“Rise, pick-up your mat and go.” (Mark 2:10-11, NABRE) and “Be a Servant & Light to the Nation (Isaiah 49:6 NABRE)
By: Vivian Sarmiento – CFC Victoria – Evangelisation & Mission
Introduction:
CFC Brisbane recently played host to a transformative gathering of leaders from Couples for Christ (CFC), an international movement dedicated to the renewal and strengthening of families. The Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit, held from 3-5 November 2023, at Watson Park Convention Centre provided a platform for reflection, fellowship, and strategic planning to empower families and communities around the world particularly in Australia.
Day 1: Fellowship Night: A Celebration of Brotherhood
The Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit 2023 commenced on a high note with a Fellowship Night that celebrated diversity, shared laughter, and fostered spiritual connection. The evening served as more than just an introduction, it laid the groundwork for a summit characterized by unity, purpose, and a collective commitment to the organization’s mission. It was a night to be reuniting many leaders from different areas who have not seen each other for a long time caused by the pandemic. As leaders entered the following days of collaborative discussions and strategic planning, the Fellowship Night remained a touchstone, a reminder of the strength found in coming together as one Couples for Christ family.
Day 2: Empowering Leaders through Service
The Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit 2023 in Brisbane continued its journey of inspiration and collaboration on Day 2, commencing with a Rosary, celebration of the Eucharist presided by Fr. Louie Jimenez of Gympie Parish and followed by a soul-stirring Praise and Worship session. This spiritual awakening set the stage for a day of reflection, learning, and deepening connections among leaders dedicated to the organization’s mission of family renewal and community transformation.
The Leaders’ Summit proper commenced with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CFC ANCOP Australia Ltd where its ANCOP Director Bro Lorvic Osorio and ANCOP President Bro Jay Santos presided the meeting presenting the programs accomplished for the year and plans for 2024. Its Board Chairperson and concurrent CFC National Director Bro Beng de Leon formally opened and closed the AGM.
It was then followed by a spiritually enriching talk on the Theology of the Body (TOB) (an inspired teaching by Pope John Paul II) by Sis Joy Katigbak, (CFC Australia Coordinator and a TOB Champion) setting the stage for a transformative and purposeful gathering. This foundational discourse invited leaders to reflect on the sacred nature of their embodied existence and to apply these profound insights in their pursuit of building stronger families and communities. As the summit unfolded, the echoes of this opening talk resonated, guiding leaders on a journey of deeper understanding, unity, and spiritual growth within the Couples for Christ family.
The highlight of the day unfolded as the National Council from various governing portfolios within Couples for Christ took centre stage to present their reports. These comprehensive summaries provided a panoramic view of the organization’s initiatives, challenges, and achievements across different regions, each contributing to the collective narrative of Couples for Christ’s impact in Australia.
The reports from the different governing National Council leaders emerged as the focal point of the Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit, providing a comprehensive view of the organization’s endeavours. Beyond being a mere update, these reports were a testament to the commitment and passion of leaders across Australia, working tirelessly to fulfill Couples for Christ’s mission. As the summit continued, the collaborative spirit sparked by the National Council’s reports became a driving force, propelling the Community toward an even more impactful and united future.
The culmination of the summit unfolded in a Fellowship Night that transcended from mere socializing to becoming a platform for talents exchange, storytelling, and collective celebration. Representatives from various areas took centre stage this time, presenting their stories through a variety of mediums, including music, dance, and visual presentations. The Fellowship Night not only provided a space for entertainment and cultural appreciation but also served as a reminder of the shared mission that binds Couples for Christ leaders together. The presentations reinforced the idea that despite geographical distances and cultural disparities, a common purpose unites all members in their commitment to family renewal and community transformation.
Day 3: Title: “Collaborative Wisdom: CFC Leaders’ Summit Concludes with Cross-Regional Best Practices Exchange”
The third day of the CFC Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane once again commenced with the recital of the Rosary followed by a mass presided by His Grace Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane who reflected his homily on CFC’s theme for the year “Rise, Pick-up your Mat and Go.” (Mk 2:10-11 NABRE) as well as the theme for 2024 “Be a light and servant to all nations.” (Is 49:6 NABRE). Archbishop Mark said “CFC has brought great vitality to these shores, with all the gifts and energies of Filipino faith taking root in Australian soil. It’s in communities like these that we see the future of the Catholic Church in this country.”
A resounding and empowering talk by Bro Aldy Katigbak (Country Coordinator for Australia) followed after the morning tea break, focusing on the transformative roles of being a servant and a light to the nation, inspired by CFC’s theme for 2024. Katigbak’s insights provided leaders with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraging them to embody servant leadership principles and radiate positive influence in their respective areas. His presentation was not just a series of words; it was a call to action, inviting leaders to embrace their roles as servants and catalysts for positive change.
The final day of the Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane saw an invaluable exchange of ideas and experiences as leaders gathered to discuss and share best practices. This dynamic session, where regions contributed their success stories and strategies, not only fostered cross-regional collaboration but also laid the groundwork for implementing effective practices across the entire Couple for Christ community.
The best practices exchange wasn’t just a presentation of achievements; it was a catalyst for interactive discussions and collaborative planning. Leaders engaged in discussions to explore ways in which these successful strategies could be adapted and implemented in their own regions, fostering a sense of collective ownership and shared responsibility.
The collaborative planning sessions also provided an opportunity for leaders to identify potential challenges in implementing certain practices and collectively brainstorm solutions. This collaborative problem-solving approach showcased the strength of the Couples for Christ community in finding innovative solutions to common issues.
The Couples for Christ Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane concluded with a powerful exploration of best practices, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. As leaders departed, they carried with them not only a renewed sense of inspiration but also practical strategies to enhance the impact of Couples for Christ’s mission in their regions. The best practices exchange was a testament to the organization’s adaptability and resilience, showcasing its ability to learn from and empower every corner of the global Couples for Christ family.
And as leaders return to their respective areas, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a strategic vision to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families around the world. The summit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey of Couples for Christ, as it seeks to inspire and empower leaders through the principles of faith, love, and service.
