Not Tourists, but Pilgrims: CFC Global Conference holds its first run 

_{By Krischella Laygo} 

Castel Gandolfo, Italy — Over 1,800 delegates from around the world joined the first run of the Couples for Christ Global Conference 2025, held from May 16-18. The event marked significant milestones, such as the 25th anniversary of CFC’s Vatican Recognition as an International Lay Association of the Faithful with Pontifical Rights. Delegates were welcomed at Centro Mariapoli Internazionale for a series of inspiring sessions, reflections, and fellowship. 

Welcoming Delegates in One Joyful, United Mission 

The conference began with the World Mission Rosary led by Jojo and Roselyn Taghoy of CFC New Zealand. This was followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Gilbert Garcera D.D., Archbishop of Lipa in Batangas, Philippines. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s first message after his election, Archbishop Garcera emphasized in his homily how deeply God desires to communicate with His children.  

“Continue to be inspired as a family of Jesus,” Most Rev. Garcera said. “The joy of love in the family is the joy of the entire Church. Jesus, who is the Way, points us to the Way.” He further reminded that CFC members must be docile listeners of Jesus, faithful ministers of God’s plan, and living communicators of God’s love. 

Jimmy Ilagan, CFC Executive Director, then instructed the delegates of the ins and outs of the conference. For the Opening Worship, CFC International Council Member Bboy Arguelles invited the attendees to rejoice, have courage, and have an enduring hope that no matter what happens, “Do not get tired for the Lord!” 

CFC Chairman/President Joe Yamamoto then highlighted the blessing of the event as the first Global Conference outside the Philippines, the gift of the new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and their calling to be Pilgrims of Hope. “Even through the many uncertainties,” Yamamoto said, “CFC is blessed to align our mission to the bigger Church. We are Pilgrims of Hope, because we are CFC.” The excitement continued with a parade of different mission geographies, with the delegates proudly and joyfully waving the flags to represent their respective countries. 

The second day was opened with the World Mission Rosary led by Arnel and Marivic Simbulan of CFC Canada. It was followed by a celebration of the Holy Mass presided by His Eminence Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan, in Metro Manila, Philippines. In his homily, Cardinal David acknowledged “Missio Dei”: that the Church’s mission, being initiated by God, is greater than all of CFC’s dreams.  

“Your mission,” Cardinal David said, “is not only to raise Christ-centered families. It is to bring light to the nations, to bring Christ to every place, where families are wounded, broken, forgotten, and searching for meaning and purpose.” He went on to share Pope Francis’ legacy to make all the churches not just welcoming, but ready to reach out to outsiders. Cardinal David encouraged CFCs to fulfill the mission of God, to turn crisis into an opportunity, and to see trials with purpose. 

The day continued with the Opening Worship led by Rudy Gaspillo, member of the CFC International Council. “Jesus sees the hard work you do,” he said, reiterating how God was always present in their quiet sacrifices and sufferings. “And still He says, ‘Do not be afraid. I am with you.’” 

Filipino Cardinals share Inspiring Sessions on Hope 

For the Global Conference’s first session “Hope Does Not Disappoint”, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle guided delegates into deep understanding of hope, according to three main references of our faith. “This understanding,” said Cardinal Tagle, “is much more urgent and needed because of the conflicts in the world.” 

The first reference was in God’s promise of salvation in Isaiah 40: 31: “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Cardinal Tagle shared that the prophet Isaiah saw the dangers of political and military alliances and called on the people to rely on God’s words and promises, rather than in the security provided by human powers. Isaiah himself faced a difficult mission, but his vision of a glorious God gave him hope and the strength to declare “Here I am Lord, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) and be transformed from his sinfulness. 

The second reference was in Romans 5:5, from which the session’s title was borrowed: “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Cardinal Tagle offered a deeper understanding of how St. Paul’s writings connect faith with Christian hope—a hope made reliable through the lived experience of God’s love. Drawing from the examples of both the Prophet Isaiah and St. Paul, Cardinal Tagle emphasized how it was their faith that became the foundation of a hope that endures.

The third reference was in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1817 and 1818. These paragraphs presented hope as a theological virtue—one that responds to humanity’s deepest longing for true and lasting happiness, yet Cardinal Tagle emphasized that hope cannot be produced by humans as it is a gift from God. According to Cardinal Tagle, Christian hope purifies three distinct human aspirations: the search for happiness, the capacity to persevere, and the capacity to love. “Even if the world cannot understand the Christian hope,” he said, “CFCs are encouraged to allow God to redirect their human aspirations towards Him.”  

Cardinal Tagle concluded by inviting the congregation to an examination of conscience, which is a calling for all humans to practice living a holy and godly life. CFC International Council member Bboy Arguelles then shared his own reflection on the session. “Hoping does not come easily,” he said. “It requires total entrustment to God’s will, even if it’s not easy and the circumstances aren’t clear. But the end will make it worthwhile and meaningful. That at the end of our lives, we are with the Lord in His Vineyard.” Arguelles emphasized that our capacity to hope comes from God’s love poured into our hearts.

Before wrapping up with a prayer, he offered a meaningful acronym for H.O.P.E.: 

• Humility to rely on God for everything  

• Obedience and openness to the will of God  

• Patience that good things will unfold in God’s perfect time   

• Excellence in fulfilling the mission of God entrusted to us despite difficulties 

The second session entitled “Pilgrims of Hope” by His Eminence Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David focused on the delegates’ spiritual nourishment as they journey in this Global Conference and beyond. Affirming the Emmaus story in Luke 24:32, Cardinal David reminded that CFCs all over the world must yearn for pilgrimage more than tourism — especially in this holy year where Christians are encouraged to walk as Pilgrims of Hope. 

“Ultimately for a pilgrim of hope,” Cardinal David said, “what matters most is neither the journey nor the destination—but the company. And the company that we must seek above all is that of God, of the Lord who humbled himself and became man in order to walk with humankind and lead us to our true destination. We are to walk humbly with our God, who humbled himself to walk with us.” 

Cardinal David had started his session by affirming Pope Leo XIV’s anointing as the new Holy Father and filling the seat of St. Peter. Declaring “Habemus Papam!”, he encouraged delegates to take part in the celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass in Rome on May 18.  

Just like Cardinal Prevost, Cardinal David described CFCs as missionaries called to draw near to people, to take time listening before talking, and to be ready to stay and break bread. Similarly, because Christ in the Bread and Wine is broken and shared to all, the Eucharist is not only a meal for holy, good, and righteous people. A burning heart, like that described by the disciples on their road to Emmaus, must call CFCs to believe that despite overwhelming challenges and darkness, their mission to walk with others is not over yet. 

“The love of God,” Cardinal David concluded, “has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. I hope by now it has become clear to you what the true foundation of faith (believing) and hope (hoping) is: God’s love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. It is the reason why our hope is not disappointed (disheartened).” 

CFC International Council member James Dio then shared his own reflection on the session. “God is at work even if we don’t see the full picture,” he said. “He has not abandoned us and never will. God is with us, Christ rests in us; and the Holy Spirit sustains us.” Dio affirmed that God is truly at work—and that He is our Hope. When we recognize God’s presence in every step of our journey, we find strength and meaning in our lives. He encouraged attendees to remain people of hope, embracing their pilgrimage even in the face of challenges, knowing they never walk alone. He went on to outline what it means to live with hope:  Hope allows us to continue running the race even when we feel tired. 

• Hope pushes us forward when fear tries to paralyze us. 

• Hope renews our strength not by removing the burden but by reminding us that we do not carry it alone.  

While each delegate must have a burning heart for Jesus to become beacons of hope for others, Dio expressed that they are also called to be silent and listen to the voice of God, especially when they are feeling lost. 

Closing the Conference with Fellowship in Christ 

The first two sessions were concluded by a joyful Cultural Night, where delegates from the 9 mission geographies (Africa, Asia, America, Europe, and Oceania; and from the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Manila) highlighted their unique cultures through entertaining song and dance performances. Lawrence Quintero, another member of the CFC International Council, expressed collective gratitude for all the blessings showered upon the past two days of the conference. 

The final day began with a World Mission Rosary led by CFC Mindanao’s Peter and Beng Dela Cruz and proceeded with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Rector of Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, Rev. Fr. Gregory Ramon D. Gaston, SThD, DComm. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Gaston reminded delegates that in all things, they are called to share the Good News and make disciples—not of Couples for Christ, but of Jesus. He emphasized that prayer is never a waste of time, as it is a profound act of praise to God. He also affirmed that everyone’s true calling on earth is to love God above all, for when one has Jesus, one has love. Finally, he encouraged turning to Mama Mary, as she is the simplest and surest way to learn how to love Jesus. 

Rey Reyes, CFC International Council Member, led a spirited Opening Worship by proclaiming that CFCs are called to be pilgrims who must always point to the cross despite their sufferings and pains. 

The last session entitled “Serving God and His People”, was delivered by Rev. Fr. Gregory Ramon D. Gaston, who introduced his talk by acknowledging how the 2025 Jubilee Year called for a year of forgiveness, liberation, and renewed mission for all people. Recalling how the Global Conference celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of CFC’s Vatican recognition, Rev. Fr. Gaston reminded the CFCs gathered to not only celebrate, but also to be renewed in strength, purpose, and service to the Lord. 

Rev. Fr. Gaston structured his talk around four key reflections anchored in Scripture. First, he emphasized that true strength comes from a hope rooted in Jesus, not mere motivation or optimism, stating, “It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 

He then underscored the mission of Couples for Christ to build the Church of the home and the Church of the poor, which is made possible only through the living presence of Christ within each member: “It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom.”  

He went on to remind the attendees that holiness meant continuing to pray even in moments of dryness, saying, “That we may present everyone perfect in Christ,” and affirming that people can give Christ to others only if they carry Him in their hearts. 

Finally, he closed by recognizing the sacrifice and perseverance required in service, declaring that these struggles purify the soul and lead to holiness: “For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working with me.” For Rev. Fr. Gaston, CFCs must continue to focus on Christ, to share Christ’s hope, and to help others grow in holiness and maturity.   

CFC International Council member Rudy Gaspillo then shared his own reflection on the session. For him, CFC is not just a movement, but a gift. “People are encouraged to walk together,” he said, “to set the world on fire and to continue to walk as pilgrims of hope, to bring Christ to others who need Him. The call to serve is not just in the community but extends far beyond.” He then presented a meaningful acronym for FOLLOW:

• Faith & fellowship: Humans grow not in isolation but in shared faith united in love – that journey is not meant to be walked alone  
• One body in Christ: CFCs are called to achieve unity in diversity and are inspired that witness flow in our oneness  

• Listening hearts: It is a calling to listen to God and to each other as listening is the first step in loving  

• Love without limits: Without love, service becomes a duty, but with love, everything is possible  

• Offering our mission: Charism is not optional; it is essential  
• Walking with Christ: Christ is not only the guide, but the hope of everyone 

The Closing Remarks led by Joe Yamamoto, CFC Chairman and President, acknowledged all the efforts, sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of this global conference.  

Session 3 concluded with the uplifting Pilgrims of Hope video, which inspired the entire congregation to carry on their journey of faith with renewed spirit. This was followed by heartfelt Closing Remarks from Joe Yamamoto, CFC Chairman and President, who acknowledged the collective efforts, sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that made the Global Conference possible. “We are people of hope,” he said, “found in Christ’s resurrection. But know that we do not walk alone. We walk with one another. We walk with the church. We walk with Christ. Let our hearts be instruments of healing; let our words build bridges of peace; let our lives testify that hope is not an idea, it is a person, and that person is Christ. We are made to hope, and hope is only in the Lord.” 

Yamamoto then thanked all the people involved and also took a solemn moment to honor the memory of dearly departed members of the community. A closing Praisefest concluded the conference, led by James Dio, member of the CFC International Council, who called all the delegates to let the Jubilee be more than a celebration but a transformation and a spiritual reset.   

Truly, the CFC Global Conference 2025 was a historical conference of Couples for Christ that celebrated a meaningful journey of pilgrims walking together to know, to love, and to share Christ’s hope wherever they are. Praise be to Jesus! Thank you CFC Italy! Thank you CFC Global Community!  

AMDG! 

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