Movement to Movement

Schoenstatt Movement hosts Couples for Christ 10 Year German Anniversary Celebration

Hubo mucho interés de hacer la jornada en Schoenstatt There was much interest to have the journey in Schoenstatt Es bestand großes Interesse daran, die Tagung in Schönstatt zu veranstalten
En Sonnenau, Schoenstatt At House Sonnenau, Schoenstatt In der Sonnenau
Ofreciendo especialidades filipinas Offering Philippine specialties Philippinische Spezialitäten gehören dazu
Baile tradicional Traditional Dance performance Traditionelle Tanzdarbietung
Tony y Ruby Borja Tony and Ruby Borja Tony und Ruby Borja
Misa con el parroco de la misión filipina en Colonia Mass with the parish priest of the Philippine Mission in Cologne Messe mit dem Pfarrer der Philippinischen Mission in Köln Fotos: Macari © 2006

SCHOENSTATT; Sr. Angela Macari. Working together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support with other movements or, said in other words, the Apostolic World Confederation is one of three main aims of the Schoenstatt Work. A significant contribution toward this aim was made during the weekend of April 28-30, 2006 in the Original Schoenstatt where the Couples for Christ (CFC) Movement conducted its 6^th German National Conference.

How did this come to be? Mrs. Logy Ewig, a CFC member from Bonn, attended a Filipino "Walk for Mary" Pilgrimage Day organized by Filipina Schoenstatt Sister Maria Teresa Olid on Mount Schoenstatt in October of 2005. As the chairperson for the CFC Bonn committee selected to organize their 2006 National Conference, she requested to bring it to "the famous pilgrim place at Schoenstatt in Vallendar." With English as the official language of the conference, Schoenstatt International in Haus Sonneck was called upon to assist with logistics and preparations for the CFC conference. A welcoming introduction was given to the delegates on Saturday morning. Several of them had already been in Schoenstatt in 2003, for an encounter with the Family Movement of Schoenstatt.

Tenth anniversary of the Foundation in Germany

Couples for Christ is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian Family life. It began in 1981 in Manila, Philippines. A group of couples came together to from a living relationship with Christ and to be renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through its 25 year history, CFC has blossomed into a worldwide ministry, including foundations in Germany. In April of 2005 this "private international association of the faithful" received approval from the Office of the Laity.

The couples have branched off into "family ministries" which includes Singles for Christ (SFC), groups for women called "Handmaids of the Lord" (HOLDS), groups for men called "Servants of the Lord" (SOLDS), Youth for Christ (YFC), and Kids for Christ (KFC). All branches totaling to 240 members participated in the Conference. The membership is predominantly Filipinos residing in Germany either due to work or having a spouse who is German. The 6^th Conference was special because it highlighted the 10 year anniversary of the German foundation of CFC. Representatives from the international Headquarters, including Tony and Ruby Borja came all the way from Manila to celebrate with their CFC "Brothers and Sisters".

The Shepherd's Weekend

The Conference, or in CFC language "Shepherd’s Weekend", utilized the words of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd..." to offer inspiration and content to the activities of the two day event. Delegates from Berlin, Bonn, Essen, Flensburg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lübeck, Mainz, Mosbach, and Münster contributed to the event through an inspirational interpretive presentation on Saturday morning and a cultural dance at the Gala Night the same evening.

The YFC Band led all the worship sessions, liturgy and praisefests during the Conference. Sunday Morning’s Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Jun de Ocampo, SVD, Chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Mission in the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The delegates made themselves at home in Pilgerheim, Marienau, Sonnenau, Haus Mariengart and the Alexander von Humbolt Hotel. Meals were prepared and served in the Pilgerheim. All conference activities were conducted in the Aula of the Marienschule.

This is Holy Ground

The delegates passed the Original Shrine numerous times throughout the day and evening and made stops to visit our MTA often. One gentleman said that he had been to all six conferences and this was the best one. When asked, "Why?", he responded, "Because this is Holy Ground! "

The question was repeatedly asked, "Can I come back here on my own? With my Family? For a retreat?" The answer was and always is "yes"!

On the last page of the conference program booklet distributed, a true understanding of the meaning of the Apostolic World Confederation is reflected in the following words…

"Our deep appreciation to all those who rendered their services, extended helping hands, offered prayers…to help us attain this special event to be successful and unforgettable."

As preparations are underway for the upcoming gathering of Ecclesial Movements in Rome, a spirit of appreciation is called for. Appreciation for the unique charism that the Holy Spirit has called into existence in each Ecclesial Movement and appreciation for the aim we have in Schoenstatt to help each Movement fulfill theirs.

More: http://www.cfcglobal.org