With God, All Things Are Possible

On June 22, 2024, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish held its third ‘Kasalan ng Parokya,’ where five couples received the Sacrament of Matrimony. This event was especially significant for the Catholic Faith Defenders (CFD) – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Chapter and the GKK of San Pedro Calungsod Phase 10. Notably, one of the couples was sponsored and guided by these communities to partake in the sacrament, demonstrating their deep concern for the couple’s spiritual well-being and salvation.

Rolly Colipapa and Juvy Caluyan, a couple who had been living together for years without being married, were at a crossroads in their spiritual journey. One was not yet baptized, while the other came from a different Christian denomination. They expressed there desire to embrace Catholicism and eventually marry in the Catholic Church. Moved by their sincerity, the Catholic Faith Defenders (CFD) of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, along with the GSLs of GKK San Pedro Calungsod Phase 10, joined forces to help make this aspiration a reality. Their efforts were generously supported by their compassionate Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Leif Simbajon.

As they prepared for their special day, numerous hurdles arose, almost disheartening the couple and making them doubt if their long-awaited wedding would happen. However, through God’s abundant grace and mercy, and with fervent prayers and the concerted, unified efforts of the members of the two communities, everything fell into place. Today, their dream of becoming a married couple in the Catholic Church has finally become a reality.

In this spiritual endeavor, the spirit of Synodality manifested, for it is really possible to work together; between communities of different charisms; united, to achieve a common goal – the ‘common good’ for everyone. The couple was once lost but now, they are finally home.

May this story inspire other couples who share similar experiences or those contemplating marriage, showing that challenges like financial constraints need not hinder receiving the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Matrimony. It is crucial to realize that the sanctifying grace received through the sacrament far outweighs the significance of physical preparations. Furthermore, the dedicated efforts of the CFD and GSL of GKK San Pedro Calungsod Phase 10 can serve as a beacon of inspiration for other GKKs and apostolates, encouraging them to assist couples in their communities in understanding the beauty and importance of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Rolly and Juvy Colipapa!
Congratulations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish!
Congratulations to the Catholic Faith Defenders – Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter!
Congratulations to the GKK San Pedro Calungsod Phase 10!
To God be all the glory!
Pro Deo et Ecclesia!

(Kristelle Billones and Mark Dharryl Lampitok)