CAPAS, TARLAC—The New Clark City Athletics Stadium became a place of thanksgiving, worship, and renewed missionary commitment as thousands of Couples for Christ (CFC) members from across the Philippines and around the world gathered on June 20, 2026, to celebrate the community’s 45th Anniversary.
Centered on the theme “One Family,” and inspired by this year’s pastoral direction, In Illo Uno Unum (In the One, We Are One} the celebration honored four and a half decades of God’s faithfulness while looking confidently toward the future of the mission entrusted to Couples for Christ.
The anniversary celebration brought together members from all Family Ministries, missionaries serving in different nations, clergy, religious, benefactors, and guests, reflecting the diversity and unity of a community that has grown from a parish-based renewal program in 1981 into a Pontifical Association serving families in more than 140 countries.
From the moment the celebration began, the atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude. Songs of praise filled the stadium as members embraced each other…… and celebrated not merely an anniversary, waved ministry banners, and celebrated not simply an anniversary, but God’s enduring covenant with His people.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AERIAL AND GROUND EXHIBITION PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
One of the most memorable highlights of the celebration was the vibrant Parade of Nations. Delegates proudly carried their national flags into the stadium, each banner symbolizing lives transformed, marriages strengthen, families renewed, and missionary communities established through the grace of God.
It was a visible reminder that though CFC spans continents and cultures, it remains united in Christ as one family.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LANTERN LIGHTS PARADE PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
A Message from the Holy Father
The spiritual high point of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Dario Gervasi, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
During the Mass, Bishop Gervasi delivered the message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who expressed his joy at Couples for Christ’s 45th anniversary and its more than twenty years as a Pontifical Association.
“Dear Couples for Christ, I was pleased to be informed on the 45th anniversary of the foundation of Couples for Christ, as well as its more than 20 years as an Association of Pontifical Right… I send a warm greeting to all present at the celebration and assure you of my spiritual closeness.”
Reflecting on the community’s pastoral theme, the Holy Father reminded members that their unity begins in God Himself.
“As you are guided by the theme, ‘In the One, We Are one,’ it is my hope that this milestone will be an opportunity to further deepen your receptivity of the sacramental grace of matrimony, which flows from the eternal and loving union of the Trinity.”
He continued by drawing the profound connection between the Holy Trinity and Christian marriage.
“Just as the triune God is a family of divine persons, so sacramental marriage becomes a human image of that communion when a man and a woman are joined together as one flesh.”
Recognizing the challenges confronting families today, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that modern society often discourages lifelong commitment. Yet he encouraged every husband and wife to remain close to Christ, allowing the grace of the sacrament to strengthen their unity, deepen forgiveness, inspire generosity, and open their hearts to the gift of life.
His message culminated in a powerful commissioning that resonated throughout the stadium:
“By giving of oneself and receiving the other in the intimate and sacrificial love of married life, married couples would become joyful witnesses to the selfless and life-giving love of the Trinity, which leads to the true fulfillment of the human heart.”
Before imparting his Apostolic Blessing, the Holy Father entrusted every member of Couples for Christ to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, praying that the community may receive wisdom, joy, and peace in the Lord.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO MESSAGE OF THE hOLY fATHER POPE LEO XIV FOR CFC
A Light That Cannot Be Extinguished
Building on the Holy Father’s message, Bishop Gervasi reminded the assembly that authentic Christian witness begins with a life deeply rooted in Christ.
“In every person who lives his life for Christ, there is a light that must illuminate others. In every word held into the depths of the heart, there is hope to be communicated. A Christian who is connected to Jesus is a light that cannot be extinguished.”
His reflection beautifully echoed the anniversary’s call for every member to become a missionary disciple whose faith radiates hope to families, communities, and the wider world.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HOLY MASS VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Gratitude for the Past, Hope for the Future
In his address to the community, CFC Chairman and President Arnel Santos invited members to embrace the anniversary not only as a celebration of what God has accomplished but also as an opportunity to renew their commitment to one another and to the mission.
“This is the right time for us to say ‘thank you,’ this is the right time for us to hear ‘I love you,’ and this is the right time for us to say ‘I promise,’ because the future is already in God’s hand and we surrender our future to Him.”
His words captured the spirit of the celebration—a community grateful for forty-five years of grace while confidently entrusting its future to God’s providence.
Carrying God’s Dream Forward
Representing the missionary heart of Couples for Christ, Harris Jacildo reflected on the responsibility entrusted to every member as the community looks beyond its anniversary.
“The dreams that we carry for our families, our community, and our mission are not ours alone—they belong to God. And as He sustained Couples for Christ for 45 years, we trust that He will continue to guide us forward with hope, healing, and renewed mission.”
His message served as a reminder that the anniversary was never intended to be merely a celebration of history. Rather, it was a renewed call to participate in God’s continuing work of evangelization.
One Family, One Mission
As worship filled the stadium one final time, thousands of members stood united in prayer, offering their gratitude for forty-five years of God’s faithfulness and renewing their “yes” to the mission.
The celebration was not simply about remembering the past. It was about embracing the future.
Strengthened by the Holy Father’s blessing, inspired by the witness of the Church, and united as one family in Christ, Couples for Christ moves forward with renewed missionary zeal—committed to building the Church of the Home, serving the Church of the Poor, and proclaiming the Gospel to every family and every nation.
Forty-five years have passed since God planted the seed of Couples for Christ.
By His grace, the mission continues.
To God be all the glory.
