CFC Celebrates Third Anniversary In KK Diocese

CFC Celebrates Third Anniversary In KK Diocese

BERINGGIS, PAPAR(CS).- The Couples for Christ (CFC) celebrated its third anniversary in Kota Kinabalu Diocese December 16.

The anniversary celebration, held at Beringgis Beach Resort Papar, began with a Mass presided by Montfort Father Mark Tee.

In his message to the members, Functional Head Gerard Yee said that "Despite being young (only three years old), the CFC aspires to work with the Church to strengthen Christian family life."

He called on the members to "invest their resources (time, talent and treasure)" to this work of Christ "which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to the work of evangelisation and winning the world for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Alan Filio, CFC Brunei National Council Member, then read out the message of Henjie San Juan, CFC Borneo Mission Director.

In the message, San Juan said, "As families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth, let us remember that God has chosen each one of us, for he does not called the qualified, rather, he qualifies the called."

The director said he was pleased to note that CFC-KK is a "localised and empowered laity able to carry out to the next level the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. As He has chosen to work through us He will continually guide us, provide for us and protect us."

Bishop John Lee, in his message to the members, said that his diocese "encourages ministries that support and strengthen the family institution" and that the CFC is "one new entry which has helped many couples grow in their relationships."

The 130 participants had a time of praise and worship (praisefest) led by some members from Sibu and Brunei.

Following the praisefest each group (Couples [3 groups], Handmaids (married but spouse not a member; widowed/separated [2 groups], Youths) gave a presentation.

After lunch there were fungames which showcased both personal prowess and teamwork.

The CFC started in 1981 in Manila, Philippines and it has spread to 156 countries worldwide, including Malaysia.

The Holy See officially recognised CFC as a private international association of the faithful with a juridical personality in 2005.

While CFC in Kota Kinabalu actually began with the first Christian Life Programme (CLP) in 2003, it has until recently remained "dormant" as Yee described it.

It traces its resurgence with the blessing of Bishop John Lee in its second CLP in September 2005.

Since then, said Yee, the CFC has become active and increased its membership and activities by "leaps and bounds."

CFC-KK is under the Borneo Mission Centre based in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.