Last January 16–18, 2026, Couples for Christ (CFC) successfully held its 2026 Mensa Christi (The Table of Christ) Theme Weekend Retreat at the CAP Convention Center in Baguio, Philippines. The TWR is a three-day spiritual gathering that invited members into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and a renewed experience of authentic Koinonia—communion, unity, and mission.
Anchored on the 2026 theme, “In the One, we are one!”, the retreat led participants on a grace-filled journey: returning to Christ personally, strengthening the family and marital table, and ultimately extending Christ’s table to others.
Day 1: Entering the Table of Christ
The retreat opened with a spirit of reverence and joyful expectation as participants gathered as one global CFC family. The day began with the Holy Rosary led by Charles and Rodah Ogoma of CFC Kenya, followed by vibrant opening worship led by Bro. Johnny Law of CFC Sarawak, inviting everyone to offer praise and thanksgiving as one body in Christ.
Moments of fellowship and community interaction throughout the day reflected the joy of gathering at Christ’s table—where differences are embraced and unity is celebrated.
The evening centered on interior preparation through the Heart Setting session facilitated by Bro. Bong Arjonillo, member of the CFC International Council. Using the framework LISTEN—Listen to the voice of God, Intensify your relationship with Him, Silence your heart, Tune in, Evaluate, and Navigate—participants were guided to quiet their hearts and become more attentive to God’s presence, setting the tone for deeper encounters throughout the retreat.
Day 1 concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Abenet Abebe, CM, grounding the entire weekend in the Eucharist—the source of communion and unity.
Day 2: Being Nourished at Christ’s Table
The second day opened with the Holy Rosary led by Paco and Jo Avellana of CFC Misamis Oriental, followed by opening worship led by Bro. Vic Pardo, Provincial Area Head of CFC Masbate.
Session 1: Mensa Christi – The Table of Christ
Delivered by Bro. George Campos, member of the CFC International Council, the session reflected on Christ’s ever-ready invitation, echoing the Gospel call, “Come, have breakfast.” The talk emphasized God’s desire for intimacy with His people, the sustaining grace of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
A heartfelt sharing by Judge Christopher Hernandez of CFC Laguna deepened the message, highlighting the call to live a sacramental and liturgical life rooted in communion with Christ.
This was followed by a solemn Eucharistic Adoration, allowing participants to rest in the Lord’s presence, before the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio.
In the afternoon, hearts were lifted once more through praise and worship led by Bro. Reuebert Dechos of CFC North Central Mindanao, preparing participants for the next formation sessions.
Session 2: Table for Three
Bro. Steve Maningat, member of the CFC International Council, spoke on marriage as the first table of love—husband, wife, and Christ. The session addressed challenges to marital unity, including financial, emotional, and sexual infidelity, and called couples to reclaim their families as domestic churches grounded in prayer, faithful love, and mutual submission in Christ.
A moving sharing by Mark and Rose Banzon of CFC Quirino testified to God’s power to heal, restore, and renew marriages.
Session 3: Extending the Table
The day concluded with Bro. Boyet Rafael, member of the CFC International Council, calling participants to extend Christ’s table to the broken, the wounded, and the marginalized. With his wife Ditas, as well as Bro. Arnel Sacris and his wife Neneng, they testified how Koinonia was a lived reality expressed through forgiveness, unity, and mission within CFC and beyond.
Closing praise led by Bro. Damien Sagapuna of CFC Papua New Guinea sent participants forth renewed and eager to continue the journey.
Day 3: That Our Joy May Be Complete
The final day of the retreat gathered the community once more around the table of the Lord, beginning with the Holy Rosary led by Richard and Lea Bunani of CFC Central A, followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Joel Jason, CFC Spiritual Adviser. The Eucharistic celebration reaffirmed the centrality of Christ’s table as the source of unity and mission.
After a short break and the teaching of songs, the community entered into opening worship led by Bro. Harris Jacildo of CFC Metro Manila South B, joyfully proclaiming unity in Christ as one family.
Session 4: That Our Joy May Be Complete
The culminating session was delivered by Bro. Norman Robles, member of the CFC International Council, anchored on John 1:4: “We write this in order that our joy may be complete.”
The talk reflected on Christian joy as a fruit of the Spirit—one that begins in fellowship with God and overflows into relationships, service, community life, and mission. It emphasized joy in witnessing, joy in service, and the joy of the Gospel lived out in communion with the Church.
A personal sharing by Jimmy and Lorna Ilagan further illustrated how joy becomes complete when lived in mission and self-giving love.
The retreat concluded with a joyful Praisefest led by Bro. Rey Reyes, member of the CFC International Council, as the community celebrated God’s faithfulness and the grace-filled journey of Mensa Christi.
Extending the Table
As the retreat came to a close, participants were reminded that Christ’s table is always prepared—inviting each one to be nourished, united, and sent forth. Through prayer, worship, the sacraments, and inspired teachings, the 2026 Theme Weekend Retreat reaffirmed the call of Couples for Christ to live as one body in Christ and to extend His table of love, mercy, and joy to the world.
In the One, we are one!
