Makati City, Philippines- June 20, 2025. In a powerful display of faith, fellowship, and mission, Couples for Christ (CFC) gathered clergy and lay leaders from across the Philippines and around the world for the 2025 Clergy and Lay Congress (CLC) and the International Mission Core Gathering (IMCG) held at SPACE at One Ayala, Makati.
These back-to-back events marked CFC’s 44th anniversary and its 25th year of Vatican recognition as a Pontifical Association of the Faithful.
A Day of Worship and Wisdom: The Clergy and Lay Congress
The CLC opened with the Holy Rosary led by Bro. Arnel and Sis. Des de Vera of CFC Metro Manila West C, followed by a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Narciso V. Abellana, MSC, D.D., Bishop of Romblon.
In his homily, Bishop Abellana reflected on the unity of the faithful through the Eucharist. “Our Lord, in teaching the Lord’s prayer,” he said, “[taught us that] we have to come to our Father as also our Father, which makes us one with Christ… we are brothers and sisters.”
George Campos, a member of the CFC Board of Elders, welcomed the attendees by emphasizing the spirit of collaboration. “This Clergy Lay Congress is not just about the clergy,” he said. “It is not just about CFC. It is about the Clergy and CFC working as a team, mutually forging a pact of unity, and effectively collaborating in serving the Church better.”
Roland Arrogante, Provincial Area Head of Aurora and Fr. Marbendear Morallas, Spiritual Adviser of CFC Davao City and Episcopal Vicar for Laity of the Archdiocese of Davao, guided the sessions with warmth and insight, fostering dialogue and reflection among attendees.
In the first session entitled “Rejoice! I Am with You Always”, Joe Yamamoto, CFC Chairman/President, emphasized the enduring presence of Christ and the shared journey of clergy and laity. “We embrace this spirit of synodality,” he said, “in enriching our communion, participation, and mission. We, clergy and lay faithful, walk together as Pilgrims of Hope for a truly synodal Church.”
His Excellency Most Rev. Junie Maralit Jr., DD, in his clergy response, echoed the call to mission. “When we speak of the mission,” Bishop Junie said, “we go back to these words of our Holy Father: ‘Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.’ What is the mission? To be Communicators of Hope.”
In the second session entitled “CFC and Clergy: Bearers of Joyful Hope”, Bboy Arguelles, CFC Corporate Secretary, emphasized the shared responsibility of clergy and laity. “As Pilgrims of Hope, as bearers of joyful hope,” he said, “our fruitfulness is expressed in our embrace of synodality. Priests and laity are called to participate and be at the very heart of the Church’s mission.”
Rev. Fr. Joel Jason, CFC Spiritual Adviser, offered a heartfelt reflection. “They are our collaborators,” he said, speaking of the laity. “They are our foot soldiers and our family. And most of all, they are our coLOVErators in the Lord.”
During the Afternoon Prayer, Solphie Confiado, Church Relations Officer of CFC South B, delivered a stirring exhortation. “By listening to the voices of all members, especially those on the peripheries,” he said, “we seek to better understand the needs of the world and to share the Gospel message in a relevant and meaningful way.”
The Congress concluded with a heartfelt Closing Prayer led by John Padilla, Provincial Area Head of CFC Occidental Mindoro. “We are ending this gathering with our hearts full of hope… Together, let’s carry the hope to every person in our communities. Let us dream together! Hope together!”
Global Fellowship: The International Mission Core Gathering
Later that evening, the IMCG brought together mission leaders from across continents for a night of worship, sharing, and celebration of CFC’s global mission.
The IMCG opened with a vibrant Food Festival themed “Pista sa Nayon”, where delegates from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and International Missions showcased traditional delicacies. From sotanghon guisado, empanada, and lechon to sushi, biltong, and chocolates, the parade of flavors was a joyful expression of cultural diversity and unity.
Emcees JQ and Ninay Quimpang, joined by roving hosts Mac and Diane Quinto, added flair and humor, engaging the crowd with trivia, interviews, and live commentary. “Sharing a meal is more than tradition, It’s communion—And tonight, we break bread with the world.” said JQ. Each dish was then introduced with cultural context, with the different mission geographies, highlighting the richness of CFC’s global reach.
Mission Reports and Stewardship
The formal program began with the Chairman’s Report by Joe Yamamoto, who shared updates on mission expansion, community growth, and spiritual milestones. Helen de Guzman, CFC Treasurer, followed with a stewardship report, affirming the community’s commitment to transparency and generosity. “We are stewards of God’s mission,” Helen shared. “And every peso, every prayer, every person matters.”
Rudy Gaspillo, CFC International Council Member, led the Prayer Assembly. Inspired messages and prophecies were welcomed, reminding everyone that the Spirit continues to move powerfully in the community.
Afterwards, missionary couples and leaders from Guam, Nepal, Southern Africa, Kenya, and Metro Manila shared testimonies of faith, resilience, and evangelization. From remote villages to bustling cities, their stories revealed the challenges and triumphs of spreading the Gospel. Each sharing was followed by prayers of thanksgiving and intercession, lifting the needs of the mission areas and the people they serve. The gathering concluded with Prayers of Petition, a summary of sharing’s, and a heartfelt Closing Prayer.
A Celebration of Synodality and Mission
The 2025 Clergy and Lay Congress and International Mission Core Gathering were a celebration of CFC’s commitment to synodality and continuing global mission. As the community looks forward to its grand anniversary celebration, the spirit of unity and joyful hope continues to burn brightly in the hearts of every CFC member.