I’m writing this short piece while in Italy where my wife and I are really blessed because of four milestones.
We celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary yesterday, May 18. We attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square held yesterday. We participated at the CFC Global Conference last Friday night and Saturday whole day. We are here as Pilgrims of Hope of the Jubilee Year.
All these have furthered strengthened our marriage which is a beautiful gift from our Almighty God.
We were with the first batch, May 16 to 18, of the CFC Global Conference in Rome which was a historic event as it was the first global gathering outside the Philippines of our Catholic community movement which is promoting for strong marriages and family life. The second day of the three-day conference was graced by the presence of Cardinal Pablo David who led the Holy Mass and gave a talk with Cardinal Luis Tagle who also gave a talk.
There will be a second batch from May 23 to 25. CFC is present in more than 100 countries. The event also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Vatican’s recognition of CFC as an international lay association of the faithful with pontifical rights and the 30th anniversary of the CFC mission in Europe.
I would like to share this excerpt from the Pope’s homily: “In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion, and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of goodwill, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!”
Another blessing is our visit to the four Holy Doors which are the major papal basilicas of Rome: St. Peter in the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. The tomb of the late Pope Francis is at St. Mary Major. This year is the Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis had designated the theme emphasizing the journey of faith in challenging times.
Thank you and God bless you dear readers of The Global Filipino Magazine.
Note: The columnist is a 24-year resident of Dubai and is currently working as Head of Corporate Communications of a global energy logistics company. He is a former Filipino Community Leader and is now active with a global Catholic movement promoting the renewal of Christian family life. He can be reached atartlosbanos@gmail.com
