Rejoicing, Remembering, Rejuvenating, and Recommissioning at the CFC Theme Weekend Retreat 2025
“Return to Galilee” — From January 24-26, 2025, the CAP Convention Center in Baguio City transformed into a haven of spiritual renewal as Couples for Christ (CFC) members gathered for their annual Theme Weekend Retreat. The annual retreat is not only for CFC, through the members of its International Council, to introduce the year’s theme and pastoral focus, but also to reignite the faith and commitment of brethren to our shared mission.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome and Spiritual Preparation
An opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation was followed by the World Mission Rosary led by Nanding and Merly Carandang. These meditations on our shared faith prepared attendees for the celebration of the Holy Mass, where Rev. Fr. Jeff Habado emphasized how love was not an idea, nor a philosophical discussion or scientific truth. For Fr. Jeff love was a person, an event in Jesus Christ – a life-changing experience that makes us return to our “Galilee”. CFC Kenya’s Nick Muthama then invited attendees to rejoice God’s gift of community in Couples for Christ, and that they are continually being called back to Him.
The evening continued with a parade of mission geographies, showcasing the diverse regions represented at the retreat. Jun Uriarte, a member of the CFC International Council, delivered a prologue to the weekend by highlighting the significance of Galilee in the history of our salvation. He recounted the Annunciation, which paved the way for the Son to be incarnated on earth. He also pointed out that Jesus called many of His first apostles there, along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
To close the first day, CFC Guam’s Brian Galang acknowledged the uniqueness of each attendee’s experiences, pains, hurts, and losses—yet that the Lord continued to invite them to journey with Him, saying ‘Come with Me.’ Dinner and fellowship concluded the night.
Day 2: Deepening Faith and Reflection
The World Mission Rosary once more opened the day, this time led by CFC Northeastern Luzon’s Tony and Liza Dela Cruz. CFC Singapore’s Rudy Dimayacyac welcomed attendees with an impactful testimony of finding and witnessing God’s powerful grace at work in all circumstances, and for him, it was when he was diagnosed with cancer. Indeed, it was a day of learning and reflection as attendees understood what it meant to “Rejoice! Take courage! Return to Galilee!”
Session 1: Rejoicing Beyond the Empty Tomb
The retreat’s first session was entitled ‘Rejoicing Beyond the Empty Tomb’ offered a symbolic glimpse at the joy of the Resurrection, through a solemn song performance by fulltime pastoral workers Leah Custodio and Ebbe Bragais to a piano accompaniment. “The presence of the third Person of the Trinity in the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth,” session speaker James Dio said, “made it possible for the atmosphere to burst out joy. In the empty tomb, the fear of the two Marys was replaced with jubilation. When we find ourselves in the same situation, won’t our despair be replaced with eternal rejoicing?”
CFC Latin America’s Errol and Miggie Martinez then shared their own reasons for rejoicing: “…that despite all the challenges that we are facing, God is truly there. God is there to hold us, to empower us. That’s why we rejoice. We rejoice because we have you, brothers and sisters, who have been praying and supporting us in Latin America.” The session concluded by encouraging attendees to reflect and write down their own thoughts and emotions.
Session 2: Remembering Our Love Story with Christ
The second session entitled ‘Remembering our Love Story with Christ’ was accompanied by a soulful violin performance, and a moving depiction of Jesus’ calling His first disciples: from being fishermen by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to being fishers of men and following Him. “Like the disciples,” session speaker Lito Tayag emphasized, “our hearts may become weary, and our love may wane. But like Mary, who is a stalwart of remembrance and pondering, let us take time to relive and remember our first encounter with Christ.” Attendees were also invited to reflect on their personal encounters with Jesus, and journal their thoughts to further cherish these experiences.
The afternoon commenced with further opportunities for Holy Confession. CFC Bataan’s Mel Latinazo led the afternoon praise, testifying how he considered himself a work-in-progress, having realized with his wife how difficult it was in being a follower of Christ. “But by His grace”, he shared, “we are still here, because God has always been with us. He has beautiful plans for me and you!”
Session 3: Rejuvenation: Nurturing Intimacy with Christ
The third session entitled ‘Rejuvenation: Nurturing Intimacy with Christ’ was beautifully illustrated by a desolate believer meeting Jesus at a bar, who, accompanied by a guitarist in this creative presentation, reminded attendees of His enduring closeness to humanity even in these contemporary times. “We are limited,” said session speaker Biboy Arguelles, “without God’s provision, without God’s protection, and without God’s love.” CFC Iloilo’s Nonoy De Leon affirmed this, testifying to God’s enduring grace, His prevailing love, and the power of forgiveness even in the face of adversity.
Indeed, our Savior is central to the journey of every CFC member, and the weekend retreat emphasized this by allotting a solemn hour of Eucharistic Adoration. During the Holy Mass, San Carlos Seminary Formator and CFC Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Joel Jason, STI highlighted our common desire for conversion. “What is our purpose in ‘returning to Galilee’?” he asks. “We want to be like St. Paul and experience metanoia… a change in worldview.” For Fr. Joel conversion was not just a repentance of sins, “but a renewal of mind, heart, and spirit.” With this deep spiritual connection strengthened with God and community, attendees engaged in a joyful dinner and fellowship.
Day 3: Recommissioning and Celebration
The final day of retreat began with the World Mission Rosary once more, led by CFC Metro Manila East B’s Ed and Dina Garcia. As the attendees grew in wisdom about CFC’s theme for the year, CFC Vietnam Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Christian Limbaring encouraged them to not look at the numbers, nor the years that have passed in their mission. “Instead,” he said, “Let us see how God has transformed the community, the Couples for Christ, and how God has transformed our lives. Let us not be afraid,” he continues, “to encounter our past—but have hope, courage, and trust in God’s presence. Let us also face our victories with joy and rejoicing.”
CFC Bukidnon’s Roel Alba then led the day’s worship with an inspiring exhortation to take courage: “for Jesus, our King, who will always guide us with His light. He is our Light and Hope that allows us to stand strong amidst any challenge or darkness we encounter.”
Session 4: Recommissioning: From Galilee to the Nations
The fourth session was entitled ‘Recommissioning: From Galilee to the Nations’ and was led by Rudy Gaspillo, who invited attendees to re-encounter the Lord over breakfast by the Sea of Galilee. “The breakfast,” session speaker Gaspillo explained, “was a symbol of unity, not just sharing a meal, but establishing a relationship with Him. In our fellowship with God as CFC, there is unity and harmony.” CFC Southeast Asia’s Romy Alfaro testified to the beauty of this mission, sharing how God had called each member of their family to continue in their own ways. Attendees were then invited to renew their commitment to Christ, and to their mission of spreading the Good News to all nations.
To conclude the retreat, CFC Southwest Europe’s Junfer Dela Cruz afterwards led a spirited praisefest. He shared how every handshake, hug, and ‘kamusta, brother?’ was, for him, an encounter with Jesus in other people. “Each moment with my CFC family,” he shared, “is a ‘return to Galilee’ that shapes and molds me. These encounters remind me that CFC is my home, my Galilee. Here, God calls us by name, brings us together, and reveals His Risen Son through one another.”
The event ended with heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, sharers, and organizers, leaving the participants joyful, united, and spiritually renewed and ready to continue their mission. The 2025 CFC Theme Weekend Retreat was a profound journey of faith, reflection, and recommitment. It was a profound weekend worth reminiscing and echoing to the rest of our CFC brethren.
— UGNAYAN News Online