EMN
Dimapur, August 3
‘Couples for Christ (CFC)’ Movement was organized at Cathedral Parish, during the two weekends (26-27th July and 3-4 August).
Inaugurating the movement, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the bishop of Kohima, stressed the need to build up good Christian families, which is the need of the hour. “The problems facing the Church and Society can ultimately trace back to dysfunctional families and extreme secularization that values everything in terms of utility and consumerism. Marriage is a permanent bond willed by God himself. Today, people dispute even the very concept of marriage: whether marriage between the same sex is to be considered or not.” He hoped that the movement would fortify and strengthen marriage bonds and bring about exemplary Christian life.
Hector and Garnet Poppen, the Country Head for CFC in India, based in Bangalore, organized the programme. He highlighted the CFC movement that began in Philippines in 1981 and today, it is in 106 countries, including India. CFC is a private Lay Association duly approved by the Church. There are also other movements, like Kids for Christ (KFC), Youth for Christ (YFC), Singles for Christ (SFC) Servants of the Lord (SOLD) and Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) to include every member of the family. The three stages of growth are individual renewal, family renewal and parish renewal.
The first week end (26-27 July) was animated by Biju and Sheeba Thomas, from Dubai, besides Hector and Garnet. The second week end program (3-4 August) was animated by Danilo and Annabelle Abutas from Philippines. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, the Parish Priest of the Cathedral Church and Fr. Johnny P.K., the Assistant Priest and Principal, organized and hosted the program. Over 40 members from different parishes from Kohima region participated in the program.
On the concluding day Bishop James and Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, expressed their gratitude on behalf of the participants and hope that the CFC movement will bring about radical changes in the society by holding fast to the Christian values and principles on marriage.
