FROM
THE SERVANT GENERAL
TWO YEARS AFTER
July
30, 2009
It has been two years since the split in CFC last July 30,
2007. From the time God raised the remnant that is CFC-FFL,
we have moved rapidly to restore the fullness of our authentic
life and mission. With restoration is the return of God’s
anointing. Thus we have grown.
Those of us who formed the restoration movement that eventually
evolved into CFC-FFL were just a remnant of about 1,000 brethren.
Five months later, by the end of 2007, we were 56,000 brethren
in 20 Philippine dioceses and in 50 countries. By the end
of 2008, we were 100,000 brethren in 37 Philippine dioceses
and in 60 countries. These are active members, committed and
zealous for our life and mission. The growth and restoration
continue.
CFC-FFL, with its focus on the authentic CFC charism, has
firmly established the work that God originally intended for
it, that of evangelization and family life renewal. CFC-FFL
is primarily an evangelistic and missionary community. In
its work of evangelization, it is focused on renewing the
family and defending life. Family and life are the defining
issues of this third millennium, and what God has been preparing
CFC for all along.
Continuing attacks and injustices
Unfortunately, as it has from the time the restoration movement
was started to try to renew CFC from within, to the time of
the split and beyond, the other side has continued its attacks
on us. The other side has relentlessly been trying to keep
us from doing God’s work. They have done this through
disinformation about our status in the Church, through filing
court cases against us, and through continuing maligning in
media and the Internet.
Further, their injustices continue. Two years after the first
resignations of CFC fulltime pastoral workers, followed by
many others, the other side has refused to pay their just
retirement benefits. This has caused our brethren untold hardships.
Further, they have refused to return bridge funds that they
solicited, even as they claim to be no longer in debt. In
addition, with many GK projects unfinished and no more work
forthcoming, they have refused to account for funds and refuse
to turn over funds demanded by beneficiaries or other brethren
who desire to finish the work.
Despite the scandal of court cases, and despite having been
advised by the hierarchy to drop such court cases, they continue
to disobey and persist in this scandal.
We have to pray for them, because in their attacks and injustices,
they are fighting God Himself.
Coming together again?
Last April 30, the other side announced that they had let
go of GK, acknowledging inherent conflicts that could not
be resolved. This has led some members on the ground, from
both sides, to ask if reunification between the 2 CFCs is
now possible, since the major cause of the crisis, GK, is
now out of the picture.
Well, the other side, while saying that they have let go of
GK, claims that they have not split, and that in fact they
are intensifying their collaboration with GK. So it is first
up to them to clarify their situation. Have they split or
not?
Then, whatever the reality, reunification can only happen
if that is what God wills. However much we desire it, it is
not something we just presume. Further, the direction now
of CFC-FFL is clear, the brethren are upbeat, and the work
is unimpeded. Will becoming one again bring back internal
difficulties and challenges?
Further, I remind everyone that my proposal for creative unity
is still on the table. That is to have one CFC family but
with 2 distinct and separate branches. This is something that
can happen immediately, without much hassle. It is a good
confidence building measure in case both sides decide to pursue
actual reunification. Unfortunately, the other side has consistently
rejected this proposal.
Finally, there is a simple and easy way to have one CFC once
again. Our brethren on the other side simply need to join
us, and be integrated in the one and true CFC.
Anyway, the CBCP, through Cardinal Rosales, has already taken
jurisdiction over the CFC situation, having been tasked by
the Holy See to look into it. Let us just await further developments.
The work continues
Let us not be distracted by the continuing negative posture
of the other side. There is just too much work to be done.
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and on our mission. Let
us rejoice in the privilege of suffering for the sake of righteousness.
Let us always be faithful to our call, fully trusting in Jesus.
We continue to implore the intercession of our Blessed Mother
Mary. May the Lord bless us all.
Your brother and co-worker,
Frank Padilla
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