I'm so tired. My entire body aches from having been drenched for hours at the 29th CFC anniversary celebration. But I'm crying right now because I thank God for giving me this faithful, loving family that is Couples for Christ! I also would like to greet everyone a happy anniversary for CFC's 30th year!
50,000 under the sun
Why 30? It is because I have just seen the revelation of God's love for this community! If the 29th year celebration is a precursor of next year's anniversary, then I shiver at the thought of what God has in store for us next year!
This year, almost 50,000 people savored being with one another under the noonday sun. Yes, they came in trickles -- couples in the blue and white anniversary shirts, children, young people. But even at 4PM, the sun kept on shining brightly. Despite the heat, the hour and a half praise parade continued with dances, mascots, banners and cheering.
Rain-stopping prayer power
Then, darkening clouds began to thicken followed by a sudden downpour. As the papal nuncio's entourage arrived, it was already raining heavily and the streets started flooding. We, in the event's security, tried shielding the papal nuncio and his group from the rain, all in futility! It seemed that the rains would not die down; yet the crowd of people stayed on waiting for the mass. Only a few left.
Even with rain-soaked shoes and heads covered with plastic bags, people just kept on singing praise songs while the band played on. After the impromptu praisefest, someone onstage started praying the rosary. With my own two eyes, I saw the power of prayer. As the rosary was ending, the rain began to die down. At the start of the mass, the papal nuncio was able to say, "The angels have turned off the faucets!"
As we sang the Gloria, the rains completely stopped, and one by one, stars were coming out from behind the clouds! It was a wonderful experience to hear the papal nuncio acknowledge CFC's role in building the Church of the home and of the poor. The mass ended with Joe Yamamoto reaffirming CFC's commitment to be one with the Catholic church. Looking forward to CFC's 30th year next year, I am filled with gratefulness that I have a family blessed by God in Couples for Christ!
By Bobbee Mella, Couples for Christ – USA
