CFC-SFL
World Singles Congress 2010: An Event for the Almighty!
Bluroze Farms, Lipa City
February 19-21, 2010
"The
Almighty!"
That
was the theme of the World Singles Congress held
last weekend at Bluroze Farms in Lipa City, Batangas.
More than 900 delegates came from around the world
to attend the annual Congress of the members of
CFC Singles for Family and Life (SFL).
The
Friday started with the Holy Rosary and the Holy
Mass celebrated by Fr. Martin of Argentina. Fr.
Martin was introduced to SFL by our Argentinean
Missionary - Teny Mardo. He is inspiring as he is
in Payatas serving us, while we are in Argentina
serving his Parish base. Dylan Reyes, CFC Youth
for Family and Life (YFL) full time Missionary worker,
led the opening Praise and Worship, followed by
a talk on"The Almighty" by the SFL International
Coordinator, Patrick Oconer. Capped off by a Praisefest
led by EJ Aguila, YFL Missionary.
The night, though cold with temperatures comparable
to Baguio City, ended with everyone on fire for
the rest of the weekend!
"Jampacked Saturday"
Saturday started with the Holy Rosary and the Holy
Mass celebrated by Fr. Daks of Batangas. He even
serenaded the participants with a song during his
homily, which reminded everyone of the reason why
we are all serving the Lord. It was followed by
Praise and Worship by Ronald Repolona of the Diocese
of Paranaque; and a series of workshops designed
to equip and empower the delegates. There was "E-vangelize"
by Monsignor Pepe Quitorio of the CBCP Media Office
and Kris Bayos of YouthPinoy. "Faithbook"
by Fr. Arlo Yap. "Witnessing in the Workplace"
by Reena Murga. "Vocation" by Fr. Reggie
of SVD.
And
all that was in the morning! By the afternoon, all
the men and women separated for a talk exclusively
made for them about romance and sex. No holds barred
discussion. It was facilitated by the husband and
wife tandem of Joseph and Mariel Tesoro. Joseph
is the International Coordinator of YFL.
The
rest of the afternoon was dedicated to the Sacrament
of Reconciliation, where the delegates had the chance
to confess, based on their realizations from the
weekend so far.
The evening presented 2 sessions, after a rousing
Praise and Worship by Policeman Atoy of Naval, Biliran.
A talk on "Living a Righteous Life" by
the International Family Ministries Coordinator
Bob Murga spoke on the example of Job and how we
can be more like him in living out our lives. Marie
Relucio shared on personal struggles (she is a SFL
Missionary); and Xavier and Des Padilla shared on
a relationship that can be righteous even with the
unrighteousness around them (Xavy is the International
Coordinator of CFC Kids for Family and Life).
This
was followed by the talk on "The Redemptive
Power of Suffering" by Fr. Arlo Yap, SVD. Fr.
Arlo is the Spiritual Advisor of SFL, and is leading
the worldwide partnership of SVD and the CFC FFL
community. Rommel Gerodias of the Diocese of San
Pablo and Ina Gasgonia of the Diocese of Pasig shared
about their own redemptive suffering in their lives.
The session ended with the Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament and an almighty experience of Jesus physically
present with all the delegates. Even at 1:00AM,
it seemed that everyone just wanted to spend more
time with Jesus. And so, JC Sarmiento, SFL Missionary,
capped the evening with a Praisefest.
"The Call to Faithfulness"
The last day was full of promise. It started with
the Holy Rosary and the Holy Mass celebrated by
Fr. Arlo Yap. And the Praise and Worship by Jay
of the Diocese of Tarlac again reminded us of the
reason why there is a SFL ministry. Session 4 was
given by Dave Balino, SFL Missionary, who spoke
on what we still needed to do to remain faithful
to God, in spite and despite everything that happens
around us. The delegates were also challenged by
the sharing of Blanche Halili to be pro-life and
to speak up against those who want to attack life.
The
weekend ended with everyone focused on the Almighty
and how to focus on Him everyday of their lives!
The next WSC will be in the Diocese of Tarlac!
Contributed
by:
Xavy
Padilla
Missionary
