Pilgrims of Hope: A Journey Through the CFC Global Conference 2025
By Nash Delos Santos
With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, the second batch of the Couples for Christ (CFC) Global Conference 2025 unfolded in the heart of Italy, drawing delegates from all over the world for a weekend of grace, unity, and renewed mission. Held at the picturesque Centro Mariapoli Internazionale in Castel Gandolfo, this sacred gathering marked a spiritual milestone—a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment to the mission entrusted to the CFC global family.
Day 1: A Blessed Beginning
The first day began with sunshine and smiles as delegates arrived with joy, registering and capturing moments around the scenic venue. A warm garden lunch followed, embracing all in a spirit of fellowship and anticipation for what was to come.
Garie and Ces Pimentel of CFC Europe led the Holy Rosary, inviting everyone to rest in Mary’s trust and joy as the conference opened.
In the celebration of the Holy Mass, His Eminence Wilfrid Fox Cardinal Napier, OFM, offered a heartfelt homily on the commandment to love one another. He reminded everyone that Christus Vivit—Christ is alive! Like Mary, we must remain open to the unexpected ways God chooses to speak to us. He urged all to become instruments in renewing the Church and society, making Christ visible through our lives.
The Eucharistic celebration became a powerful moment of unity, as delegates received Christ together, our source of hope and greatest blessing.
Jun Uriarte, Chairman of the CFC Institute and a member of the International Council, followed with an exhortation during the opening worship. He reflected on the Jubilee as a sacred time to renew our hope in God’s promises. Crying out
“Hosanna in the highest,” the community was reminded to serve the Lord with all our heart, trusting in the power of His name.
Joe Yamamoto, CFC Chairman and President, recalled the Vatican’s formal recognition of CFC in the year 2000. He described this gathering in Rome as part of God’s divine plan, a beautiful affirmation of His enduring love for our community.
A vibrant international parade added color and joy to the day, as delegates dressed in their national costumes waved flags with pride. It was a beautiful testimony of diversity in unity—one faith, many nations, one Christ.
Fr. Gregory Ramon D. Gaston, Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, anchored the day with a reflection on Isaiah 40:31: “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” He called for a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission, founded on faith, forgiveness, and trust in God even amid uncertainty.
To close the first day, James Dio of the CFC International Council led a reflection on Jubilee, reminding all that this is a time to return to God with humble hearts. “May the fire of our mission be rekindled and our hearts revived to walk, run, and soar in faith.”
The night ended with a feast of global flavors, as each country shared their cuisine in a spirit of joy and unity nourishing body and soul.
Day 2: Deepening the Pilgrimage
As the sun rose on Day 2, anticipation filled the air. Delegates lined up eagerly to enter the main hall, their spirits lifted with joy and excitement.
Brian and Mhel Anfone of CFC Dubai led the recitation of the World Mission Rosary, asking Mary, Queen of Joy, to open our hearts to the lessons the Lord had prepared.
Most Rev. Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, celebrated the Holy Mass. In his homily, he reflected on the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection and our unity in Him: He is the vine, and we are the branches. Though the world may reject us, we hold fast to the truth that salvation has already been won through Christ, who is the resurrection and the life.
The Eucharistic celebration was another moment of shared grace, with delegates standing united in the love of Christ, transcending culture and background.
Bboy Arguelles, CFC Corporate Secretary and International Council member, led the morning worship with a powerful reminder: “Whatever we do, we do it for the Lord.” Even though CFC is not a perfect community, he encouraged everyone to remember their first CLP and return to Galilee, to where it all began.
In Session One, Bishop Aldo Berardi reaffirmed that hope, rooted in Christian faith, does not disappoint. In a world where faith is declining, we are called to be living signs of hope.
Rey Reyes, Chairman of Missio Amare, expanded on this by highlighting that hope is a divine gift expressed through relationships and action. He encouraged creating spaces for openness, celebrating small victories, and nourishing hope through gratitude, prayer, and devotion to Mary.
The afternoon began with Jimmy Ilagan, CFC Executive Director, offering two key words: Remain and Renew. He reminded us to remain in Christ and renew our hope—not in fleeting things, but in the eternal promise of God.
Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang, SJ of the Pontifical Gregorian University, followed with a powerful reflection on hope. He described it not merely as optimism, but as a gift from the God of Hope. Though divine, hope must be nurtured through humility, community, and the Eucharist.
Lawrence Quintero of the International Council then reminded us that we are all pilgrims walking toward holiness in our personal, family, and community life. He urged us to carry hope not only for ourselves but for those around us.
That evening, the stage came alive with a dazzling display of culture. Delegates celebrated each nation’s heritage through vibrant dance and performances, while proclaiming their unity in Christ. Rey Reyes concluded the day with a call to transformation. “True hope,” he said, “is trusting in a God who never leaves us. Let us go forth as witnesses of that hope.”
Day 3: The Final Ascent
Excitement filled the hall on the final day of the conference. Delegates, joyful and ready, were ushered in with music and flag bearers, as the final graces of this spiritual journey awaited. Deneb and Rosalie Genabe of CFC Visayas opened the day with the praying of Holy Rosary.
During the closing Mass, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, OFM spoke of Jesus’ personal call and how Christ lifts our burdens so we can follow Him freely. He reflected on discipleship as a lifelong journey of transformation, filled with both challenges and moments of grace. It was a truly sacred celebration, one where cultures faded and hearts were united in worship of the One True God.
Rudy Gaspillo, CFC ANCOP Chairman and Council Member, opened the final worship with a bold message on serving the poor, evangelizing without limits, and living with urgency, gratitude, and surrender. Every encounter, he reminded us, is a miracle of grace.
In Session Three, Cardinal Napier spoke on the challenge of serving both God and people. Drawing from his life story, he emphasized the need for moral conviction and faithfulness. Citing St. Augustine, he urged us to let our actions reflect our deepest humanity and our communion with God.
Jun Uriarte then reflected on the joy of serving God. He shared personal stories, including efforts during the pandemic and acts of kindness among members. He concluded with a prayer to Mary, drawing us again to the heart of our devotion.
Joe Yamamoto, in his closing message, offered heartfelt thanks for the grace of this two-weekend journey. He celebrated the spirit of unity, hope, and mission among all. Recalling his meeting with Pope Leo, he recommissioned everyone: Go home, carry the hope, and continue your mission as pilgrims of hope and builders of peace.
Lawrence Quintero then brought the conference to a close with a moving praisefest. He reminded all that despite life’s uncertainties, God is always faithful. In Him, we find our anchor, our strength, and our joy.
A Journey Carried Forward
The Couples for Christ Global Conference 2025 – Second Batch was not just a gathering. It was a sacred journey. A shared pilgrimage of hearts from across the world—renewed, transformed, and recommissioned.
Every prayer, song, talk, and celebration pointed to one truth: we are a people of hope. Rooted in Christ, formed by community, and guided by the Spirit, we are sent forth to be signs of light in a world longing for truth and love.
We return to our homes not just with memories, but with mission. We are no longer just participants. We are pilgrims. Pilgrims of Hope.
