CFC marks 25 years of Vatican recognition; present at Pope Leo's 1st public General Audience
The Couples for Christ (CFC) celebrated the 25th anniversary of being recognized by the Vatican, with members witnessing Pope Leo XIV's first public General Audience.
On May 21, Pope Leo XIV appeared in the Popemobile at St. Peter's Square.
In a statement, CFC said thousands of pilgrims welcomed the pope with smiles, cheers, and flag-waving.
'The General Audience marked a significant milestone in the early days of Pope Leo's papacy. With a message centered on hope, faith, and spiritual renewal, the Holy Father signaled a commitment to build upon the pastoral foundation laid by Pope Francis, offering both continuity and new energy to the universal Church,' CFC said.
CFC described the event as an 'historic occasion,' as it was also the group's first-ever global conference outside the Philippines.
As it also celebrates its 40th anniversary as a Catholic renewal community, the CFC held a conference from May 16 to 18 and May 23 to 25 at the Centro Mariapoli in Castel Gandolfo.
'The location is steeped in Church history and nestled in the tranquil hills outside Rome, offering the perfect backdrop for prayer and reflection,' CFC said.
It added that the conference invited CFC members from around the world to 'rekindle their missionary zeal.'
CFC also noted that this year marks its 25th anniversary of Vatican's recognition as a private international association of the lay faithful with pontifical rights and the 30th anniversary of its mission presence in Europe.
During the conference, CFC said it engaged in dialogues and reflections led by cardinals and bishops from various Vatican dicasteries and archdioceses.
'Indeed, for CFC and the thousands gathered in Rome, the message is clear: hope is alive, and the mission continues,' the group said.
According to the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the CFC began in 1981 with 16 Filipino couples who joined a seminar organized by the Ligaya ng Panginoon, a Catholic charismatic community.
CFC is now present in at least 122 countries and territories.
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