MEFAM Advances Continuing Formation for Couples

TORIL, DAVAO CITY — The Marriage Encounter Family Apostolic Ministries (MEFAM) is moving forward with its continuing formation for married couples, with a Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) set to begin on September 20 and the next Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar (MEWS) scheduled for October 24–25, 2026.

These plans were discussed during the MEFAM Meeting with its Spiritual Director, Fr. Jesus H. Samaniego, held on September 13, 2026, at the Sto. Rosario Parish Office.

The meeting began at 2:45 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Brod. Jumar Racho, MEFAM Lay Head Shepherd, who presented the ministry’s recent accomplishments.

James 5 MEWS and 12 Sundays Reunion

Brod. Jumar reported on the June 6–7, 2026 James 5 MEWS held at St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary Parish (SMPRP), Buhangin. Of the 18 couples who initially expressed interest during recruitment, eight couples participated in the actual weekend seminar.

The succeeding 12 Sundays Reunion Activities ran from June 14 to August 30, with six of the eight graduate couples completing the program. The reunion provides continuing psycho-social-spiritual formation designed to deepen couple relationships and strengthen married life.

LSS and James 6 MEWS

Fr. Jess approved the conduct of the Life in the Spirit Seminar for James 5 graduates and MEFAM members who have not yet undergone the formation. It will begin on September 20 at San Isidro Labrador Chapel, Ciudad de Esperanza, Cabantian.

The meeting also discussed the participation of a newly affiliated MEFAM couple from a non-Catholic Christian background. Fr. Jess approved their participation in the LSS lectures, allowing them to learn from Catholic teachings on faith and Christian life, while recognizing that particular activities of the seminar have specific requirements, including Catholic baptism where applicable.

Meanwhile, the next James 6 MEWS is scheduled for October 24–25, 2026, at SMPRP, Buhangin. A formal request will be prepared for the activity.

Strengthening Communion with ACLAIM

Fr. Jess also shared an update from Fr. Marbendear Morallas, ACLAIM Spiritual Director, regarding the updating of membership among affiliated lay religious communities. The initiative encourages communities to regularly share their activities, plans, and programs with the Archdiocese, strengthening communion and synodality.

Fr. Jess likewise assured MEFAM members that they may coordinate with him anytime for continued guidance and spiritual direction.

Continuing the MEFAM Mission

Founded on July 25, 2015, by the St. James Support Group – Marriage Encounter St. Peter Series of Davao, MEFAM is a transparochial Marriage Encounter apostolate pioneered at St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary Parish, Buhangin.

Introduced in September 2015 by then FLA Spiritual Director Fr. Orlando Angelia, MEFAM was recognized as an affiliate of the Family and Life Apostolate (FLA) to assist in post-Cana programs in the parishes.

Since then, MEFAM has conducted Marriage Weekend Seminars in SMPRP Buhangin, Sacred Heart Parish Calinan, and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish Indangan.

The September 13 meeting ended with a final prayer and blessing by Fr. Jess and was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

MEFAM continues its journey of accompanying couples, strengthening marriages, and building Christian families through continuing formation and community. (Jesse Hipolito)