Amidst calls for legalization of divorce: 6K CFC leaders affirm marriage

DAVAO CITY—Amidst calls for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, more than 6,000 leaders of the Couples for Christ affirm the sanctity of marriage during a convention in Davao City.

CFC Chairman Carmelo Villaroman exhorted the CFC leaders to affirm and strengthen marriage and family life in light of the divorce bill that recently passed first reading at the Philippine House of Representatives.

“While politicians are busy preparing ways to achieve divorce, we focus on sharing and rekindling marriage,” Villaroman said at the gathering, where he and other leaders called for a renewing of efforts to prepare young couples for marriage through the Church and CFC programs.

Current proposals for a divorce bill remain pending in the Philippine legislature. With the theme, “Solemn Charge,” the convention of CFC, a Catholic lay group was held March 9-11 at the SMX Convention in Davao City.

Bishop-elect Abel Apigo who presided over the Holy Mass during the closing of the convention said that couples should continue to sing the Good News of God in their marriage.

“In your household meetings, recount, re-tell how God blesses you,” he said, adding, “You will be able to touch so many lives, to a good number of couples out there.”

He also exhorted the CFC members to keep connected with God through the Eucharist.

“The Eucharist is always our source of strength. It is where we draw our energy to continue our mission,” Msgr. Apigo said.

“In your constant connection with the Lord in the Holy Eucharist your theme ‘SOLEMN CHARGE’ for this year’s conference will then be a reality,” he added.

SOLIDARITY WITH MARAWI

As a sign of solidarity with those affected in the Marawi conflict, CFC pledged to build houses to the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi last March 11.

In front of a record 6,000 leaders, CFC Mindanao leaders led by Couples for Christ led by Davao-based CFC International Council member James Solano and Mindanao Mission head Rene Breva signed the documents with Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena.

According to Solano, this pledge is a part of its Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) program and also affirms CFCs being one with the Catholic Church. “We are in solidarity with the people of Marawi and the local Church efforts to help Maranaos,” he said.

Begun in 1981 in Manila, Philippines’ Couples for Christ is a worldwide private organization of lay Catholics recognized by the Vatican. It counts almost a million members in around 100 countries. (John Tria | with reports from John Frances C. Fuentes)