MANILA, Philippines - May 16 was a big day for the Christian Family Movement as it proudly launched a family evangelization guidebook on the Spirituality of Stewardship (S.O.S.). The book launch was held at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish on Broadway Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City with a Eucharistic Celebration. The celebrants were led by Msgr. Manny Gabriel, CFM national chaplain, Bishop Julio Labayen, D.D. founder of the Socio-Pastoral Institute (SPI), Msgr. Tony Montillero. Vicar General of the Diocese of Cubao and Fr. Ed Guarin, S.V.D., parish priest of the Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning, Q.C.
Among the missions of the CFM is the writing of books for their regular unit meetings. However, many prayer groups have already been using books that were written by some CFMers assigned by the incumbent national officers. A book goes through an editorial board and is “tested” by several units before it goes into print with the proper imprimatur and nihil obstat of the Catholic Church.
The Family Evangelization Guidebook Committee is presently headed by Jorge and Josie Santamaria. They were present at the book launch along with CFM national president Joe and Zeny Capistrano, EVP Roger and Naty Dayan, Manila Area VP Rolly and Betty Calingo and many other members and guests.
The S.O.S. is among the thrusts of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). It is the SPI that they tasked to promote this new way of life. Stewardship is also one of the five priority programs of Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. of the Diocese of Cubao and a means to evangelization through the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of Mt. Carmel Parish Priest, Fr. Alex Collera, OCD.
With this guidebook, CFM members all over the nation will have a better understanding and appreciation of how all can be better stewards of God’s many graces — the faith, prayer, time, talent, treasure, vocation and the earth. CFM invites everyone to use the S.O.S. Book 1. It is available at the CFM National Office, N. Domingo St. corner Big Horseshoe Drive, Horseshoe Village, QC for only P150. Call 724-6747 for information.
CFM also invites everyone to avail of its many family and life programs. On June 13, for example, the CFMers of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Teachers Village, QC, will open their doors to a Seminar on Parenting of Adolescents from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Interested parties may call Rem and Vi Toledano at 484-8535 or 0922-8761111.