assemblies and teachings have doubled if not tripled in attendance. Worships are more intense and the presence of the Holy Spirit is felt. There is the spirit of one big family in the community and there is more zeal for evangelization. In cities like Vienna, Geneva, Oslo and Copenhagen, leaders and members alike have been empowered to go out on mission. CFCFFL was brought to many provinces in Austria, Denmark and Norway. Geneva brethrens are now actively serving in France as their mission area. They have conducted CLSs and given different teachings in Cannes/Nice, Paris and Marseille. The first CLS conducted in Marseille yielded 33 new members. The same is true in Paris, where CFCFFL started with one couple, a true remnant raised by the Lord. Paris now has more than 50 members. In Milan, with the initial 13 remnant members, they now have 55 members in just four months. Interestingly, Fr. Benny, the Danish parish priest in Ebsjerg, Denmark, adopted CFCFFL in his parish as part of their family and life ministry. He invited parishioners to the CLS and gathered nine participants of different nationalities
24

RESTOR I N G
including Malaysians, Ukranians, Iraqis, Danish, Vietnamese and others. We were happily surprised with Germany. Although it was divided, those who opted to go with CFCFFL were those faithful in household meetings, teachings, assemblies and conference attendance. By Gods grace, tithes and contributions were not affected. There is more peace and joy in the community and a renewed zeal for mission, especially in Hamburg. Not to be outdone are the youth. In Barcelona, where CFCFFL started with two couples, the 1st YFL camp had 38 youth participants from different organizations in the parish. In Turin, Italy, when they conducted their first youth camp with the support of the parish priest, they had more than 75 youth participants. It has become very clear that God is working powerfully in the very few areas where CFCFFL members are in the minority. By His grace, they are equipped with courage and love for God and community that they are able to move on in spite of the obstacles and persecutions they experience. Now everyone is excitedly anticipating the forthcoming YFL Euro Conference in Slovenia and the SFL Euro Conference in Norway. Both events are to be held this July. Also, the backto-back conferences of CFC/SoFL/HFL/KFL are to be held in Vienna, Austria this August. The pervading mood now in CFCFFL Europe is love, peace

and joy. Truly the Spirit is working marvelously in and through our community. We have not seen this happen since we first started mission in the region in 1995. As long as we are faithful to God and remain humble with all the blessings He showers upon us, He will anoint us and crown with success the work of our hands.

Contributed by Tony & Ruby Borja Regional Coordinator for Europe

RHODE ISLAND
God has really been good as He allowed us to successfully hold the 1st Family Assembly in Rhode Island. The guidance of the Holy Spirit had assured us of His powerful presence in our midst that day. We know that it was a blessed one as the forecasted 3-6 inches of snow did not materialize in the morning and thus made our travel better and safer. The great support we received from the CFCFFL NY and NJ leadership was very much appreciated, and the welcoming warmth of our dear brothers and sisters from CFCFFL Rhode Island made the mission even more fulfilling. Joe de Leon, CFCFFL NE Regional Director and member of the US Council, presented our new thrust and our work for justice and why we should always Fix Our Eyes on Jesus. Ed Yamba, NJ Area Council Director and NY Area Head, led the powerful and inspiring worship and rocked the venue with his awesome style. Dr. Pete Dinglasan, NE Region YFC Director, reiterated the importance of our Youth and Kids in our CFCFFL

T H E WORLD!
community. Noni Vale, NE Region SvFL Director, does not mind the very few members in his ministry as long as every couple in CFCFFL is happy. Half-jokingly, he also proposed to hold a separate SvFL conference this year regardless of the number of possible attendees. Jun Felix, NE Region SFL Director, highlighted the importance of our Singles role in the community as the future CFCs. Melchor Lingat, NY KFL Coordinator, anounced formally the KFL NE Coast Conference to be held in New York on June 27-29, 2008. CFC-SFL Leaders led by Jojo Monsanto, Jing of Atlantic City, and Paolo Quiray and SFLers from NY/NJ provided the music at the FA and ably supported us. The presence of Amee Red from Long Island has given us much inspiration and moral support. Father Cyriac, priest-in-charge of the La Sallite Shrine Retreat Center in Attlebore, MA welcomed us with open arms and officiated the anticipated mass after the FA. His homily opened our eyes and made us see the big picture. He express the hope to see the growth of CFCFFL in RI and MA areas. The CFCFFL RI Leadership was also officially announced that day, with the following anointed and appointed RI Leaders: Carlo and Merl Samson, Evangelization and Mission Director; Alwyn and Carol Cerezo, Pastoral Office Director; Glen and Myra de la Rosa, Social Ministry/Pro-Life/Flame; Ryan and Lorie Monte de Ramos, Family Ministry.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A CLS in Al Ain was concluded recently and participants are now being integrated to existing households and will undergo their Covenant Recollection. A total of 10 individuals made it through - 1 CFL, 2 SvFL, 5 HFL, 1 SFL. May 9 marked the start of the CLS in Sharjah for Dubai/Sharjah participants. Not including the new members from Al Ain, CFCFFL UAE Membership is: 52 (26 couples) CFL, 3 SvL, 4 HFL, 10 KFL, 10 YFL, 6 SFL fr a total of 85 member.

NICARAGUA

Contributed by Luis Portugal, CFCFFL UAE

Nicaragua has 57 new members of Jvenes Para Cristo! This is our biggest number of participants todate! The camp was powerful! Praise God! God was really with us! Being missionaries for families here in Nicaragua for almost a year now has been filled with ups and downs. I was disoriented at first because this country has suffered so much from attacks on the family such as divorce, rising incidence of broken families and a culture of indifference. Thus, preaching to them about family is very difficult. However, the mission must go on in order to spread love
25

Contributed by Ronnie and Haide

and save families!. In our recent PVC (CLS), we were able to harvest 10 Couples and 14 Siervas (Handmaids). It was our first time to help in a Couples CLS. Applying strategies we do for the youth and singles, the couples had so much fun dancing, winning in the games, learning new songs and worshipping with such energy and passion. Another CFC CLS was conducted for two Sundays - June 1 and 18 at Reparto Schick sector. And last June 15, we had our 1st Youth and Singles for Family and Life Assembly. All the sectors came and gathered to witness Gods love as one big family!
Contributed by Kristine Dianne KD Albino CFCFFL Mission Worker

The highlights of our second leg were the addition of another big diocese to the ranks of CFCFFL Vietnam comprising the provinces of Tien Gang, Doy Thap and Long An headed by His Excellency Bishop Phaolo Vui Vac Doc. Together with some of his parish priests who were all eager to receive CTC Vietnam to start our CLS, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch followed by a tour of the beautiful cathedral. CLS programs are to commence soon for the parishes .Thus, we are now in 7 dioceses. We have 20 more to go. Another highlight of our visit was the audience granted us by the Cardinal who was very pleased with the outreach being undertaken by both the locals and the expats in helping out the HIV AIDS victims which now number about 300,000 cases in Ho Chi Minh alone. He also emphasized the importance of the role of CFCFFL Vietnam in protecting the values of family and life in a country where both divorce and abortion are legalized. We also had one-on-ones with the local governance team and their general assembly. We also met the expats whose sentiments are for CFCFFL to be placed up-to-speed on the restoration talks.
Contributed by Nonong Contreras Regional Coordinator for IndoChina Region

VIETNAM
Jepoy Meneses and Bambi Donato flew in to Vietnam from Manila to help the local team organize the Joy Weekend scheduled on April 18 and 19. John Peter Vui, Country Head of the 2,680-strong CFCFFL membership left no stone unturned in preparing the local team for the conference. Jepoy and Bambi also took time to touch base with the Vietnam Youth and Singles and evaluated the progress of the formation track. The Joy Weekend was attended by almost 200 leaders from the south of Ho Chi Minh to the north of Hanoi. All told, the feedback was positive. Because the whole weekend encouraged participation from the crowd, the participants felt they were part of both the process and the content of the conference. Their learning experiences were described as deep, meaningful and relevant.

RESTOR I N G

26

THAILAND
There was a meeting with the new governance team to prepare for the Regional Joy Weekend. There is such a rich treasure trove of brethren well-steeped in the authentic culture of the erstwhile CFC . Now headed by Bro. Gerwin and Sis. Rizza Tuason, CFCFFL Thailand is composed of young, struggling couples raising young families and working in the secular world but still very much aware of the need to be together and be nurtured not only by each other but also by Gods Word and presence in their lives. The passion and zeal were contagious as each couple took on key roles in the CFCFFL community because the other part has remained neutral, meaning they are neither with CFCFFL nor with CFC-IC but hoping for a reunification.
Contributed by Nonong Contreras Regional Coordinator for IndoChina Region

MYANMAR
The highlight of the visit was the affiliation of the whole Myanmar with its 600 members with CFCFFL. In a dinner sponsored by the governance team on the night of April 26, Sis. Lucy shared how her initial response to the conflict was to

Courtesy call to the Cardinal of Vietnam with the governance team & Indochina Regional coordinators Nonong & Ding Contreras. The Cardinal is showing the blueprint for the HIV-AIDS Center which is now being helped by the expat & Local CFCFFL community.

T H E WORLD!
leave community altogether. But being a prayerful woman who prays for a minimum of three hours daily, she shared the Lord speaking to her and being specific that she must move on in community life but this time with CFCFFL. Her sentiments were echoed by the rest of the governance team who unanimously affirmed the affiliation with a showing of hands. In Myanmar, Filipinos mill around the Church premises after the Mass to exchange pleasantries and to keep updated. We were invited by the parish priest, Fr. Joseph to snacks at the parish mess hall where we were introduced to two foreign couples who expressed intent interest in joining the next CLS that we intend to do for strategic couples. In a country isolated from the rest of the world for more than three decades, where art deco colonial buildings still abound and vintage cars ply their routes in a dilapidated state, the fire of the Catholic faith keeps burning as our members prayed and worshipped with fervor and passion. The spirited prayer assembly witnessed the signing of the formal affiliation of Myanmar with the CFCFFL community. The rest of the day was spent with one-on-ones with the governance team. Some revelations surfaced to show that this is a community blessed by the Lord. Two members of the governance team, Sis Lucy and Bro. Joseph, have been gifted with the grace of healing so they decided to establish a healing ministry. In addition, both also have the gift of prophecy.

YFL of Lausanne, Switzerland. We left Yangon with no notion that two days after, a strong cyclone would inflict widespread destruction of lives and property over a land already impoverished because of its isolation. Bro. Rey Pasion has since returned to Yangon and has promised to look after the various communities there and see how CFCFFL worldwide could help.
Contributed by Nonong Contreras Regional Coordinator for IndoChina Region

CAMBODIA
Cambodia had earlier declared for CFCFFL and except for THREE members who maintain their CFC-IC affiliation because of their ties with GK, the majority is with CFCFFL. But CFCFFL continues to maintain the GK now called Restoration village. In fact, a whole morning was spent in the village to inspect the site and have fellowship with the beneficiaries, including the children. Provisions for food, toiletries and other items were packed the night before by the community which, along with

27

other provisions donated through the kindness of Salesian priest Fr. Leo, were given to the families. Cambodia is another country where the harvest could further be enhanced with the presence of so many expatriates and a lot of Filipino OFWs. It goes without saying that we also have some Khmer brethren whose evangelization is being attended to by three Khmer brothers.
Contributed by Nonong Contreras Regional Coordinator for IndoChina Region

Bro. Edwin and Sis. Nila Andrews did a spectacularly brilliant presentation of our CFC program in Spanish of course, which sealed our acceptance into the community. Their presence and absolutely flawless presentation and communication in Spanish made the Spanish speaking individuals at the meeting very comfortable that we were there to embrace not just the Fil-Asian section of the parish community but the majority of the Hispanic parishioner base as well. When the time came for Fr. David to express his reservations and ask his questions, our group became apprehensive that he would not allow us into the community. He cited the inadequacy of the parish to provide facilities for meetings and talked about the parish issues from his vantage point as a pastor. In essence, the meeting provided Fr. David an avenue to lament and cry out to our group for help. And it was after all that that he made it clear that, yes, he wanted us in the community. He even went as far as getting his calendar book out so that we could determine the next meeting so that we could immediately start. We are now an official ministry at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. And Fr. David accepted to be the official CFCFFL Spiritual Director in Southern California.

RESTORING THE WORL D !

CALIFORNIA, USA
It was a night of victory for our Lord! St. Philip Benizi Catholic Community in Fullerton has accepted our CFCFFL ministry into their parish. We are now a recognized ministry that will work to bridge the gaps in family life in the community through the marriage preparation program and more. Fr. David Gallegos, OSM manifested his desire to bring to us school parents, families in trouble, married couples who are badly in need of or are in search for a ministry group like ours. We need not look further or elsewhere for individuals to join or attend our Christian Life Seminars. Fr. David has also sought help in working with the parish baptismal program where all sorts of family issues or concerns come up. Additionally, he also asked us if we could be involved in assisting him in the annulment process of the couples in the parish. Our presence in the parish community has already seen a need for us in more ways than we have originally imagined. While we were eager to be of service, Bro. Nonoy set the tone for our entrance into the community by being more reserved in our approach to solve or be involved with all these parish and pastoral issues and concerns. So our initial thrust would be to make our presence known with the English and Hispanic marriage preparation classes so that when they are handed off to our CLS program, the participants have a high degree of expectation and be comfortable with the individuals in our group.
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On a different note, Bro. Tony and Sis. Nini Mejia have volunteered to assist the parish in the administration of annulment proceedings. Bro. Ted and Sis. Yogi Misogas volunteered to be the liaison contact couple for the baptismal services to work with parents referred by Fr. David who may need our assistance.
Contributed by Wini Chuidian, CFCFFL Tustin, California

A Christian Life Seminar was recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan. Said CLS was conducted by Bro. Mike and Sis. Nitz Jaramillo of CFCFFL Vienna, Austria. Truly, this is another bountiful harvest for the Lord! n

AZERBAIJAN

OUR WONDERFUL WORK WITH THE POOR

Said groundbreaking was blessed by Fr. Alfred Ramos, Parish Priest of Mary Mother of Good Counsel of the Diocese of Paraaque. In our RVs, we intend to enlist the support of the church through parish priests in the area. Bros. Frank Padilla, Lachie Agana, Nonong Contreras, Oland David and Rene Evidente were among those present. Paranaque Councilor Rico Golez also graced the occasion. Truly, our RV programs will be used for evangelization. During his brief talk, Barangay Captain of Marcelo Green, Mike San Miguel, has signified his intention to join the next Christian Life Seminar. This RV will have a multi purpose hall w/ classroom, library and office. The second RV site is the Sotero Laurel Restoration Village in Batangas City. It was named in honor of the founder of the Lyceum of the Philippines Batangas. Said school is funding a total of 60 homes as well as the community center. The arrangement was formally sealed through a MOA signing between Bro. Frank Padilla and Mr. Peter Laurel, CEO of Lyceum last Feb. 18, 2008. Bro. Cesar Ramirez, the CFCFFL head of Batangas, donated the 5,350 square-meter lot. Since the RV is offsite (vacant before restoration), the beneficiaries will be mostly CFCFFL members.
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CFCFFLs Work With the Poor program officially began with the groundbreaking ceremonies of our 1st Restoration Village (RV) at Creeksite, United Paranaque 4 Subdivision last February 29, 2008. The site was christened Mary Mediatrix Restoration Village in honor of the patroness of the community. The site has 220 families living in 20 square meter lots subdivided from a total area of 7,000 square meters. The area is under the Community Mortgage Program of the

Social Housing Finance Corporation. The families are ably represented by their duly registered group, the Creeeksite Homeowners Association. Our restoration (caretaker) team there is lead by Bro. Manny Edralin. Their chapter is led by Bro. Tony Caringal. They have 24 couple members at the site. Bro. Jesse Muoz heads the cluster of the San Antonio de Padua Vicariate. Their Vicar Forane is Fr. Rolando Agustin.

The third RV site, the Pasong Tamo Restoration Village in Tandang Sora, QC, had its groundbreaking last March 29, 2008. Also offsite, the RV will benefit 374 families, mostly CFCFFL members who will be relocated in 24-square-meter lots subdivided from a total area 15,505 square meters. A partnership with Habitat for Humanity is being worked out for the site. The Mother of Mercy Restoration Village in Sitio Bayanbayanan, Brgy. San Vicente, San Pedro, Laguna was named after our Blessed Mother Mary. The 6,800 square meter vacant lot will benefit 120 families, mostly living beside the railroad tracks near the site. The use of the land was made possible through a perpetual usufruct memorandum of agreement between Bro.Rene Evidente, representing CFCFFL, and the landowner, Dra. Mercedes Oliver. MOA signing was held during the groundbreaking ceremonies last May 24, 2008. We encourage CFCFFL members to help in building our Restoration Villages with their time, talent and resources. Those who are willing to help may contact our home office at tel. 718 2213 or contact Bros. Rene Evidente (09189005648) or Bonjie Bonjibod (09157823769).
Contributed by Bonjie Bonjibod CFC-FFL Work with the Poor Fulltime Worker

n
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SHARINGS SHARINGS SHARINGS SHARINGS SHARING

Contributed by Keeshia Marcial, CFC-SFL

MY FIRSTS

that we are harvesting souls for our one true God! First time to be a sharer As I already mentioned, I was chosen to share Gods power and love in the 1st World Singles Conference. For the first time, after three years in the community, I have been given the opportunity to testify to Gods goodness. I thought that my service was limited to performing arts only, but God equipped me also with the gift in public speaking to declare his marvelous works in my life. It was my first time to share my Christian life in a conference and in our CLS, and it was so rewarding to stand and confess that He is the Lord of all. n
Contributed by Anna Arcaya, CFC-SFL Fulltime Pastoral Worker

I had so many firsts this year with CFCFFL community. First World Singles Congress I attended this WSC last March and it was my first time to dance for an opening number, first time to sing as lead vocalist of the Music Ministry in a big event, first time to share Gods faithfulness before a large group, first time to attend a conference workshop, and first time to have a grand feast with brothers and sisters which included lechong baka and lots of desserts. And though we went home tired, we went home nourished, fulfilled, and on high! First Christian Life Seminar We launched our first CLS at St. Andrews Parish, Makati City last April 16. We were undermanned. I was used to have lots of facilitators and volunteers for the registration, logistics, music ministry, and for the food and documentation committees. In this case, our facilitators were also the ones manning the registration table and were also the ones serving the Music Ministry. The CLS team leader was also responsible for the physical arrangements and preparation of the sound system. The prayer warriors had to double up to complete the whole cycle of praying time. The registration team also helped serve the food. Again, though tired because we were shorthanded, we knew in our hearts that we were doing the work of the Lord. Indeed, there is no greater reward than knowing

in my life that forced me to do things well, to behave well, and to not bring shame to the family. Thus I became too serious. I failed to become a child. What were the implications? I was too serious in my romantic relationships. I was too much of a disciplinarian. I was like a drill master - Dont do this, Dont do that. I made sure people followed what I wanted when I wanted it, which led to broken relationships. It also had an effect on my being a pastor in the community. My being too serious did not allow me to relate to the younger ones. Members followed me not because they saw me as their shepherd but because I was seen as a disciplinarian.

PLAYING WITH GOD

A few months ago, I took the Transactional Analysis test, which was aimed to show peoples ego state. This is important for us because our work is about building relationships. We must be able to relate well and understand others. We need to be emotionally stable. The result: I am a controlling person and I am not a free child. In short, I am too serious. I dont know how to have fun. I felt fortunate because, first, it was discovered before I was sent on longterm foreign mission. Second, my counseling was free because we have a counselor in the community. As we went through my sessions, we discovered where it all came from. I was controlling because I was insecure. I recalled how I was often compared with others intellectually. I also thought that since our family did not have much materially, we were lesser than our relatives. I thought that I was less because my cousins were studying in good schools. I also felt insecure because our relatives lived in the city while we lived in the province. So, all my controlling was because I was covering up for my insecurities. I was told that at some point when I was a child, I lost my childhood. We discovered that there were circumstances

As I prayed and went through counseling, God reminded and assured me that I am His child. He loves me no less that He loves all of us. There were events that affirmed that I was special in my own way. One of the assignments given to me in counseling was to do the thing I wanted to do but was not able to. Since I was a dancer as a child, I really wanted to dance in reckless abandon! I was not a shy dancer during childhood but I became too conscious as I matured. My specific assignment was, I should dance in a big community gathering,! Just the thought of it scared me. Then, during our World Singles Congress, there was the opportunity for me to dance at the party after the worship concert. To my delight, the party was cancelled because the evening
31

RINGS SHARINGS SHARINGS SHARINGS SHARINGS

session ended so late. But God was not to be outdone because during one of the worships the following day, I felt like I was playing with God. I was dancing, jumping, and singing my heart out as I worshipped God. I felt like a child, so happy, having a good time with Him. My heart swelled with joy, I became a child again, so loved by God. I was told that what I experienced during childhood was the other side of my coin now. As I understood it, it happened to me then so that I would know myself better, become a better person, and be able to relate well with Gods people now and in the future so that I may be used mightily for Gods work A few days after the WSC, I was asked by a fellow missionary what was Gods message to me during the congress. I just said, He affirmed me of His love. In my prayer the following day, I was recalling the moments in the congress when I felt His love. He told me that my mission was to just love His people. I dont need intelligence or wealth to love His people. I am what I am, because He just wants me to love. I felt His awesome love during that worship in WSC so that I would keep it in my heart and learn to share that love. I know its easier said than done, especially loving the people who are difficult to love and those that are unlovable. But with Gods grace, I know Ill be able to. n
Contributed by Hazel Cumpas CFC-HFL Cavite

chapter heads and assured them of a smooth transition by the first quarter of this year. Therefore, eventually, I became less visible in their gatherings and in the Music Ministry rehearsals. I believe that the Music Ministries for both chapters have managed well. It was a known fact for members of both chapters that I have moved on to CFCFFL. When asked, I told them that I crossed over not just because of loyalty to Frank Padilla but because of a deep desire for spiritual growth that I have been searching for in the community. Embracing the CFCFFL Core Values has met my needs. As we went about praying for guidance and discernment, we believed that it was the Holy Spirits hand that made us make our final

how Gods Word has become alive, and how we manage to apply His Word in our daily life. Sisterhood or brotherhood doesnt just happen during moments of trials or triumphs. It happens daily, nurturing its growth, having brief moments of light talk, bonding on a deeper level. Like a nice chat over a cup of coffee, or going to the market together or maybe even malling without any intention of buying but just spending time together. It is all about sharing a life, being one in spirit, bound by the kinship that comes from having just one Father. In this imperfect world, all of these can still happen if we allow it to. it doesnt matter ito what community we belong, or if we dont belong to any at all. What matters is that we do our part, we take action. But my Joy now is with this community, CFC Foundation for Family and Life. If I will be ostracized by friends for joining this community, it will be painful, but I will stay my ground. For I know that we shall still be one in prayer, in service, and in sharing Gods Word and His music. This is the reason why it really pained me to leave the choir. I have been part of the choir since my youth until I became a part of the parish music ministry. Singing in the choir has been my life. It came as a shock to me to be instructed not to wear my CFCFFL shirt in the choir. The shirt was decent and didnt go against the attire prescribed by the church. So when I was told that I could not wear that CFCFFL shirt while serving in the parish choir, it was just like saying I was not accepted there anymore. My shirt speaks for what I believe in and of the community I represent In the same way that others also wore their own community t-shirts, including the CFC-GK t-shirts. It is futile to stay in a choir whose leadership doesnt accept me for who I am and the community I represent. Staying longer in the choir might be a cause for more hurt and greater pain. So to keep the peace, I bade them goodbye. n

decision . . . to embrace CFCFFL with its mission and vision. Life, indeed, has brought so much changes.Coming into prayer for me was no longer just about singing, clapping, dancing, shouting praises, speaking in tongues. Of late, it became more of just basking in Gods glory, praying and worshipping in silence, listening to His voice and feeling His presence. Praying isnt just about regular household meetings or monthly assemblies it is more of interacting everyday with kindred brothers and sisters, asking to be prayed for, sharing words of encouragement as well as life experiences. Learning and growing in the Spirit doesnt just come in monthly or bimonthly sessions but in day-to-day sharing of

WE SHALL OVERCOME

With the Holy Spirits guidance and wisdom, my husband Rey and I decided to move to CFCFFL late last year. Immediately, he got integrated into SvFL (Servants for Family and Life) in Doha, Qatar. I also joined Handmaids for Family & Life although I still attended the CFCIC chapter household meetings and other gatherings since there was still no replacement for me. Our old CFC-IC chapter was divided into two CFC chapters, so the Music Ministry I used to handle was also split into two. Thus, I committed myself to the new
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