Valencia City, Bukidnon — More than 3,300 young men and women from across the world gathered for the Singles for Christ International Conference (SFC ICON) 2025 last February 14-16, 2025 at the Valencia City Gymnasium and Cultural Center. Inspired by the CFC anchor verse in Matthew 28:8, 10, the SFC ICON themed “G!” became became a holy ground for attendees to rekindle their “Galilee encounters” with the Risen Christ.
The conference opened the Valentine’s Day—not with roses or candlelit dinners—but with a Eucharistic celebration presided over Rev. Fr. Joel Jason, Formator at the San Carlos Seminary and spiritual advisor of Couples for Christ, who reminded the single men and women on what forever means in love. “Forever is not a ruling,” Fr. Joel said, “it is a longing; not a sentiment, it is a commitment; is not impossible, it is Him-possible.”
Gharen Baño of Southeastern Mindanao led a spirited opening worship, reminding attendees that they were God’s chosen people, called to live the joy of Christ’s resurrection and reunite with Him in their Galilees. Caloy Subang, Deputy Mission head of CFC Mindanao, welcomed attendees with a reminder of how the gathering was not just an event, but an encounter with the living God.
During the first session entitled “Rejoice for G!” Donna Labajo, a Mission Volunteer from New Zealand, described how Galilee was a setting for life-changing moments, where young men and women can experience rejuvenation in Christ’s love. SFCs were then joined by young Catholics from the Diocese of Malaybalay for a joyful singles night, hyped by a cultural performance of the tribal indigenous music group Tigma Unite.
As the spiritual pilgrimage continued in the second day, Fr. Joel Jason delivered the morning session entitled “On To G!”. He reminded SFCs that their individual worth was not defined by their traps—by the tombstones that hold them back from seeking the Risen Christ. Their identity, rather, is defined by their being children of God. Their worth is rooted in God alone.
ICON delegates were then divided into three groups—brothers, sisters, and Couple Coordinators—for breakout sessions that discussed the importance of defending human dignity against the threats of moral corruption. Each person reflects God’s image, and with a spirit fortitude, we all must stand for truth and be servant-leaders in witnessing God’s truth amidst the challenges of modern times. This was followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and individual consultation.
That afternoon was marked by the third session entitled “My G!”, where CFC Full-time Pastoral Worker Emil Estabillo reminded attendees that their journey to return to Galilee was an ongoing journey of spiritual renewal. “All of us are being called by Jesus,” he said, “to be intimate with Him. Despite our imperfections and sinfulness, Jesus calls us to be close to Himself, to be washed from sins, and to be made clean again. The more deeply we encounter Him, the more we are rejuvenated.” The session ended with a grace-filled adoration of the Lord and a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The final session “Galilee to the Nations” was delivered on the third day by Pakz Pajarillo from the SFC International Core Team, who also served in the Governance Team of CFC Qatar. “The beauty of Communion,” he shared, “was a fruit of receptivity and intimacy with Christ. This is a gift that should be shared by responding to the call to be missionaries and witnesses of God’s power and salvation.”
Bro. Pakz then presented the ministry’s priorities for the year, highlighting that because of SFC’s lifestyle to be missionaries wherever they are, they may seek to be set apart by the Lord—and be sent out to do His will.
This year’s conference may have ended, but the mission continues. Singles for Christ from every corner of the globe now return home with a deeper conviction to live holy lives, not just for themselves—but for the world Christ died to save.
— UGNAYAN News Online