CFC-FFL HOME OFFICE BLESSING

The date was September 24, 2007. The place was Star Mall at the junction of Edsa and Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. The occasion was the blessing of the Home Office of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life. With another brother I am dashing from the Couples for Christ Centre on Ortigas to be in time for the blessing. And yet, as I enter the place, I am caught up in a time-warp going back to my first encounter with Couples for Christ Manila in 1987. There is Vic & Agnes Guiterrez, Frank & Gerry Padilla, Tony & Lyn Meloto and many more. There is Love, Joy, Peace. There is Simplicity, Generosity, Abundance. There is brotherhood, sisterhood, family fun. Jesus is enthroned and Maria (my wife) and I instinctively knew we have come home. Communion is meant to be a place of Rest.

Bear-hugs and kisses and I am transported to 2007. I am surrounded by family. I know everyone, even the ones I do not recognize! The old, the young, the new-born. Those given to dream and those to whom are given visions. Hands and hearts that built homes for the poor hold me in their embrace. I am loved and made holy. Bishop Ted Bacani arrives. A prayer, a blessing, a our consecration to Our Lady and agape, the fellowship in the Holy Spirit, continues through the evening. This is a moment of grace, kairos. God is at work amongst his children.