Laos Rekindled
It was indeed a great spirit-filled weekend in Vientiane, capital of Laos. A team of eleven (11) from CFC Manila and an equal number of contingent from CFC/SFC/SOLD Singapore conducted a Mega CLP at the Sacred Heart Parish in Vietiane, Laos last July 16-17, 2011.
After a few years of absence, CFC is back in Laos. The Laos People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is a country bounded by Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a population of only around 7 million (as of 2010), the communist state country has an estimated 67% Buddhist and a mere 1.5% Christian population. There are approximately around 500 Filipinos in Laos of which about 200 of them residing in Vientiane.
The Mega CLP team from Manila was headed by the CFC Greater Mekong Area (GMA) Regional Coordinator / Metro Manila Central C Sector Head / Provincial Area Head (PAH) of Iloilo Bro. Bong and Sis. Carol Arjonillo,CFC PAH of Siquijor Bro. Bobby and Sis. Malou Mercado, CFC Financial Adviser of the International Council (IC) Bro. Alex and Sis. Bess Escucha, CFC Central Visayas Regional Coordinator Bro. Reggie and Sis. Janet Ragojos, CFC Myanmar Country Coordinator Bro. Mel Serrano, and newly appointed CFC Laos Country Coordinator Jose Mari and Emilie Yupangco, the Mega CLP Team Leader.
Meanwhile, the energetic team from Singapore were SFC members Bro. Delfin Juan and Sis. Myra Alvarez, SOLD member Bro. Mervin Arellano, and CFC Members Bro. Alvin and Sis. Michelle Hernandez, Bro. Jojo and Sis. Alexis Sibayan, Bro. Caesar and Sis. Lorna Chiu, and Bro. Edo and Sis. Chona Del Mundo, the Mega CLP Assistant Team Leader.
The third force behind the synergy were the members stationed in Laos. From the Philippine Embassy in Laos, it was no less than Phil. Ambassador to Laos Marilyn J. Alarilla, CFC members Bro. Ronald and Sis. May Villanueva, and SFC member Sis. Sarah Erer. From the Sacred Heart Parish, they were Lao Parish Priest Fr. Beck Inthirath (who graciously accepted to be the new CFC Spiritual Director for CFC Laos), Sis. Jesse Encio, DC (one of the three Filipina nuns assigned at the parish), at Fr. Doroteo (Dorot) B. Reyes, OMI ( the Filipino priest from Thailand who visits the parish monthly). Last but not least, Filipino expats and new CFC members Bro. Rey and Sis. Lyn Feria, SOLD member Bro. Mike Reyes, and Bro. Oliver (Toto) Malazarte, former CFC member, and Parish Music Ministry In-Charge .
Despite the many challenges and concerns, the Mega CLP was a succeses and was blessed with the following Mega CLP Graduates:
1. CFC – 10 Couples (20 Individuals)
a) Lao – 5 couples
b) Singapore/ Filipina – 1 couple
c) Filipinos – 4 couples
2. HOLD – 17 Individuals
a) Lao – 1 Individual
b) Filipinos – 16 Individuals
3. SOLD – 4 Individuals
a) Lao – 1 Individual
b) Filipinos – 3 Individuals
4. SFC – 4 Filipino Individuals
TOTAL = 45 Individuals
Immediately after the Mega CLP, the CFC Laos Core Coordinating Group (LCCG) was created composed mostly of the Vientiane, Laos members. The LCCG will be monitoring activities of CFC / SFC / HOLD / SOLD during its infancy stage in Vientiane. Forthcoming visits to Laos are now being planned by CFC GMA in coordination with CFC Singapore team.
We praise and thank God for his infinite love and mercy for guiding the team for rekindling Laos. Our heartful thanks and gratituted to all those who gave their selfless and tireless dedication for this mission.
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