“God’s kindness, goodness, and compassion,” shared Bro. George Campos, member of the CFC International Council, “is always overshadowing us, even when we feel unworthy.”
This was during the Mission Core Gathering last November 2, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila. The MCG is a monthly prayer assembly for Couples for Christ’s leaders from different sectors, family ministries, and programs.
This month’s Mission Core Gathering held on All Souls Day centered on the theme “Thy Kingdom Come”, to encourage CFC leaders to let God reign in their hearts through constant obedience and surrendering to His will rather than their own.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Alexander Balatbat, Parish Priest of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Taytay, Rizal emphasized how All Saints Day and All Souls Day were celebrations not just for the faithful departed, but for the pilgrim Church and their destiny to be in heaven.
“We go to heaven more than because of our good works,” he said. “Heaven is offered because God is good, and because it is the will of the Father.” He described how November is centered around end times, and with the month’s last liturgical celebration also coinciding with Christ the King Sunday, the Church declares that at the conclusion of earthly life—made symbolic by the conclusion of the Church’s liturgical calendar—there is God, our Alpha and Omega.
Fr. Alex then encouraged CFC leaders to live their earthly lives by practicing heavenly virtues, such as faithfulness, contentment, and being a servant to all. For him, each Catholic must act, think, speak, and live like God: speaking with kindness and holiness to spread hope, truth, and inspiration on earth. “Kung ngayon pa lang ginagawa na natin iyan (If only we’ve been doing those all this time),” he said, “hindi mo na kailangang mamatay para makita ang langit (you don’t need to die just to see heaven.)”
The MCG then continued the annual tradition of CFC Kids for Christ members dressing up as saints, remembering those in heaven who intercede for us on earth through their prayers. Some notable attires were of St. John Paul II, St. Francisco Marto de Fatima, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and St. Thomas Aquinas—as well as the recently canonized St. Carlo Acutis, whose iconic red-and-navy blue shirt was represented by the similar-looking identity shirt of CFC Kids for Christ.
The MCG then began with an extended worship led by Bro. George Campos. He prayed over each leader to not be afraid, that God may be their source of strength and courage as they continue to be His mouthpiece, His hands, and His feet in the mission.
Personal sharings then followed, which reminded CFC leaders that while they continually encountered challenges in their lives, the Lord also equips them with faith to persevere—asking only their YES and full surrender. That even as we pray for miracles amidst our challenges, we find our hearts transformed and molded to remain steadfast in Him.
As we continue the work God has given CFC, may we be empowered to humbly live according to our purpose: to prepare our hearts for the coming of our King.
Credits:
Written by Angeli Arrelano | Edited by Ira Juntereal | Photos by Digital Missions Team | Graphics and Layout by Jay Lucena