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About
CFCFFL
Who
is the CFCFFL?
The
Movement for Restoration Our
Covenant
Our
Mission and Vision
Our Statement of philosophy
Our
Core Values
Family Ministries Kids
for Family and Life (KFL) Youth
for Family and Life (YFL)
Singles
for Family and Life (SFL)
Handmaids
for Family and Life (HFL)
Servants
for Family and Life (SvFL)
Wish
to JOIN?
The
highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity,
choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over
popularity.
Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for THERE IS
NEVER A WRONG TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING.
-
Bishop Soc Villegas
25 July 2007
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FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
TWO YEARS AFTER
July
30, 2009
It has been two years since the split in CFC last July 30, 2007.
From the time God raised the remnant that is CFC-FFL, we have
moved rapidly to restore the fullness of our authentic life and
mission. With restoration is the return of God’s anointing. Thus
we have grown.
Those of us who formed the restoration movement that eventually
evolved into CFC-FFL were just a remnant of about 1,000 brethren.
Five months later, by the end of 2007, we were 56,000 brethren in
20 Philippine dioceses and in 50 countries. By the end of 2008, we
were 100,000 brethren in 37 Philippine dioceses and in 60
countries. These are active members, committed and zealous for our
life and mission. The growth and restoration continue.
CFC-FFL, with its focus on the authentic CFC charism, has firmly
established the work that God originally intended for it, that of
evangelization and family life renewal. CFC-FFL is primarily an
evangelistic and missionary community. In its work of
evangelization, it is focused on renewing the family and defending
life. Family and life are the defining issues of this third
millennium, and what God has been preparing CFC for all along.
Continuing attacks and injustices
Unfortunately, as it has from the time the restoration movement
was started to try to renew CFC from within, to the time of the
split and beyond, the other side has continued its attacks on us.
The other side has relentlessly been trying to keep us from doing
God’s work. They have done this through disinformation about our
status in the Church, through filing court cases against us, and
through continuing maligning in media and the Internet.
Further, their injustices continue. Two years after the first
resignations of CFC fulltime pastoral workers, followed by many
others, the other side has refused to pay their just retirement
benefits. This has caused our brethren untold hardships. Further,
they have refused to return bridge funds that they solicited, even
as they claim to be no longer in debt. In addition, with many GK
projects unfinished and no more work forthcoming, they have
refused to account for funds and refuse to turn over funds
demanded by beneficiaries or other brethren who desire to finish
the work.
Despite the scandal of court cases, and despite having been
advised by the hierarchy to drop such court cases, they continue
to disobey and persist in this scandal.
We have to pray for them, because in their attacks and injustices,
they are fighting God Himself.
Coming together again?
Last April 30, the other side announced that they had let go of
GK, acknowledging inherent conflicts that could not be resolved.
This has led some members on the ground, from both sides, to ask
if reunification between the 2 CFCs is now possible, since the
major cause of the crisis, GK, is now out of the picture.
Well, the other side, while saying that they have let go of GK,
claims that they have not split, and that in fact they are
intensifying their collaboration with GK. So it is first up to
them to clarify their situation. Have they split or not?
Then, whatever the reality, reunification can only happen if that
is what God wills. However much we desire it, it is not something
we just presume. Further, the direction now of CFC-FFL is clear,
the brethren are upbeat, and the work is unimpeded. Will becoming
one again bring back internal difficulties and challenges?
Further, I remind everyone that my proposal for creative unity is
still on the table. That is to have one CFC family but with 2
distinct and separate branches. This is something that can happen
immediately, without much hassle. It is a good confidence building
measure in case both sides decide to pursue actual reunification.
Unfortunately, the other side has consistently rejected this
proposal.
Finally, there is a simple and easy way to have one CFC once
again. Our brethren on the other side simply need to join us, and
be integrated in the one and true CFC.
Anyway, the CBCP, through Cardinal Rosales, has already taken
jurisdiction over the CFC situation, having been tasked by the
Holy See to look into it. Let us just await further developments.
The work continues
Let us not be distracted by the continuing negative posture of the
other side. There is just too much work to be done. Let us keep
our eyes fixed on Jesus and on our mission. Let us rejoice in the
privilege of suffering for the sake of righteousness. Let us
always be faithful to our call, fully trusting in Jesus.
We continue to implore the intercession of our Blessed Mother
Mary. May the Lord bless us all.
Your brother and co-worker,
Frank Padilla
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