Return to Galilee

ZAMBOANGA CITY—More than 5,700 members of Couples for Christ (CFC) from across Mindanao gathered at the Zamboanga Coliseum in Tetuan for the annual Mindanao Leaders Weekend Retreat (MLWR) from March 14-16, 2025. The three-day event, held for the Lenten season, focused on the theme “Return to Galilee.”

Our chapter, Central C, with eight participants, began the retreat experience by exploring Zamboanga’s cultural and religious landmarks. We visited Paseo del Mar, Canelar Barter Trade Center, and Pasonanca Park, and attended Mass at Fort Pilar, before heading to the coliseum for the opening session.

The retreat officially opened with the Holy Rosary, followed by the Holy Mass, opening worship, and the prologue session titled “To Galilee! Where It All Began.” Anchored on Matthew 28:8-10, the session emphasized Galilee’s significance—both as the place where Mary gave her fiat and where Jesus called His apostles, transforming them into fishers of men. Participants were invited to reflect on their personal “Galilee”—the moment or place where they first encountered Christ in a transformative way.

The second day centered on the theme “Rejoicing Beyond the Empty Tomb” and posed a key question: “How are we living the Resurrection?” Participants were encouraged to embrace new beginnings, whether through service, personal growth, or a deeper commitment to faith.

A central message of the session was the importance of breaking free from “large stones”—the obstacles of comfort, fear, and complacency—that hinder spiritual growth. Special emphasis was given to Mary as a model of discipleship, highlighting her role as the “Star of the New Evangelization.”

An activity encouraged participants to reflect on their first personal encounter with Christ, identifying the specific moment, place, or experience that deepened their faith. The session called on everyone to nurture intimacy with Christ and to be ready to share His love with others.

The retreat concluded with the final session, “Re-commissioning: From Galilee to the Nations.” Participants were reminded of their mission to live out their faith with humility, patience, and love, fostering unity and peace within their communities. A key takeaway was the importance of forgiveness—a virtue that allows believers to serve with sincerity and humility.

This year’s MLWR was particularly special as it coincided with my birthday—an occasion made even more meaningful by the fact that March 15 is also the birthday of CFC President and Chairman Tito Jo Yamamoto. The celebration continued at Alavar Restaurant, where we enjoyed curacha, a well-known Zamboanga delicacy.

As the retreat ended, the message remained clear: Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee! (Eddelyn D. Gupeteo | Photos: CFC)