Couples for Christ
By Dr. Evelina Mabini - (June 2006)

June 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of CFC or Couples For Christ. Officially recognized by the Vatican as an international Catholic association of the lay faithful, it has remained true to its commitment to global evangelization. CFC started in Manila in 1981, with a handful of couples that sought to preserve and strengthen the Christian family life. As of April 2006, CFC has reached 118 countries, the latest of which are Iran and Mauritius.

Pope Benedict XVI, a staunch supporter of the new ecclesiastical movements, has designated CFC as one of those on the cutting edge of the Church’s mission in the world. CFC operates under the auspices of the Family Life and/or Evangelization offices of the parishes and dioceses not only in the provinces in the Philippines but also in other countries. Its membership is drawn from all sectors of society and economic strata. CFC is self-supporting. Its members are, however, expected to help their respective parishes with their financial needs.

Two new ministries have been added to CFC: Pro-Life and Special Ministries. The other five are: Pastoral Support, Evangelization and Mission, Social Ministries, Family Ministries (Couples for Christ, Youth for Christ, Singles for Christ, handmaids of the Lord and Servants of the Lord) and Gawad Kalinga or GK.

Members of the Family Ministries are divided into” Households”. In Wisconsin, the Household leaders for CFC are: Drs. Rudy and Lou Burgos, Ted and Lit Matienzo, Pam and Bell Brito, Chris and Gemma Villaruz; for Handmaids of the Lord: Dr. Caring Asiddao; for Singles for Christ: Nick and Nora Labraque; for Kids for Christ: Chris and Gamma Villous and Youth for Christ: Jojo and Lucille Lumber.

The Unit leaders for CFC-Wisconsin are: Dr. Caesar and Naty Azcueta.

Gawad Kalinga (“giving care”) is the most visible CFC ministry. Its slogan, “No More Slums”, has reverberated throughout the Philippines. It has galvanized both politicians and private individuals to not only give housing and education to the poorest of the poor but to restore their dignity. Through the combination of sweat equity of the recipients, “bayanihan” spirit of the CFC volunteers, donations from the multisectoral private organizations (local and foreign) and the cooperation of the Philippine government, there are now 481 villages and 12,013 houses that Gawad Kalinga was able to build. Its goal is “777”-700,000 homes in 7000 communities in seven years. The houses are painted in Benetton colors to symbolize hope.

The 25th anniversary celebration is from June 18-25 at the International GK Village in the Philippines. Upcoming conferences for 2006 will be held at Las Vegas, Nevada (12th USA National Leaders Conference, July 28-30); Madrid, Spain (9th CFC European Conference, Sept. 29-Oct. 1); Orlando, Florida (8th CFC HOLD Conference-Sept. 29-Oct. 1).