WELCOME to the
13th Couples for Christ Canada National Conference
Kids for Christ KID’S VILLAGE
and
3rd Couples for Christ Canada Clergy-Lay Congress (July 1-2, 2012)
June 2012
Dear Member of Couples for Christ, Welcome to the Couples for Christ National Conference, Kids Village and the Clergy Lay Congress. You have my Thanks and gratitude for the work you are doing to support the vocation of marriage in Toronto and elsewhere. May Our Lord continue to guide you in your mission. My prayers and blessings are with you as you grow in Love of God and Christian of service of others. Sincerely in the Lord, Thomas Cardinal Collins Archbishop of Toronto
Dear Brothers in Christ and Members of Couples for Christ, I wished to extend my welcome to you as you gather for the 3rd CFC Canada-Lay Congress. I congratulate you on continuing to organize such congresses with the intention of thanking the Clergy who minister to you faithfully as well as expressing, as stated in your vision, your oneness with the Catholic Church in a spirit of witness to Christ’s Love and service through evangelization. You have my thanks for the contributions and work of the Couples for Christ have made and continue to make in the Archdiocese of Toronto. My prayers and blessings are with you as you gather on this occasion and continue to grow in Love of God and Christian service to others Yours Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Rev. William T. McGrattan Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto
These are indeed exciting times for Couples for Christ! After donning the full armor of God last year, we are now called to PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD for 2012! Through the various activities beginning ]anuary—from the ON FIRE Conference at the Araneta Coliseum, to the offering of the First Fruits during the first MCG, to the Magnificat Weekend in Baguio City— the Lord only gives us one message, as echoed by Bishop William McGrattan in the qualities of NEW EVANGELIZATION: to have that sense of urgency, to be bold, and to move as one community in proclaiming God’s Word. We are all missionary disciples of ]esus Christ, and Mary, His mother is our primary model. In the Annunciation, she never doubted the angel’s proclamation and readily accepted the mission with much anticipation and joy. When she heard about her cousin Elizabeth being with child, she makes haste in coming to her aid, traveling far despite being pregnant herself. In the Acts of the Apostles, she remained with the early Christians, encouraging them to be bold, steadfast, and united as well. As members and leaders in Couples for Christ, we should always be at the forefront of evangelization. And so, on June 29 to 30, 2012, let us allow the Lord to ignite us with his all-consuming fire at the 13TH COUPLES FOR CHRIST CANADA NATIONAL CONFERENCE! It is my prayer that like Mary, may we be firm and persevering in proclaiming the Gospel. May we be unflinching in facing our uncertainties, reservations and doubts as we do our mission. And may we be of one heart and mind in working as one body—the body of Christ.
RICKY CUENCA Chairman Couples for Christ
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior... for He who is mighty has done great things for me...and lifted up the lowly ...” (Luke 1:46-55) Dear Brothers & Sisters, With gratitude and joy, like our Mother Mary, we all together proclaim the greatness of the Lord in our lives and community! This Conference is a wonderful “...way to motivate one another to acts of love and good works...meeting together...to encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near” (ref. Hebrews 10:24-25) It is a great time to remember our continuing journey with our awesome God - 31 years in Couples for Christ and 18 years in CFC Canada! This is also an appointed time to have God’s greatness move us to an even deeper relationship with Him, to more boldly share the good news to others, and to earnestly encounter Him in lifting up the lowly. Ablaze in the Spirit, we can indeed “renew the face of the earth” for the Lord! May God bless us through all our generations!
ERIC DELOS REYES Country Coordinator Couples for Christ Canada
Greetings of peace and joy to all!
On behalf of the National Council of Couples for Christ Canada, I am pleased to welcome all the delegates and guests to the 13th Couples for Christ Canada National Conference and KFC Kids’ Village which will be held in The Meeting House Conference Centre in Oakville, Ontario from June 29 to 30, 2012. The theme for this year’s conference from the Gospel of Luke 1:46 opens with the exhortation, “Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord”. After having been equipped with the full armor of God, our Almighty Father is commanding each one of us to go forth and proclaim the Good News of salvation to all the nations with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul. This is the time for us to rejoice and be thankful to God for the gift of renewal and transformation that we have experienced in our Christian life through our beloved community of Couples for Christ. And in return, let us share these wonderful and life-giving experiences to others as we continue to know, love and serve God even more. Let us always keep our ears open to His voice and let our heart and mind be filled with the knowledge and love of God so that we may always keep ourselves attuned to His plans and will. And may we always seek the intercession of the Bl. Virgin Mary who simply carried forth the Good News and declared to her cousin Elizabeth: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour”. May the Holy Spirit continue to shine on us and dwell in us so that we may always be “On Fire” in proclaiming God’s greatness to the whole world! Sincerely in Christ,
GREG PARILLAS
National Director Couples for Christ Canada
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings of love and peace to all! It is with deep joy and excitement that we welcome you as Toronto hosts three very important events this month: The 13th Couples for Christ National Canada Conference, the Kids Village and the Clergy Lay Congress. As we gather as one community and family, we are called to strengthen our faith in our Lord Jesus through the intercession of our Mama Mary. May the various talks and sharings be our guiding light and inspiration in our journey with the Lord as well to be joyful as we bond with each other through the different presentations of the areas. Let us spend this weekend filled with thanksgiving in our hearts as we Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord! With my love and prayers, JUN A. CLARITO Regional Head, Eastern Canada
PEACE AND JOY OF JESUS CHRIST and welcome to the participants of the 2012 Couples for Christ Canada National Conference in Oakville, Ontario! Our theme this year, “PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD”, brings us back to the core of our calling in Couples for Christ: EVANGELIZATION. As God’s work through CFC has expanded over the years, sometimes we get too busy with many activities so this year’s theme is a good reminder for all of us in CFC of our basic mission of proclaiming the Good News to more and more people. This is also in line with the call of Pope Benedict XVI for a new evangelization, reiterating that “it is the duty of the Church to proclaim always and everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” But before we can proclaim the greatness of the Lord, we must first experience His greatness and goodness. It is therefore providential that this year will also start what has been declared by Pope Benedict XVI as the Year of Faith. As we respond to the call for a new evangelization, our celebrations in this conference should also allow us to seek ways and means that will let us rediscover the beauty of the Catholic faith. May the good Lord bless our celebrations this weekend.
In Christ,
NICK BORJA Regional Head, Western Canada
On behalf of the Greater Toronto Area Governance Team, I would like to welcome all attendees, especially brothers, sisters and guests from other areas, to the 2012 Couples for Christ 13th Canada National Conference. It is truly our privilege to be your host for this year’s national conference. Our hope is that as we relate and fellowship with one another before and during the conference, we would be able to fan each others’ fire of commitment to be more passionate and zealous in living out our 2012 theme “Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord”, not only for this year but also for all ensuing years. May our take-away from this gathering be that Mary will always be our model in our love and service to our God and others. We thank everyone who contributed and made sacrifices to make our conference successful and spirit filled. Praise and glory be to God! TEMI PANGILINAN Area Director, Greater Toronto Area Governance Team
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We take pride in welcoming all the Canadian delegates from the different areas as well as from the other countries to these annual conferences and the pleasure to serve you all. On behalf of the different committees and your Greater Toronto Area brethren, we are as excited as you are to this gathering of God’s people to honor and praise Him as one body, united and committed for the work of evangelization. It is also an opportunity to fellowship with one another, see the added attractions and the neighboring places to enjoy with your love ones in your stay. We pray for a spirit filled conferences, the safety of all the participants and blessed with all the fun and joyful festivities. In His Honor, ED HILARIO Over- all Chair 2012 National Conference
GTA GOVERNANCE TEAM Jojo Dizon Roland Pontiveros Russel Nazareno Jun Clarito Francis Yap Ed Hilario Alex Ascano Temi Pangilinan
Governance Team with with Bishop William McGrattan
National Council National Director Gregorio “Greg” Barranta Parillas National Director of Canada National Council ANCOP Treasurer and Execom member Member Dominico ‘Nick’ Borja Member, National Council, Regional Head, Western Canada National Coordinator, PFO, National Coordinator, Music Ministry Member Arnel Gomez Simbulan Manitoba Family Ministry Head Member Alex Ascano GTA East Sector Head ANCOP Area Head Member Jimmy Arzadon Area Head Vancouver, British Columbia Member Eduardo ‘Jun’ Clarito Eastern Regional Head Member Rosco Doromal Area Director, Calgary Member Eric de los Reyes Canada Country Coordinator ANCOP President
Board of Directors and Officers Chairman of the Board Greg Parillas President Ed Hilario Vice President Jun Clarito Corporate Secretary Dax Magsisi Assistant Corporate Secretary Alex Asca単o Corporate Treasurer Henry Baldovino Assistant Corporate Treasurer Russell Nazareno
Executive Committee Chairman Ed Hilario Member Arnel Simbulan Member Dax Magsisi Member Henry Baldovino Member Jun Clarito Member Temi Pangilinan
VISION:
“Moved by the Holy Spirit, One with the Catholic Church, Blest to Witness to Christ’s Love and Service, CFC is a United and Global Community of Family Evangelizers thatSets the World on Fire with the Fullness of God’s Transforming Love”
MISSION:
“Building the Church of the Home and of the Poor” We are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service; We shall work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and We shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through Social Justice, Respect for Life and Work with the Poor.”
Elements of the Logo
The CFC logo has three elements: the concentric circles, the cross, and the dove. Concentric Circles
These stand for 2 wedding rings, one on top of the other. They depict Christian marriage, where two have become one. They stand for the unity between husband and wife, a unity manifesting itself in mutual love and service. The ring also point to our family life ministry. The family is to be the focus as well as the foundation of our work.
Cross
This stands for the cross of Christ. The central position of the cross states that Christ is at the center of our lives and of our work. The cross is also an empty cross. It shows that Christ is risen. By his death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death, and won for us our salvation. Finally, the cross stands for the radical Christian life we are called to. It is a life where we are to take up the cross of Christ (Mt. 16:24).
Dove
The dove represents the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who is our guide, our counselor, our advocate. He is the Spirit of truth. He is the source of power and strength for the Christian life. The dove also indicates the charismatic dimension of our spirituality. We are to pursue our work of renewal with the full use of all charismatic gifts at our disposal (1 Cor. 12:4-11).
CFC started its Family Ministries CFC Kids for Christ (KFC) Ministry
is for children of CFC and non-CFC families, ages 4-12 years. There is a ministry for Junior Kids, (4-8) and Senior Kids, (9-12).
CFC Youth Ministry
is for t eenagers ages 13 to 21. T h e YFC Formation is oriented towards meeting the needs of the young for BELONGING, MOTIVATION, USEFULNESS and CHRISTIAN WITNESSING. CFC -Youthformation builds on the 4 Fs: Fun, Friendships; Faith; Free and responsibleexpressions.
CFC Singles for Christ (SFC) Ministry
is for single men and women who are at the crossroads of life, discerning their vocation and choice of a state of life: marriage, religious vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life or single blessedness.
CFC Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) Ministry
is for single mature women, widowed, separated or divorced, single parents, wives of overseas workers, and those whose husbands are incapacitated or in prison.
CFC Servants of the Lord (SOLD) Ministry
is for single mature men. It is a parallel ministry of the CFC HOLD but directed towards mature men.
CFC Pro-Life is a major CFC Ministry
aimed at raising its members’ consciousness on the sacredness of life and actively collaborates with the Archdiocesan Pro-Life formation programs, ministry and advocacy activities in promoting a culture of life.
CFC ANCOP
works on the principle that “no one is too poor that he or she cannot share, that no one is too rich that he or she cannot care” it reflects the determination of CFC and its partners to heal relationships in society, from within the family to the parish, to the wider community, to the nation and ultimately, to the world.
Cesar and Beth Alejandria SURREY 2 CHAPTER
Paul and Alice Atienza SURREY 1 CHAPTER
Danny and Suzy Felices SURREY 3 CHAPTER
VANCOUVER
Peter and Ayee Dumlao Tricity Chapter
EAST CLUSTER
Cesar and Bing Rodas
Jim and Belle Diaz YFC CLUSTER CC
Joey and Baby Soriano GIFT OF LIFE
Marc and Merle Bawagan KFC CLUSTER CC
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord Luke 1:46
from Vancouver Sector / Fraternal Household
Vancouver Area Sector Household: Dante & Chet Serion, Toto & Chat Tajonera, Noel & Edith Magtibay, Jimmy & Liza Arzadon, Cesar & Bing Rodas, Rene & Ethel Perez, Chong & Ogie Evangelista
Vancouver Area Fraternal Household: Noli and Beth Arzadon, Andrew and Rita Chua, Bebot and Annette Locsin, Jojie and Marilen Catibog, Jimmy and Liza Arzadon, Bong and Edna Garrucho, Inset: Nick and Norma Borja
To all the our Brothers and Sisters Delegates of the 13th Couples For Christ National Conference 2012
Our God is a God of Second Chances
In the early morning hours of June 16, 2011 at around 5 am, I woke up with a
severe headache and by mid morning, Presy brought me to Trillium Hospital where I was diagnosed as having a hemorrhagic stroke on my left brain. The neurosurgeon ruled out surgery as a large part of my left brain was already affected and they give me medication to induce a 48-hr coma but but it lasted up to the 7th day, June 24, which was St John the Baptist day, and my daughter, Aleli visited me & was talking to me telling me to wake up as it was her birthday. She was squeezing my hands and I responded back and woke up. She told us that all week, she had been seeing the number 24. And when I woke up, I thought everything would be all right, but I had complications, like pneumonia, renal failure, bloodclot in my legs & I had a couple of cardiac arrests. (Presy asked my children & the CFC community to continue praying for me. One afternoon, as she dozed off on a chair in the ICU, she had a very strange dream. She saw herself & me riding in a jeepney with my mother (I am an only child) behind the wheel. My mother asked me to get off the vehicle and then drove it as fast as she could. She shouted asking to stop as we would hit the wall of the hospital. But she would’nt stop & they hit the wall. Presy saw herself spinning around & was saying “LORD JESUS, HAVE MERCY, LORD JESUS HAVE MERCY. Suddenly Ishe felt somebody was coming towards her and Baby Jesus was placed in her arms. The nurse woke her up & she was still crying & her arms were in a position as if she was holding a baby. Right there she knew that the merciful Lord had given me, Sonny, back to her.” I stayed in the ICU where they inserted breathing and food tubes. I was transferred to the stroke unit but was returned again to the ICU and was put on life support. Then, I was moved to the stroke unit and then to the rehab unit when they allowed solid food. It was August 29, 2011 when I was given a day pass and I asked if I can go to the Toronto walk but they said no. Finally, I was released on August 31, 2011, exactly two and a half months after my stroke. I was placed on a blood thinner regimen (coumandin) and every week, I had to go to for my blood test to measure my INR (measurement of clotting). During this debacle, there are questions in my mind. Why did this happen ? Will I survive ? As I pondered on these questions and discussed things with Presy, who was also suffering with me as she had to bear the brunt of caring for me, with the nurses and therapists assigned to my case. Presy also went to mass everyday, and to our home for things she and I would need for my stay in the hospital. My children came too at appointed times helping Presy in caring for me. Why did this happen ? I asked that question in my mind as I prayed with Presy every night together in the healing prayers before our Lady. I immediately realized I was negligent of my duties to my children and grandchildren. I failed to follow God’s reminder in Deuteromy 6:7 – “Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. “ I failed in entrusting the command-
ments of the Lord to my children and grandchildren. Two out of the three of my children belong to the community of CFC but in time, I also lost my daughter from the community, she was an SFC before, and we were left with only 1 of them, Adel and his family who served the Lord in CFC. I was lax in following the Word of the Lord and I tolerated them to do things I know are not acceptable to the eyes of the Lord, especially in watching unacceptable shows and for not praying as intense as before nor participating in religious matters. I am also confronted by the fact that inspite of us being in CFC and holding a leadership position and have been delivering talks in every aspect and nooks of Christianity, I failed to follow the new commandments given by the Lord in the Sermon of the mount. I was not poor in spirit and I was not observing humility before my brothers and sisters, and sometimes, in my arrogance, I interrupt them even at mid sentences, I was rude and I hope those who suffered being rebuffed by me rudely – I ask for forgiveness. Also I slowed down in looking for God and spending time with Him so that I can be guided by Him in my spiritual life, seeking Him until I find Him. I neglected all that and I relied on my judgment rather than seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and developing a strong spiritual life and be righteous to merit the heavenly doors. I know I neglected then but because of Him, He gave me another chance, and I will pursue Him very diligently from now on, but I may fail time and again but I know that I will be relentless in pursuing Him. I may slide back once in a while and I am asking for your forbearance for me as I am striving to change my ways so we can all be together in serving and glorifying Him in full humility.
“I was rude and I hope those who suffered being rebuffed by me rudely – I ask for forgiveness.”
And I am sure that there were so many who prayed for me worldwide. Many brothers and sisters were offering prayers, rosaries and masses for my recovery. Thank You for all your prayers and offerings. And God listened to the many righteous brothers and sisters who prayed for me. And through you, my brothers & sisters in the community & my relatives who incessantly prayed for me & supported my family , our merciful God gave me a second chance to rectify my shortcomings - that of teaching my children and grandchildren the commandments of the Lord and follow them. And also to strengthen my spiritual life and seek righteousness first through prayers, meditations and the holy eucharist. And I discovered the series on Spiritual Life and the collection of Lectio Divina by Thomas Cardinal Collins which are now treasures of God’s word to strengthen my spiritual life. I listened to them often and am strengthen by His Words and it keeps me on my toes in my spiritual life. (Presy) - This trial not only help Sonny & myself realize that our Lord Jesus is so merciful and forgiving & will always give us a second chance. Bros & sis, our Lord did not only brought us back to Him, but also drew my daughter & other son to him. You know brothers & sisters, I got a bonus from the Lord,my (husband is no longer a “computer hugger”. You know him “ computer in the morning, computer (sing song) in the evening, It’s me now whom he hugs when he wakes up and before he goes to bed, not the computer anymore. (Sonny) - I have been given a second chance, to live the life He has chosen for me and together with my wife, Presy, we will continue to work for the poor, help out in anyway we can in CFC, and strengthen our relationship with the Lord, by going to masses, whenever we can, daily if possible and to pray for the sick and the downtrodden. I will not be rude in my dealings with others and I will tell my children and grandchildren of God’s love and commandments and remind them always of the right way to love and serve God. At times, I may fail but with your prayers and understanding, God will always be there reminding me that I am His Son, prodigal at times but I will be able to come kneeling before Him to ask for forgiveness. And I will always proclaim the greatness of the Lord through Marian prayers before our Dearest Mother Mary. May God be praised.
Sonny and Presy Bautista CFC, Mississauga
For your catering needs, party tray orders or take out, visit or contact Chef George. Address: Unit 2 - 80 Ellesmere Rd. Scarborough, ON M1R4C2 Business Number: (416) 383-0552 Email: chefgeorgerivera@hotmail.com Website: www.chefgeorgerivera.com
Greetings and God bless CFC Canada!
Jojo & Belen Razon
Richard & Emmie Fairweather
Richard & Marilyn Bouchard Robert & Sheila Brown
Kris & Irene Fontillas
John & Ann Villarosa
Give thanks to the Lord, invoke His name; make known among the nation His deeds. Sing to Him, sing His praise, proclaim all His wondrous deeds. Psalm 105
Prayer Power in Community
Its been some years now since our last trip to Mississauga, Ontario. Its the wedding of Therese my niece. Penny and I were the principal sponsors. Of course I was looking forward to reunions with brethren in Ontario: Ricky, Temi, Jun Clarito, Frankie and many more. Just as we left our house in Alabang, on the way to the airport we have set an early dinner with our children, as an SOP whenever we are preparing for our travels I would check with Penny questions: ‘Mommy, passport?’- “its here”; ‘Tickets?’ – “here”; ‘Camera?’ –“whaat!? its not with me-that’s your area!” she replied. She was gesturing with her hands while saying that – and then, her left hand just “literally flew” to her right underarm – and then she said “what’s this?”. “What’s what?”, I said. “There’s a lump I can feel here” so I said, since we’re having dinner with the children we can let our son, Joseph who is a doctor know about it ....A quick flashback with feeling of gladness and comfort ran quickly through my mind with the blessing of having a ‘doctor in the house.’ I reminisced the time when Joseph was still a Grade 4 and we used to leave him behind in God’s care to study his lessons while Penny who was serving the Handmaids of the Lord , I usually drive her and while I am with her, I play the guitar during their household in Las Pinas. When Joseph attended the IKV (International Kids Village) KFC conference in Kalinga-Apayao province; when he became cluster leader of both the community- based and school-based YFC at the same time, and now he’s the same boy who will have to do the medical check-up of his mother. Arriving at the restaurant, Doc JR looked at the lump and he said it can be an ordinary cyst or a tumor but he said we can go ahead with our Canada trip and then we can have it examined when we come back from the trip. The wedding at Merciful Redeemer Church was very touching, it was as Filipino as it could ever be, (long entourage including the Filipino Tradition of veil, candle,and cord ceremonies) my niece married a Filipino-Egyptian heritage, Peter Zirky. Family reunions, I cherish so much. Of the six siblings, three are in Ontario, three in Manila, Philippines. But Penny and I have that bigger, larger family called Couples for Christ, very much involved in its Global Mission sent out by the Holy Spirit. Wherever we go, Australia, Canada, US, England, Shanghai-China or elsewhere, we make sure that we touch base with the bigger family. Since my siblings in Canada are CFCs, then the family is truly the family planned by the Lord. Whenever we travel to Ontario, CFC surely is aware of it.
truly a brethren I looked up to- a brother whose focus is always Christ’s mission. The series of service activities went through like the wind blowing through time. Alas, we were on our way to Vancouver- for a first time visit. We were welcomed (and hosted) by Nick and Norma (Borja), this wonderful couple gave us a quick tour of Vancouver, including the tour of the CFC office there. Like most of our trips, a run-down of the talk schedules and invitations is the order of the day. Meeting with the leaders on the West Coast was a reunion for us – the Arzadons and the Garruchos and more. But observing Penny with the CFC ladies, I could see the worrisome discussion about that ‘lump’ that kept her awake on most nights. After three talk schedules plus a household meeting along with an unforgettable tour of Vancouver including the Butchart Gardens, it was time to go home to the Philippines. On the same day of our arrival in Manila on Oct 16, our ‘dark night’ began to unfold. After a series of mammograms, x-rays, blood tests, doctor conferences – Penny was operated on with what is called mastectomy 4 days later. Then, further cancer tests were done: ER-PR, HER2NEU tests, and a schedule of chemotherapy sessions was now the topic. I could not believe what was happening-all within a 2-week span! Death has become so real. I was still trying to comprehend the small lump issue, and the mastectomy surgery—here we are again talking about the dreaded chemo, HER2NEU-positive, ER-PR negative—it was so incomprehensively overwhelming. In spite of the heavy burden of all these events, I would always give comforting words to Penny - words of strength and assurance that all is well. But deep inside me-and when I am alone, I would cry my heart out- seeking understanding in the Don Moen song “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way….” In the past, we would prayer-over, give advice and spiritual strength to brethren who were sick or in need of any help, and now, it is us who needed a lot of prayers and understanding and reason as I myself was almost tempted to ask God “WHY US LORD?” WHY PENNY, YOUR SERVANT LORD?”. I already knew His answer of course – “Why not?” – “are you questioning My Wisdom in all these?” He would probably say, as in Isaiah 55:8-9 which flashed quickly through my mind—“For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are my ways your ways….”
I already knew His answer of course – “Why not?” – “are you questioning My Wisdom in all these?”
I have wondered what God was up to, while things were unfathomable at times to me, the thought of Mary obeying the message of an angel with full faith in God – “ be it done unto me…” would not be an easy thing during her time with the possibility of being stoned to death just by becoming pregnant without the benefit of having a husband. Or, Mother Mary looking at her Son bleeding to death at the cross and all seemed hopeless that Friday afternoon. Oh my, these thoughts actually began to comfort me.
And one of the best part of our Ontario trip was when Sis Irma Cuenca arrived from Manila and we were able to meet with her and told her about Penny having that lump. We would join in her daily mass ritual for the next two or three days until Bro Ricky arrived coming from Manila. And when bro Ricky arrived one evening, we immediately had a dinner-meeting and then continued with the daily mass ritual with them until Bro Ricky, now CFC Chairman, had to leave again for a series of meetings in the US. Oh, well, what’s new with Bro Ricky?-I asked myself—nothing of course, as I recalled the time when we last went to Canada in 2005, I never saw Ricky at all during my entire stay in Ontario because he was in Africa on mission—
Not any sooner, I started to contact CFC brethren by email and by texting, along with Penny too, to ask for prayers and intercession. And this is where I began to feel the comfort, the peace and the joy and most of all the blessing of being in a Community of Disciples--- worldwide. The comfort of having hundreds, and thousands of brethrenmany unknown to us- praying for Penny
And so after the wedding, came the series of CFC activities in Toronto and later in Vancouver. The Marriage Enrichment Retreat talks, joining household prayers, cluster teaching night, sharing- meetings with the CFC women with Penny, and the most enjoyable of all- eating, eating, eating. In the Marriage Enrichment Retreat at Marriott Hotel just off Mississauga to give a talk, Penny was there conversing with the service team. As I was there at the podium, Penny sat beside a sister, and she asked her, “Sis, why is your food different (from what was being served)? Leni Gutierrez replied “I HAVE CANCER”. Penny was dumbfounded and said to herself “Oh Lord, bakit siya ang katabi ko” (why am I seated beside her?”) knowing that she is now nursing that lump she felt on the day we flew out of Manila. The two ladies started talking about cancer—the medications, the diet, the foods, and the like. Its was like Providence having a hand at that particular moment as their sisterhood got deeper.
-- for her pain, for endurance, for recovery, for healing, for comfort. I would wonder with pity how others who have no one praying for them could go through the same predicament. I would wonder, for couples and individuals, who have gone inactive or have left community for many-a-reason— pride, for hurts and now cannot make a call or a request for prayers in the midst of their own dark nights. Surely they would pray alone, but prayers of many voices become louder and louder before the Throne of God—especially those brethren in community whom we do not personally know are praying for Penny and have hearts that are pure and holy and who the Lord would always listen to. Many brethren have special gifts given by the Holy Spirit – thus a prayer by a brethren who has received the ‘gift of healing’ will surely be heard by the Lord who has given it to him – whether that brethren is fully aware of it or not. Some CFC brethren would email or text – for assurance of prayers and to ask how things are. But many more will simply pray, because that is what I do too, simply pray—in my own prayer time, during mass, at my rosary time, in households, during worship time in teaching nights and assemblies --- I am sure that is what they are doing too for my Penny. Now I really understood this SPECIAL GIFT OF GOD – the gift of a global community—like Couples for Christ. Just as I understood the ever-Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist because there is not an hour that will pass without a Mass being celebrated (somewhere in the world)—I also began to appreciate prayer with power – prayers that cross many time zones. Even before the chemotherapy started, God’s hand began to manifest. We were gifted with an alternative doctor who at first was already too full in her schedules and could not accommodate us anymore– but alas! – a brother (Rene Bello of MMSouthBAnCop) who had an appointment slot with the good doctor – had to give it up
because his clients were bringing him to a Pacqiao fight in Las Vegas – and thus the appointment slot was given to Penny. This alternative doctor gave Penny natural drugs that improved her immune system that surely helped her go through the agony of chemotherapy. With all pain, discomfort and at one time a 0.4 hemoglobin count, the 6-cycle chemotherapy ended in March 15, just two days before her birthday. She survived the chemo, and it was like a new birth for her and for all of us. The prayers worked wonders, as we continuously give thanks to the Lord for community, for brethren who would email or text their prayers, those brethren who would just drop by our home to give advice, lend cancer books, lend their Mama Mary images and paintings (even a Pilgrim Image of Our lady of Guadalupe), medicinal plants (like Ashitaba, guyabano, tea leaves of various varieties, and more).Even up to now, Penny has not even purchased a “bandana” or head gear for her bald head. It was like a multitude of angels passing by our home like it would never end. Yes, I felt the brotherhood/ sisterhood. And yes, I even had to resign from my job just to be beside Penny – as it also gave me a chance to finish the many books pending (Padre Pio, St Faustina and other books). My best learning? Ahh, now I know better. To Put God First (PGF) in planning my day or my week’s endeavours in spite of Penny’s conditions. I am able to slow down and savor every moment, with Penny, with the children, with brethren in CFC. May God, our Lord Jesus, together with His ever-dearest Mother, our Mother Mary be praised and glorified forever……Joshua 24:15
Mon and Penny De Leon CFC Muntinlupa, Philippines
With God’s Grace, I Will Share My Light Until It Dies
The year 2006 was momentous for our family. It was the year my We referred my tests result to Dan’s cousin, also an Oncologist in the daughter graduated from High School, her 18th birthday, my 50th U.S. He agreed with my doctor’s conclusion and warned me that is birthday and our 25th Wedding Anniversary. For all these milea tough course ahead and that I should now prepare for the worst. stones, we decided to focus on our daughter’s debut. In the the Statistics reveal that life expectance in cases such as mine is 2-5 years. Filipino culture, as we know, a debut, the coming of age of a young I went back for chemotherapy and I continue treatment until today. woman, is customarily celebrated with a big party. The planning of the cotillion, the practices, the costumes for I was open about my new prognosis to my family the masquerade, etc was exciting but very but we hardly talked about it. One day, I caught Instead of concentrating on Dan stressful. The end result however was a very looking at me with very sad eyes. We did not healing prayers, we asked enjoyable and memorable night. We were in say any word to each other, but we seemed to have ecstasy even months after the debut. the Lord to give us the grace agreed to let go and God take over our lives completely. Instead of concentrating on healing prayers, to submit to His will Then one night, about three months after the we asked the Lord to give us the grace to submit to debut, while I was reminiscing my daughter’s His will, offering my sickness to Him. I promised cotillon, our family dance and her dance with her Dad, I felt a lump to serve Him for the rest of my days. in my left breast. Further tests showed and confirmed I had stage 3 breast cancer. I was surprised because I have been going for mamIt is a blessing to be a part of a loving community like CFC We are mogram twice a year, went to my doctor on a regular basis and I thankful for all our brothers and sisters who are very supportive. was eating healthy most of the time. My family was devastated. My They took care of us most specially during my chemo days. Many of daughter, who just entered first year university had trouble concenthem prepared special meals for me or brought me to the hospital trating on her studies. My son, who was on his third year put on a for treatment. In return, I could only offer my prayers and brave face, but was hurting inside. My husband Dan buried himself service. Our friendship became more special. It is almost in our service with CFC and tried to act normally. Surprisingly, I was six years now since I was diagnosed and I thank the calm and confident I would beat the disease with prayers and diet. I Lord everyday for giving me the grace, the energy, the told my Manager at work that I would be able to go back to work in courage and faith to go on. To Dan and me, we take no time. pleasure now in focusing on our spiritual journey. We have become bolder in preaching our faith I went through a very aggressive chemotherapy and 25 radiation specially to our children. We are presently session. Then before my last radiation, I felt a little pain on my back serving as chapter leaders of CFC Missiswhich I casually mentioned to my Oncologist. He immediately sauga East. With God’s grace, Dan and I ordered more tests and the results came back positive for bone mewill share our light till it dies. May God tastasis! I was shocked. This time I was crushed. I had a plan for my be praised! family and this was not part of it. This can’t be happening! We were Leni Gutierrez starting to fulfill our goals: the children finishing school, mortgage Mississauga East Chapter and car payments, etc. Prayers and diet were not enough, what should I do to be healed?
Proclaiming the Greatness of our Lord
How powerful is God’s saving grace in your life? As I share with you a few of my ex-
periences, you will be amazed as to how the Lord has shielded me on so many events. While working in a bank in my early 20’s, I was shocked when I heard a sound of a gun and saw our security guard covered in blood, being dragged inside by five men. It was then that I realized that we were being robbed; they announced a bank holdup and we were ordered to lie on the floor facing down. As two of the bank robbers scooped all of the teller’s cash, another two men tried to get inside the vault. Unfortunately, our cash vault custodian had the keys of the vault grill and locked herself inside a washroom when she heard of the bank holdup. The robbers were panicking, as they demanded that the vault be opened. Their leader then ordered one of the bank robbers to kill me—the next thing I knew, a shotgun was pointed at my back, ready to be fired. At that time, I was trembling and crying with fear. I closed my eyes and offered everything to the Lord to rescue and shield me from this fate. Right before the shot was triggered, our Branch Accountant stood up and told the robber that he would look for the cash vault custodian, desperately pleading them not to kill me. To end the story, the bank robbers killed one of our security guards, wounded another two, and took off with all the money inside the cash vault leaving me unharmed. In 1991, we joined the 3rd batch of CLP of Pampanga and on this same year, Mt. Pinatubo erupted. I could still recall the bright, sunny 12 o’clock noon sky turn into darkness as the roosters started to crow. I hurriedly went outside our house due to a strange noise on our roof, and to my surprise, it was raining stones… then very fine sand, as ashes followed. As I reached out and opened the palm of my hand, a pile of sand and ashes filled it in less than a minute’s time. Even with zero visibility, my husband drove his car from work just to come home since he knew that I was by myself. Until the next morning, the ash fall and sand did not stop, power and water supply were disconnected, and there was total darkness. All I could hear were sounds of branches breaking, trees falling, and children crying. It was the longest and scariest night of my life. My husband and I were helpless, with only a quarter filled pitcher of water inside our fridge. Likewise, we only had one small, lighted candle that would not last long, and so, we decided to save it. We spent those hours in darkness praying until I fell asleep. Later on, my husband suggested that we move near the main door exit, just in case our roof collapsed from the weight of the wet ash fall. At the break of dawn, we were prompted to climb onto the roof of our house to remove some of the ashes and sand with a mere spatula. To our surprise, while we were on top of our roof, we saw the magnitude of damage within our area: a numerous amount of our neighbours’ roofs collapsed, trees fell, and the entire street was covered with more than three feet of ashes and sand. Still, the ash fall continued until midday, in which we decided to leave our house and drive to my in-laws’ hometown, Arayat. Outside was total chaos. Many people like us were trying to leave, and the traffic was terrible as a result of the non-stop ash fall. There was zero driving visibility and my husband had to stop and clean away the wet ashes several times. Finally, we reached my in-laws’ hometown after almost six hours on the road—a trip that normally takes 40 minutes.
“I felt as if I was a smoke that floated in the air and saw myself lying on the floor”
After the eruption of Mount Pinatubo was my lahar experience. One stormy night, we were on our way home after attending a CFC Elder’s Core Group teaching at San Fernando when we were caught unaware that the Spillway Bridge that we needed to cross was already closed. This Spillway Bridge is a means to bypass the flow of floodwater coming from dams from other towns. Since it was almost midnight, no one had warned us that it was no longer passable because of the lahar flow. Since it was so dark, we didn’t notice that the area was already flooded with mudflow. When our car submerged into the water, I noticed the fast current of the lahar rising. To add light to my husband’s sight I took out a flashlight and was astonished by the flow of current and the rising water which was almost at the level of our car window. The water started to leak inside our vehicle. Then, I saw huge logs carried by the strong current. The chance of the logs dragging our car out of the Spillway Bridge and into the river channel left me frightened. I was praying out loud until we finally crossed the Spillway Bridge, where our car engine miraculously did not break down. The following morning, we heard from a local radio station that a passenger utility vehicle was swept out of the Spillway Bridge into the river channel that caused some casualties.
A year later was a blessing with the coming of our second child. However, my final term was a struggle, since I had to deliver my baby ahead of my due date because of fetal distress. I was put through an emergency caesarean section operation where my doctor requested that a pediatrician be present during my operation. My daughter’s neck was entangled by my umbilical cord and the doctors had to revive her for 20 minutes. With God’s goodness, my daughter survived. However, right after the surgery, I suffered from a severe spinal headache due to the effect of the anesthesia that lasted until I was discharged from the hospital. On my first day at home, I was carrying my baby from our bedroom to the living room when I suddenly felt severe pains on my veins and feet. In a split second, I felt as if I was a smoke that floated in the air and saw myself lying on the floor. The next thing I remember, I was walking in a tunnel towards a blinding, bright light and then a total blackout. If this was a near death experience, then I can say death is not painful. Our house helper saw me lying on the floor having seizures and fortunately, she found my crying baby, whom I dropped in a wooden chair. She hurriedly called my husband who was getting ready to attend the MER graduation of our household members. Our neighbors came to help and my husband rushed me to the hospital, as I was unconscious and all my fingernails already turned black. The nearest hospital was a 40-minute drive and by the time I gained consciousness, I was already surrounded with doctors. As my health started to worsen, my husband decided to transfer me to St. Luke’s Hospital for better care. I went through a series of tests to rule out if these seizures were caused by an epilepsy or brain tumor but all the results were negative. Slowly, my condition deteriorated and my blood pressure started to drop to an alarming level. The entire CFC Pampanga was praying for me as the same incident happened to a fellow CFC sister a day after I was transferred to St. Luke’s Hospital. Like me, she also suffered from spinal headaches and had seizures after her CS operation, but unfortunately both her and her baby died. In that hospital bed, I then surrendered my life to the Lord and all I was praying was Psalm 91. Days later, miraculously, my health started to improve. I was prescribed to take an anti-seizure medication, but during my fifth year of taking them, I decided to stop—even without my doctor’s clearance. The withdrawal process was very hard, as I compared myself to a drug addict trembling and shaking in the middle of the night. Slowly, I was able to overcome this ordeal with no seizure attacks ever since. There is no threat, whether seen or unseen, anticipated or unexpected, which can catch God unaware and unable to protect us. No matter how disproportionate the odds, God’s protection is certain. As the scripture says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you, I will be with you until the end of time” (Hebrews 13: 5-6). Our God is such an amazing God. He has always protected me in every danger and harm and saved me from all my despair. My life has been a manifestation of His loving presence. He is my refuge, my stronghold, my savior and my God. “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord and He has been my Savior” (Isaiah 12:2)
Menchie Tuano CFC, Brampton
Aguas, Digna – Production Staff Aguas, Jess – Production Staff Aligaen, Vina – Production Staff Aligaen, Anthony – Production Staff Ang Go, Josephine – Adult Female Raj Soldier and Female Hebrew Dancer Ang Go, Jouela – Belly and Plague Dancer Ang Go, Jose – Production Staff Aquino, Juan Paulo (JP) Baladjay, Francis – Adult Moses Baladjay, Leah – Female Slave and Wife of Moses – (Zipporah) Baltazar, Elijah – Baby Rameses Baltazar, Noelle – Young Hebrew Girl Baltazar, Randy – Adult Hebrew Male Slave Baltazar, Rhona – Adult Hebrew Female Slave Baltazar, Xavier – Young Hebrew Boy
Baybayan, Alaine – Teen Slave Baybayan, Gina – Adult Female RAJ Soldier Baybayan, Patrice – Teen Slave Bullock, Divine/Debbie – Egyptian Queen Bullock, John – Jethro Bullock, Wally – Baby Moses Caleon, Veron – Production Staff Carlos, Ariel – Young Male RAJ Soldier Carlos, Merica – Plague Dancer Carlos, Erika – Young Hebrew Girl Carlos, John – Teen Rameses Carlos, Joyce – Adult Female Hebrew Dancer Carlos, Ricky – Adult Male Hebrew Dancer and Production Staff De Leon, Jing – Production Staff De Leon, Tess – Production Staff Galon, Gerry – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Galon, Marco–Young Hebrew Boy/Trumpet Boy
Galon, Tita Cor – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Gamo, Christy – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Gamo, Rene – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Garcia, Dodo – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Garcia, Lauren – Young Hebrew Girl Garcia, Maria – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Garcia, Marian – Young Hebrew Girl Garcia, Patricia – Plague Dancer Gardiner, Kathlyn – Belly and Plague Dancer Gomba, Vince – Production Staff Gonzaga, Tim – Young Male RAJ Soldier Isidro, Jun – Adult Male Hebrew Dancer Isidro, Philip – Teen Moses Isidro, Thess – Adult Male Hebrew Dancer Laserna, Joy – Belly Dancer Princess & Plague Macaalay, Arika – Miriam [Sister of Moses] and Plague Dancer Macaalay, Macky – Production Staff Macaalay, Eleanore – Production Staff Magoncia, Manny – Adult Male Raj Soldier
Mallari, Adrienne – Plague Dancer Mallari, Ging – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Mallari, Nicole – Young Hebrew Girl Mallari, Ricky – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Mangahis, Ed – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Mangahis, Rosa – Adult Female Raj Soldier Marquez, Jacqui –Yochaved [Mother of Moses] Marquez, Jana – Young Hebrew Girl Marquez, Jau – Young Hebrew Boy Marquez, Umar – Adult Male Raj Soldier McFarland, Armand – Young Male Raj Soldier Mejia, Elvie – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Mejia, Mon – Adult Male Raj Soldier Moniz, Evan – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Moniz, Frank – Adult Male Raj Soldier Monsalud, Alex – Adult Male Raj Soldier Monsalud, Susan – Adult Female Raj Soldier Oanes, Calvin – Young Male Raj Soldier and Male Hebrew Dancer
Oanes, Katrina – Young Hebrew Girl Oanes, Dina – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Oanes, Lito – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Payawal, Leah – Adult Female Hebrew Dancer Payawal, Oliver – Adult Male Hebrew Dancer Paz, Andrew – Production Staff Paz, Rosalie – Production Staff Quintia, Adrienne – Belly and Plague Dancer Quintia, Gaye – Adult Female Raj Soldier Quintia, Mac – Adult Rameses Quintia, Mariella – Young Hebrew Girl Raffinan, Lilet – Director Raffinian, Karella Mara – Production Staff Rosales, Cely – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Rosales, Lito – Adult Male RAJ Soldier Rosales, Jocelle – Female Hebrew Dancer Rosales, Joel – Male Hebrew Dancer
Serino, Erica – Adult Female Hebrew Dancer Serino, Julius – Adult Male Hebrew Dancer Tejano, Arcilen – Adult Female Hebrew Slave Tejano, Bebot – Adult Male Hebrew Slave Tejano, Kayla – Belly and Plague Dancer Tuano, Meg – Belly and Plague Dancer Tuano, Menchie – Production Staff Tuano, Willie – Production Staff Valenzuela, Denzel–Young Hebrew Boy/ Trumpet Boy Valenzuela, Marife – Adult Female RAJ Soldier Vicente, Abby – Young Hebrew Girl Viray, Tess – Adult Female Raj Soldier Viray, Toto – Adult Male Raj Soldier
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Homebuyers make theirs within seconds.
iDesign10...
Exceptional Home Staging Providing Creative Solutions Selling homes Faster
Visit us at: www.iDesign10.com Cristina Consulta 905-783-2566 cristina.iDesign10@gmail.com
om… r f s g n i t e e r g Warm apter h C n o t p m a r B Uni t 1 ie Willy – Mench Francis – Leah t Manny – Lulu Frank – Evan Ricky – Ging Mac – Gaye
Consolidate ALL YOUR DEBTS into ONE LOW PAYMENT & Increase your CASHFLOW!
Francisco Nuguid Mortgage Agent Lic. No. M12001062
The Mortgage Centre We work for you, not the lenders.
* FREE Mortgage Consultation * Mortgage Tune-Up and SAVE * How to IMPROVE your CREDIT * PAYOFF your Mortgage FASTER * FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER - special downpayment programs * Let me help you IMPROVE your CREDIT * How much rent would you pay for a $ 300,000 property * Let me shop for you with just one credit check
Tel.
(647) 294-5831
Unity Financial Services Inc. Lic. # 10457 An independent Member of the Mortgage Centre Network *subject to change without notice
Email: fnuguid@gmail.com
1st Row L-R Bong Salmon, Arnel Simbulan, Jojo Dizon (Provincial Area Head), Ador Cabrera 2nd Row L-R Jing Salmon, Domy Mary, Romy deLuna, Steve Olea, Francis Lucas, Vic Lopez 3rd Row L-R Lulu Mary, Loyda deLuna, Marivic Simbulan, Nida Olea, Carolina Lucas, Linda Lopez, Rosa Dizon, Vicky Cabrera
Greetings from the Toronto Area Handmaids of the Lord! May your 2012 Couples For Christ Conference Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord!
Sis Ludy Buencamino, Sis Weng Alfonso, Sis Emy Derramas & Sis Zony Mercado
Cordial Greetings & Warm Wishes to the Delegates of the 13th National Couples For Christ Canada Conference
Greg and Tess Parillas National Director
Nap and Ely LLanos ANCOP Coordinators
Joseph and Patsy Yong Pro Life Coordinators
from
Virgilio and Amy Roque Pro Life Coordinators
CFC Edmonton Cluster & Fraternal Household
Henry and Millete Gutierrez South Chapter Leaders
Ernie and Divine Anzures Family Ministry Leaders
Manny and Cong-cong Cerin Area Leaders
Jess and Eva Aquino North Chapter Leaders
Rey and Nida Figueroa West Chapter Leaders
“ Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord…” Luke 1:46
MONTREAL FRATERNAL HOUSE HOLD
GREETINGS TO ALL THE DELEGATES!
Omar and Merly River and Family
Couples for Christ & it’s Ministries Hamilton & St. Catharines Area Ontario, Canada
As for Me and My House We Will Serve The Lord – Joshua 24:15
As Joshua prepared the children of Israel for the land of Canaan, his first priority went to those with whom he had immediate and direct control: he and his “house”, his family. He knew that he and his family must live by their faith in God, and was willing to stand by his faith against the greatest of odds to serve God. God has bestowed us with many blessings and has been faithful and steadfast with everything. The only thing we can give back to Him is our faithful service to Him. By serving Him, we acknowledge our nothingness and put our full trust in Him for His provision. We included our children in our service because we believe that the most effective way of serving is doing it as a family. And the easiest way to transmit our faith to our children is by including them in our service to the Lord, and our service to CFC. We have taught our children, by our example, that service to your fellow men is serving for Jesus Christ. Our children had soon followed our example in service. Renee is a leader in Singles For Christ, currently leads a choir at Merciful Redeemer Church, Ysobel, now a member of SFC, is a cantor at the St Josephine Bakhita Church and a Eucharistic minister at Merciful Redeemer Church, and Alaina is also a member of SFC and heads the youth choir at the St. Josephine Bakhita Church.
One of the choices as parents we must make is whether or not we are going to prepare our young to serve God. Rey & I both believe that there is not anything more important that our children “One of the choices as can do than parents we must make serving God is whether or not we and His people are going to prepare our and the willingyoung to serve God.” ness to stand by her faith against the greatest of odds to serve God. , any accomplishment is insignificant compared to this. Sis. Beng Ardiente Mississauga. ON
Toronto Gift of Life Highlights 1st Celebration of love – a wedding milestone celebration. A celebration of CFC as one family serving God, in the preservation and strengthening of relationship and in carrying the light of Christ to all CFC members and to non-CFC parishioners who will witness the occasion. Watch for the 2nd celebration of Love on September 22, 2012
March For Life – A busload of more than 50 members of CFC and its Family ministries from GTA were joined by the members from Ottawa and Montreal to participate in the annual rally . Couples for Christ Gift of Life Ministry stand up for respect and dignity of life!
40 Days For Life- prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic Each of us has a mission, each of us is called to change the world, to work for a culture of life, a culture forged by love and respect, for dignity of each human person. (Pope Benedict XVI London, 9/18/10)
Standing from Left to Right: Ding Junio, Pendo Sampana, Roland Bebilone, Manny Fausto, Bobot Palanca.
Not in the picture: Nida Junio.
From Left to Right: Paco & Ruge Delgado, Martin & Karen Jack, Bobot & Karla Palanca, Michael & Maureen Guloy, Erwin & Joanne Fausto. Not in the picture: Jeremy & Joanne de Guzman
From Left to Right: Pendo & Lucy Sampana, Joey & Nelia Tioseco, Roger & Nerie Ajero, Danny & Rose Bernabe, Ronald & Maira Caballero.
Bebilone House Hold:
Roland & Mei Bebilone, Elias & Marivic Abenoja, Eddie & Imelda Aldos, Vering & Mering Austria, Ronald & Myrna Lucio and Gary & Sheila Vilda
Junio House Hold:
Ding & Nida Junio, Nats & Jo Carbon, Edwin & Jona Moulic, Edgar & Marlyne Villarama andNelson & Margie Viloria
“...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord� (Joshua 24:15)
(Seated) from Left to Right: Lucy Sampana, Mei Bebilone with son Nino John, Purita Fausto, Karla Palanca.
May God Blessed The 13th CFC Canada National Conference
Manny Aquino’s Last Sharing - 2007 Miami Conference
BONJOUR! GOOD MORNING BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Before I begin my sharing, I would like to acknowledge God’s loving presence today and with me my wife Chit of 34 years, my two children Jessica and her husband Ray, one of our full-time pastoral mission worker in Toronto and our one and only son Noel, who are in the audience and are very instrumental in my recovery. To all my brothers and sisters who are also waiting for God’s healing grace, I offer my sharing to you. It was thirty-one years ago when my family and I arrived in Toronto, Canada. Shortly after our arrival, I was diagnosed to have pulmonary fibrosis. It is a disease that involves scarring of the lung. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by fibrotic tissues. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an irreversible loss of the tissue’s ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. There is currently no effective treatment or a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The drugs designed to treat lung scarring are still in the experimental phase, while the treatments intended to suppress inflammation / have only limited success in reducing the fibrotic progress. Some known American celebrities who have this disease is Jerry Lewis, who got the fibrosis after vacationing from the Caribbean and actor/singer Robert Goulet, who passed away waiting for a transplant. Life went on ordinarily in spite of the pulmonary fibrosis. In 1994, Couples for Christ started in Toronto. My wife, Chit, and I were fortunate to have been part of the pioneering group. Touched by the mission and vision of CFC, Chit and I made ourselves available for more than household meetings and assemblies. Service became our way of life, with Chit serving in the Music Ministry as the National coordinator and myself as coordinator of the logistics for the CFC community. Weekends were either for MERs, music ministry workshops, CLP talks and CFC teachings, evangelization rallies across the GTA, within and outside Ontario. Life was busy and fulfilling. CFC Canada grew and later took Africa for its mission, we volunteered to join the mission trip to Ghana and Nigeria. Going on mission, as you know takes one out of his comfort zone, his home, security and peace. Remember the pulmonary fibrosis? It caught up with me and my work. First I had to avail of the short term disability leave then later on the long term disability from FEDEX where I used to worked. I was experiencing more frequent coughing, shortness of breath and just plain exhaustion. I was reunited with my doctor who saw me 31 years ago, who is now one of the directors of the lung transplant department of Toronto General Hospital. This time I was told I lost 80 percent of my lung volume putting a lot of stress on my heart, complicating the health situation.
After much thought, prayer and prodding from a lot of my brothers and sisters, I had a pre-assessment consultation with my respirologist and was booked for pretransplant assessment. I found comfort in these scripture readings: Isaiah 48:17, The holy God of Israel, the Lord who saves you, says: “I am the Lord your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go”. Jeremiah 29:11 states; I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. At the height of preparations for the World Youth Day 2002, I volunteered to drive the Bishop of Toronto promoting WYD in the various parishes under the Archdiocese of Toronto. I was on a short term disability then and my health was beginning to decline and so I believe that the energy and strength was given by our Lord God. My health was pontifically blessed by the late Pope John Paul II. I could have declined from doing any further work in CFC but by God’s grace, Chit and I were relentless in continuing to serve in conferences, ANCOP/GK fundraising, even spearheading the first songwriting competition in Canada in 2003. Some of you may have seen me carrying an oxygen tank wherever I went. That was how I lived for 4 years since 2003. I continued to serve, even going to New Brunswick with a mission team, driving for 22 hours, to give the first CLP there. As I have to be attached to an oxygen tank 24/7, I had to bring with me about 20 tanks of 5 and 10 lbs. each to tide me over for 5 days. I went on serving as the Logistics coordinator for GTA. God’s sense of humour is obvious here because the assignment requires physical strength to ensure that major assemblies in the GTA were equipped technically with good sound equipment. God’s loving providence is even more evident because I was always blessed with generous help from my CFC brothers. I would say the longest period of my life was between 2002 and December 3, 2006. This was a period of waiting. Waiting and praying for news that a lung and heart donor was found. It was a period though of leaving everything to God, of praying and believing that our God, yours and mine, will make everything happen according to His time, according to His circumstance, according to His will. And so on that fateful day of December 3rd, 2006, while driving on highway 401 to take our daughter Jessica to work, the cell phone rang to inform me of the news that we were all waiting for. It’s strange how even while I have been waiting for such wonderful news, I did not know what to think of first. My mind was all of a sudden filled with thoughts like leaving instructions with Chit about the house, the children in case I don’t come out of the surgery—something I could not bring myself to do— I was speechless. It must have been God’s way of telling me, “speak not, I am in charge. Everything will be alright.” Things happened so swiftly. I remember the pre-op where several gadgets were hooked to my body, the present concern that my antibodies were high that may cause rejection of the new lung and heart, the decision to go ahead despite that, the sedation……… The surgeons worked swiftly and separately on both the lungs and the heart for a good 5 hours. After the surgery however, I experienced a 7-hour bleeding in one of my heart arteries that required blood transfusion. God’s loving providence and wonderful presence was again evident. I say that because just a few weeks before my surgery, CFC-Toronto sponsored a blood letting program. Maybe, just maybe, the blood that was given me could have come from one of you who donated blood at that event. Needless to say, recovering from the surgery was an ordeal. I was fed intravenously for the first few weeks. A tracheal tube inserted below my Adam’s apple prevented me from speaking. Anyone who has been in the hospital for a long time, knowing no other sight but the four walls of your ward or your room, immobilized, on dietary restrictions, alone most of the time, in pain and taking all kinds of doctors’ orders knows how
Manuel Pelagio Ocampo Aquino
October 16, 1950 - August 23, 2008
difficult life is after surgery. And anyone who has gone to visit sick friends and family would know of the concept of empathic reaction. One visit from CFC sisters Lilet Raffinan and Jette Ocampo illustrates this. Because I could not speak, I would write down what I wanted to say. During that particular visit I was “talking” by writing, Lilet in turn responded by writing. She did not realize she was doing it until Jette asked her, “why are you writing what you are saying when you can talk naman? And Kuya Manny could hear you anyway.” According to the medical practitioners who worked with me during my stay in TGH, anyone who went through the same experience as I did took 4 to 6 months to recover. However, with God’s grace, I went home in less than 3 months. I left the hospital on Feb 19, a few days after valentine’s day with a new heart, new lungs, double at that, renewed strength, a deeper spiritual bond with our brothers and sisters in CFC. After a month of being grounded at home, not being able to drive, I gradually started to go back to the CFC office and did my usual volunteer work for boredom was creeping up to me. Once again, the good Lord was gracious in His love, generosity and goodness He allowed Chit and I to go on a mission trip that was long awaited for to Bermuda and spent 5 days there conducting various CLP talks, teachings and workshops. Our Lord God even provided us with a spare time to frolick in the pinkish corral sand of the beaches which was all over the place. Life and CFC work went on and it has been a year and half now since my transplant and I feel great.
I am deeply grateful : • To my God, whose love, mercy, compassion and faithfulness are so great, as described in Lamentation 3:24 “My portion is the Lord, says my soul, therefore will I hope in Him.” • To my wife Chit for all her love and patience—to my children Christine and her husband Jerome with our 3 grandchildren, Jessica and her husband Ray and our s on Noel who are with us here, who put up with my changing moods and seeing through my needs • To brothers and sisters who cooked for our family during my 3 months hospitalization. • To our brothers who would drive and accompany me to the hospital for my therapy and rehabilitation. • To all of you who have been praying and continue to pray for this miracle. I know that some of you have attached your personal prayers to my situation which in human perspective is a truly impossible case. But you and I have witnessed the faithfulness of our God who in spite of our unfaithfulness gives everyone more than a second chance. God has given me a second chance at life, and this life-- wounded, broken and healed by His same love-- I offer to Him. Thank you all, my brothers and sisters, and thank God with me too. (Late) Bro. Manny Aquino (1950-2008)
from
Auring & Abe Lorente
Des & Tony Barrientos
Minette & Ding Calimbas
Linda & Lopez
Vic
Belen & Jacques Drapeau
Renato & Evelyn Magsino
Pining & Willie Cabrera
Villa Gracia ANCOP Agdangan Village
Agdangan, Quezon is situated in the southeastern part of Luzon and approximately 137 kilometers by road from Manila. Villa Gracia - ANCOP Agdangan Village is located at Barangay Ibaba Kinagunan before the town proper of Agdangan, Quezon, if you are traveling from Lucena City. The beneficiaries are selected by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and San Isidro Parish Church, who undergo Value Formation and are Couples for Christ members. They are homeless, living with other families, or squatting. Their homes are mostly built along hills and abandoned places where land is not cultivated and weeds are rampant. Houses are made of scrap and light materials: walls are lawanit, nipa, sawali, bamboo and rice sacks; roofs are dilapidated and made of anahaw huts and tires; their floors are bare earth, and some have no toilets. Cultivating lands (farming), carpentry, masonry works, and fishing are their sources of livelihood, which are not enough to meet their needs. Water supply is from balon for household use, while for drinking they “I think we are being called to have to go to a public faucet imitate Mary, to bear witness or fetch water to the greatness of the Lord.” from distant water stations. The project was initiated by the late Jose and Gracia Mendoza and Tess Mendoza Samaniego. Joselyn -Vicky Mendoza delos Reyes personally donated 1 hectare - a prime lot along the highway. They wanted to help the needy, share their blessings, honour the memory and continue the legacy of their parents and their grandparents, Ricardo and Soledad Aguilar, who originally owned the land. May they find rest and happiness in what we are doing for them and the poorest of the poor. This dream cannot be accomplished without the help and partnership of the Couples for Christ –Mississauga West, Canada Chapter, ANCOP Canada, NGOs and Local Government Unit of Agdangan, Quezon headed by Mayor Rhadam
P. Aguilar, and all your help, generous donations, support and prayers through fundraising like ANCOP Walk, Bowlathon, Tennis, Golf Tournament and even garage sales. At this moment, there are already 10 houses built, 10 being constructed, 6 scholars and a start of livelihood: piggery, goat and chicken farming, and raffia making. With our theme: “Let us proclaim the greatness of the Lord”. Mary does not simply generalize and declare that God is good. She list the ways she witness that greatness. He has mercy, He shows strength, He scatters, He casts down, He lifts up, He fills, He sends away, He helps, He remembers- all of these are actions that God does in the world around Mary. I think we are being called to imitate Mary, to bear witness to the greatness of the Lord. God is always doing great things for us. Let the whole world know what He had done. “His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.” With St. Augustine, let us say “Our only hope, our only confidence, our only assured promise, Lord, is Your mercy” God never forsakes us. God always answers our prayers and comes to us when we need Him. Let us beg our dear LORD to always be with us in our desire to serve the underprivileged. May God be praised. May He continue to bless us all and all our partners, CFC and ANCOP with His abundant blessings. Francis & Tess Samaniego , Mississauga
From The Ortanez Family
CFC Montreal West Chapter House Hold
Bro.Francis& Sis.Au Apgao, Bro. Charlie & Sis.Malou Hael, Bro.Albert & Sis.Vangie Baratang,, Bro. Manny & Sis. Purita Fausto
John 15:12-13 This is my commandment: Love one another as I have love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
WELCOME BROTHERS AND SISTERS to the 13th Couples For Christ National Conference
The 13th Couples For Christ Canada National Conference Committee
Please patronize our Commercial Advertisers!
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. COLOSSIANS 3:17
Thank you all for your sleepless nights, countless hours of rehearsals, ad nauseam re-reading of schedules and scripts, God-given talents and skills, and prayerful Hearts ready to serve - all of which made this conference amazing. Special thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Almighty Production Team Head, who made this conference extraordinary. PRODUCTION TEAM Jun & Malou Clarito
Lilet Raffinan
Vina Aligaen
Anthony Aligaen
Neil Yapp
Ron Mauricio
EVENT HEADS
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
RenĂŠe Ardiente TV DIRECTOR
Neil Revita
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
LIGHTING DIRECTOR
Chico Nuguid
AUDIO DIRECTOR
Jing de Leon
MUSIC MINISTRY HEAD
SET DESIGN
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
SEGMENT PRODUCERS
Justine Yap Willy Estolas Zuyen Avengua Maria Tan Vera Tan Ginavelle Gawat BJ Tan
Jeng Magat Tamei Tibayan-Ely Benilda Zabala Nica Agregado Cindy Insular
DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION TEAM HEAD
VIDEO DIRECTOR
JP Aquino
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Karella Raffinan
DOCUMENTATION HEAD
Kat Managa Stacey Dicion Celine Azada Vince Gomba
CHOREGRAPHERS
Jonathan Mata Andrei Nazareno Rey Marc Regalado Kris Gardiner
“An Evening in the Philippines” – a Fundraiser for ANCOP “An Evening in the Philippines” – a fundraiser for ANCOP-Couples for Christ, and more specifically, the Vickar Transcona Portview Village in Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao. ANCOP-CFC, Vickar Automobile Group of Companies and Transcona Rotary Club had already built a village and a multipurpose hall but still more funds are needed for additional housing infrastructure, a village chapel and student scholarships programs. The evening is to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) starting at 7:00 PM. Magdaragat and Kayumanggi Performing dance and vocal groups will provide some entertainment, plus a sampling of Philippine cuisine and exciting draws. Mr. Larry Vickar and his group of companies are not only sponsoring the cost of the food, entertainment, and facility rental, but have also generously agreed to match the funds raised, essentially doubling the donations to this worthy cause. Please help us in attaining our goal of raising $50,000 for this event. Individual tickets are only $10.00 which includes food, entertainment and entry in some exciting door prize draws. They can be purchased at the CFC Office (404 Notre Dame Ave) or from Sis Linda Lopez. Tickets will also be sold at the upcoming Cluster GA on May 25 at St. John Cantius Church (846 Burrows Ave).