“Community is where humility and glory touch.”
Henri Nouwen
January 10, 2026—Couples for Christ (CFC) leaders from the Philippines and all over the world flocked to the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba, Laguna for the 2026 International Leaders Conference.
The weather was perfect: not too hot nor too cold, nor too rainy nor sunny. Yet the sun shyly peeked as the breeze gently blew. It was a perfect day from a perfect God. His call to gather that day was responded to by imperfect people, yet those who tirelessly and unabatedly continue to love Him.
It has always been the aspiration of Couples for Christ to witness individuals, couples, and families from different places, with diverse backgrounds and values, remaining united with the Catholic Church. True to this identity and in harmony with the Church, the CFC 2026 theme, “In the One, we are One,” resonates with the motto of Pope Leo XIV, “In illo uno unum,” drawn from a prayer of St. Augustine.
Walang mag-iisa (No one is alone)
Sometimes, the busy-ness of daily routine can leave people feeling jaded. The monotonous schedule of work, chores, and regular CFC service, alongside taking care of children and sneaking in social time with friends, can take a toll on one’s life. There can be moments of loneliness, of feeling neglected—as if the gifts of the Spirit are lacking. In these times, questions arise about our worthiness, capability, and effectiveness as witnesses of the Lord.
However, when one finds time to kneel before a personal altar, to listen to God and to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in community life, we find that the Lord assures and comforts us. By being grateful for their life, a servant-leader finds strength to spring back and rejoin the race. Love of God and family, with the testimony of CFC brethren, lifts and inspires a lonesome spirit. Until in time, those feelings of loneliness dissipate.
Truly, even if a soul seeks to cut ties with the community, the Lord is relentless in seeking them out—and CFC will always be there to pull that member back. No matter the hurdles and raging storms in a person’s life, CFC will always be there. No one is forgotten. United with Christ through baptism and with CFC belonging to Christ, no one is ever alone. The love of God will never depart from us.
Walang nang-iisa (No one takes advantage of others)
In unity, there is diversity. As St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 “Just as a body, though one, has many parts,” so does each part serve a distinct purpose and function for the body.
CFC lives out this reality through order and structure in the community. Roles and tasks are discerned before they are assigned to different members. Like how various musical instruments produce wonderful music together when in an orchestra, CFC is enriched by the diversity of personalities and individuals—weaved like pieces of puzzle that fit perfectly toward the end.
Life in CFC is neither perfect, nor a hundred percent smooth-sailing. There are humps and bumps along the way, such as how pride, ambition, idealism, or insecurity sometimes overcome many members of the community. In these situations, the Lord’s guiding hand manifests itself. The Lord reveals Himself and His will, just as light reveals weaknesses, sinfulness, and shortcomings. Like a dutiful and caring Father, the Lord is one with His people, maneuvering the wrong to becoming right. With His grace, the community grows and bears fruit that is shared with others.
When challenging situations and negativity abound, it is helpful to shift our perspectives toward the Lord’s goodness and greatness. This view helps us to be more appreciative of the people around us, to be helpful even in menial tasks, and to seek the Lord’s will in prayer as we fervently pray for the intercession of Mother Mary. When we are joyful in humility, we will receive more clarity to be in communion with the One.
Let us always bear in mind and heart that the Holy Spirit dwells in everyone as God’s creation. Let us always aim for unity in Christ, never losing sight of Him amidst trials and negativity. Evidently, in CFC, no one takes advantage of, or is disadvantaged by, others.
Walang hindi nakikiisa (There is no one who does not participate)
In fellowship with Christ and in communion with the brethren in community, everyone is expected to actively participate in CFC. For what good is the Lord’s presence in a person’s life, as well as all the blessings, graces, victories, and answered prayers, if it is not shared? These life experiences are meant to be shared, for once it is shared, the Lord is glorified.
Bro. Arnel Santos, CFC Chairman/President, shared this line from a song he composed “Ialay ang krus mong dala” (Offer the cross you carry). He reflected on it as the perfect gesture of humility and surrender to the Lord, and a sign of total trust and fellowship with Him.
Another lyric, “Mga kaibigan mo’y tawagin, magsalo’t magsama-sama” (Call your friends, gather and be one) highlight a call to gather, to be with one another in life’s pain or triumphs.
The song invites us to proclaim the Lord’s goodness to others, as this is also a form of fellowship within the community. United as brethren and guided by the Holy Spirit, CFC accomplishes its vision to be families in the spirit renewing the face of the earth.
With insights, inspirational messages, and a review of the community’s 2025 accomplishments combined with its plans for 2026, the day ended with the leaders strengthened with the mission as they went back to their respective areas of assignment. There was no trace of fear, despite the weight of leadership responsibility that lay before them.
Instead, they held a renewed assurance in their hearts of God’s love and the grace He provides, and fellowship with the community that stands firm with them in the battle.
In the One, we are one!
Written by Hazel Concepcion-Cumpas | Ugnayan Correspondent
