MAKATI City – After traveling thousands of kilometers, the Apostolic Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Francisco Escalante Molina had only words of praise for CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. during the Clergy Lay Congress (CLC) held on June 18 at SPACE at One Ayala in this city.
“I would like to highlight the work of CFC regarding vocations…We thank [you] for [your] support of priestly and religious vocations, not forgetting the wonderful assistance given to seminaries,” he said in a homily during a Holy Mass to conclude the CLC, one of the events organized to celebrate Couples for Christ’s 45th anniversary.
Commendable endeavor
The prelate added: “We must measure this religious and priestly vocations, and we know full well that the work of CFC in this endeavor is commendable. This is a fitting occasion to thank you. In behalf of the whole Church, we thank you for the multi-faceted support you give to the consecrated life, as well as to societies of apostolic life.”
To date, 33 CFC ANCOP-sponsored seminarians have since been ordained priests, while currently, there are 144 active CFC ANCOP-sponsored seminarians in their theology and philosophy semesters.
Archbishop Molina exhorted the 6 bishops, 188 priests, and 844 lay people present to continue praying for more priestly and religious vocations.
He said, “It is with great joy that I concelebrate with you this Eucharist during which CFC, born here in the Philippines, celebrates its 45th anniversary. It is an opportunity for us to thank God for all the graces you have done in one way or another to all those who have needed your help.”
Beyond donations
Aside from material and financial support, the archbishop mentioned the specific way lay people and Catholic communities like CFC support the flourishing of vocations.
He noted: “There are families that open their homes to seminarians and consecrated persons, those who support them with their friendship and closeness, those who pray for them every day, those who accompany them in moments of difficulties, loneliness, or trial.”
According to the prelate, such families, often without realizing it, “become instruments of God’s providence.”
What families can do for vocations
“A vocation rarely grows on its own. It needs a community that nurtures it and encourages it and believes in it. Behind a priest, religious brother or sister there is a silent multitude of families that sow and water the seed that the Lord planted,” he explained.
At present, CFC ANCOP supports seminarians studying in the Philippines and Africa.
In conclusion, the former Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Congo, and Gabon, emphasized the importance of the laity’s role in nurturing vocations in the Church.
“We can say that not only seminaries build and form the priest. Welcoming families, couples that generously support the Church’s mission are also seminaries. Wherever a vocation is loved and protected, there is a seminary,” he said.
CLC 2026 carried the theme “Heart for the Poor” and also featured talks from two Vatican officials.
