CFC Chairman Bro. Joe Tale spoke before some 200 members of Couples for Christ, Kids for Christ, Youth for Christ, Singles for Christ, Servants of the Lord, and Handmaids of the Lord for more than an hour last July 14 at the Christ the King Catholic Church Hall in Hillside, NJ.
Bro. Joe began his inspiring talk by a clarification. He said emphatically, "No matter what others say, there is only one Couples for Christ recognized by the Vatican and that is, Couples for Christ (CFC). The reassuring statement received wide applause from our brothers and sisters in the audience.
Our leader followed up saying that CFC has remained as a vibrant community whose members around the world continue to be enthusiastic about "our journey with Jesus Christ" and "our work with the poor" in unity with the Catholic Church.
Bro. Joe cited seven reasons or affirmations that point to CFC's continuing success and recognition as the Christian-based organization working to build the church of the poor. Those affirmations are:
- Appointment of CFC by the Archbishop of Manila to coordinate the Family and Life Programs in 84 parishes around Metro Manila.
- During the recent elections in the Philippines, CFC led community prayers for a peaceful and orderly polls.
- The Catholic Church's Radio Veritas asked CFC members around the Philippines to act as radio "patrollers" in their respective areas to ensure timely reporting of election-related events.
- Many of our brothers and sisters who either "laid low" or joined FFL two years ago have been welcomed back to CFC as they voluntarily return to CFC. Examples are brothers and sisters in the States of Oregon, Connecticut, New Jersey and Texas as well as members in certain provinces in the Philippines, Thailand, Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom.
- CLP's are being conducted among the management, staff and security officers of Far Eastern University led by the FEU President.
- CFC holds the distinction of having been invited by the Vatican as the only organization from the Philippines to attend a planning meeting in preparation for a big Catholic event in Southeast Asia later this year.
- The province of Batangas, led by Governor Vilma Santos, has designated a 10-kilometer stretch of land along one of its highways to become the site of ANCOP's Community Development Program (CDP) where 1,527 houses will be built and given to the poorest people.
The same is true in the case of San Mateo, Rizal where ANCOP/CFC-managed houses will be given to the poor victims of Typhoon Ondoy .
Sister Baby Lou Tale, wife of Bro. Joe, also spoke in the same assembly. She shared her experiences on contemplative prayer as she and CFC members in Manila practice it.
Contemplative prayer, according to Sister Baby Lou, involves talking to the Lord and listening to Him. She suggested that when praying, we should not only listen, but we should write down what the Lord tells us.
Brother Joe concluded his talk with a reassurance that with God's continuing love and guidance, CFC will continue to be the caring and sharing community that it has been.
Brother Sonny Aguiling, CFC Northeast Regional Head, powerfully prayed over, together with the ever-flawless music ministry from the South, Bro. Joe and Sister Baby Lou, as they travel back to the Philippines and continue their difficult task of leading CFC in many countries around the globe.
by Manny Caballero
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