MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT (MER 1) Christ the Worker Chaplaincy (CLSU) Unit September 20-21, 2025 The Couples for Christ (CFC) – Christ the Worker Chaplaincy Unit successfully conducted the Marriage Enrichment Retreat 1 (MER 1) on September 20–21, 2025 at the Fr. Lope S. Castillo Youth Center, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. This two-day retreat was designed to renew and deepen the couples’ understanding of marriage as a covenant with God, providing a sacred time for prayer, reflection, healing, and fellowship. The retreat opened with arrival and registration facilitated by Sis. Edith Capariño, Sis Jude Danting and Sis Winnie Pineda. Bro. Ofer Capariño led the opening worship, while Bro. Romy Uy delivered the orientation and introduced the MER Team and participants. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and openness as couples prepared to immerse themselves in the grace of the weekend. Day one was filled with a series of enriching and inspiring talks that touched the hearts of the participants and led them into deep reflection. Bro. Jun and Sis. Merly Mauricio, in their talk on “Serving God through Christian Marriage,” (Talk #1) reminded couples that marriage is a holy vocation, and that spouses serve God best by faithfully loving and serving each other. Bro. Elvin and Sis. Lhen Suarez, through “The Christian Couple as a Pastoral Team,” ,” (Talk #2) emphasized that husband and wife are true partners not only in raising their children but also in serving the Church and community together. In his talk on “The Role of the Christian Husband,” (Talk #3), Bro. Filip Bolisay called men to lead their families with humility, responsibility, and a Christ-like love. Complementing this, Sis. Cha Bolisay shared “The Role of the Christian Wife,” (Talk #4) beautifully reflecting on the wife’s role as a loving support and nurturing presence that fosters peace and unity in the home. Bro. Hermie and Sis. Liza Cabalang, in “Effective Communication in Marriage,” (Talk #5) highlighted that honesty, humility, and openness in dialogue are essential in resolving conflicts and keeping the flame of love alive. Finally, “Healing Our Marriages” (Talk #6) by Bro. Ric and Sis. Bessie Herrera moved hearts deeply, showing that forgiveness, reconciliation, and God’s grace can restore even the most wounded relationships and bring new joy to family life. After every session, couples engaged in heartfelt discussions, sharing their struggles and joys, and drawing closer to one another. The first day ended with the Lord’s Day Celebration led by Bros. Romy, Ofer, and Mar. The second day was graced by the celebration of the Holy Mass and Renewal of Marriage Vows, solemnly presided by Rev. Fr. Lloyd Mendoza, MSC. This sacred moment became the highlight of the retreat as couples recommitted themselves to their covenant. The final talk, “Building Our Homes for God,” (Talk #7) was delivered with great inspiration by Bro. Norie and Sis. Rhea Calma, reminding couples to root their families in faith and service. Page 2 of 45
planning facilitated by Bro. Ofer and Bro. Romy. During this session, four participants wholeheartedly volunteered to share their reflections and the next steps on how they would apply the insights gained from the retreat in their married life. Bro. Zoilo and Sis. Cynthia Cunanan Bro. Zoilo and Sis. Cynthia offered a deeply meaningful reflection drawn from Ephesians 5:22–23 Bro. Zoilo reminded everyone that this passage is about love, respect, and unity, modeled after the relationship of Christ and His Church. He emphasized that wives are called to respect and support their husbands, while husbands are entrusted with the responsibility to lead with selfless love and sacrifice. He further highlighted the importance of mutual respect and a shared commitment to keep God at the center of family life. It is their priority to worship together as a family, nurturing their faith by going to church together. He also stressed the importance of practicing forgiveness and embracing reconciliation, acknowledging that no marriage is perfect. With heartfelt sincerity, Bro. Zoilo and Sis. Cynthia expressed their deep gratitude for the enlightenment they received through MER 1, which renewed their resolve to live out their marriage as a true witness of God’s love. Bro. Lon and Sis. Josie Iñigo Bro. Lon and Sis. Josie shared their reflections with a touch of humor that brought smiles to many participants. Bro. Lon joked that during the courtship stage, men are usually the ones who talk more, but in marriage, it is often the wives who have more to say. He also reflected on the symbolism of the rings in married life: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and what he jokingly called the “suffering.” Yet, he clarified that marriage is never meant to be about suffering, but about love, sacrifice, and growth together as husband and wife. In a more serious tone, he stressed the importance of resolving disagreements before sleeping, a practice that prevents small issues from turning into bigger problems, and practicing effective communication. He also highlighted the talk on “Building Our Homes for God,” emphasizing that parents have a sacred role in teaching their children God’s purpose and values. With pride and gratitude, they shared the blessings in their family life: their two identical sons who both graduated magna cum laude—one in Information Technology and the other in Mechanical Engineering—and their youngest daughter, now a Grade 10 student. Their testimony reflected not only their joy as parents but also their commitment to raising children guided by God’s purpose. With hearts full of thanksgiving, they pledged to invite and encourage more couples to experience the grace of CFC. Bro. Mel and Sis. Nympha Cuizon In their candid and heartfelt sharing, Bro. Mel and Sis. Nympha opened up about the struggles that had deeply shaken their marriage. With honesty, Bro. Mel admitted that he tends to be more rational, while Sis. Nympha is more emotional, often leading to misunderstandings between them. Tearfully, they revealed that their relationship had reached a very low point—almost at the brink of separation. In humility, Bro. Mel asked forgiveness from his wife for his shortcomings, particularly for not being appreciative enough and for forgetting important dates like birthdays and anniversaries. He also assured her with sincerity that there was no other woman involved, but acknowledged Page 3 of 45
shared the heaviness in her heart, confessing how their child often heard their arguments and seems affected by the tension in their home. This realization pained them both, as they never intended to pass on their struggles to their child. Yet, in the midst of their brokenness, they expressed profound gratitude to God for leading them to MER 1. They firmly believed that the retreat was God’s way of reaching out to them, giving them hope and a chance to start anew. They also thanked the Lord for their daughter Chloe, who continually gave them reason to fight for their marriage and believe in the possibility of healing. With renewed hope, they humbly asked for the prayers of the CFC community, so that they may rebuild their relationship and experience the fullness of God’s plan for their marriage. Bro. James and Sis. Connie Espiritu Finally, Bro. James and Sis. Connie offered a lighthearted yet deeply honest sharing that resonated with many couples. With humor, Bro. James described his wife’s manner of speaking, noting how her quick and sharp words sometimes unsettled him, especially over small matters at home. Despite the laughter their story drew from the participants, it reflected a very real struggle that many husbands and wives could relate to—how even minor misunderstandings can create tension if not addressed with love and patience. In response, Sis. Connie openly acknowledged her tendency to speak harshly at times and, with humility, promised to make an effort to change and to avoid habits that might hurt her husband. Her willingness to listen, admit her faults, and commit to improving deeply touched the other couples present. Their testimony became a beautiful reminder that growth in marriage often comes through humility, openness, and the courage to change for the sake of love. The Espiritus’ sharing, though delivered with humor, left a lasting impression of hope—that no matter how small the struggles may be, when couples face them together with sincerity, respect, and God’s grace, love always triumphs. The open forum and sharing became a powerful space of honesty and grace, as couples shared their heartfelt reflections. The testimonies revealed that every marriage, no matter how strong, encounters challenges—whether in communication, misunderstandings, or the demands of family life. Yet each sharing also affirmed that with humility, respect, forgiveness, and God at the center, marriages can be renewed and strengthened. The retreat concluded with a closing prayer and thanksgiving led by Bro. Mar. At the end of the weekend, it was evident that MER 1 had truly touched the hearts of every couple. Many participants and even the MER1 and support team were moved to tears, especially as the talks and sharing reflected their daily struggles as husband and wife. The participants expressed deep gratitude to the speakers, the support team, and the Couples for Christ community for their love and dedication. Overall, the Marriage Enrichment Retreat 1 was not just an event but a life-changing encounter with God’s grace. It renewed marriages, brought healing to wounded relationships, and reminded couples that marriage is a sacred covenant, a reflection of Christ’s love for His Church. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the unwavering service of the MER1 and Support Team, couples went home with renewed faith, strengthened commitment, and overflowing gratitude to live out their vocation as true witnesses of God’s love. Page 4 of 45
The success of the Marriage Enrichment Retreat 1 (MER 1) was made possible through God’s abundant grace and the wholehearted dedication of the MER 1 and Support Teams. From the speakers and facilitators who shared God’s word, to the music ministry who lifted hearts in worship, to the support teams who prepared meals, welcomed participants, and prayed for the retreat—each one played a vital role in making this encounter truly meaningful. Special thanks are also extended to the generous CFC members as sponsors, donors, and contributors, whose support and resources helped ensure the smooth and fruitful holding of MER 1. Although not all the assigned MER 1 team and support team members were able to attend due to conflicting commitments, their presence in spirit and the guidance and contributions they had made beforehand were deeply felt and appreciated. The community also extends sincere appreciation to Rev. Fr. Ramil H, Cruz, OP, PhD, for the use of the Social Hall, including the audio-visual equipment and other amenities that greatly supported the activities. Gratitude is likewise expressed to the Mother Butler Guild (MBG), through its President Janet O. Saturno, for generously allowing the use of their hall, which served as both a prayer room and a speakers’ room throughout the retreat. With gratitude, the MER1 and Support Teams acknowledge every act of service, generosity, and love that made this retreat a life-changing experience for every couple. Truly, through God’s guidance and the united efforts of all, MER 1 became a shining witness that when we serve and give together in Christ, His blessings overflow. Page 5 of 45
Day one (September 20, 2025) Registration Opening Worship (Photo) Orientation and introduction of the MER Team and participants given by Bro. Romy. Page 6 of 45
Talk #1: Bro. Jun and Sis. Merly inspiring couples in their talk on “Serving God through Christian Marriage.” Page 7 of 45
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Pastoral Team.” Page 9 of 45
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