QUEZON CITY, Jan. 23, 2012— Archbishop Jose Palma had nothing but strong encouragement in his message to Couples for Christ (CFC) international leaders last Saturday, when he exhorted them to discover new ways of spreading the faith.
The reason is joy
Making references to the recent synod on the new evangelization and the transmission of the faith, Abp. Palma, who is the current Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, said, “We need new ardor, and new methods, new expressions for the transmission of faith.”
Addressing some 14,000 CFC leaders from all over the country and countries like U.S., Ghana and Myanmar, Kuwait, Cambodia and Kenya, among others, Palma also talked about how important joy is to the everyday missionary.
“Joy should impel us to spread the faith. We know that we have something wonderful to share,” he added.
Palma said joy should “be reason enough” for CFCs to spread the Good News to other couple and families.
What makes evangelization effective?
Towards the end of his message, Abp. Palma also stressed the relevance and effectiveness of evangelizing families through personal conversion.
“When we have changed to become better persons, holier persons is when we become true evangelizers. Holy families are the best witnesses to what we would like to share,” he explained.
This year’s CFC Leaders’ Conference revealed the community’s theme for the year, “Obey and Witness”, based on John 2:5 “Do whatever He tells you!” taken from the passage on Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the Cana wedding. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
