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Couples for Christ (CFC) marked its 28th anniversary last Sunday with a Mass of thanksgiving at St Benet’s Hall, Mount St Benedict, celebrating nearly three decades of evangelisation and family ministry in Trinidad and Tobago.
Chief celebrant Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon preached on the Sunday’s Gospel of John 1:29–34, drawing attention to the identity and mission of Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
“The title ‘Christ’ is not Jesus’ last name,” Archbishop Gordon explained. “It is His designation. Jesus is the Anointed One of God.” He said that the image of the lamb recalls the Exodus story of the flight from Egypt—the unblemished sacrifice, deliverance from slavery, and God’s saving presence among His people. “Christ existed before all time. He is the Word made flesh, the Lamb who redeems.”
Reflecting on the role of Church movements such as CFC, the Archbishop said their purpose was not accidental but providential. “New movements arise in the Church for a specific time and purpose,” he noted. “They are an act of the Holy Spirit to awaken the Church to evangelisation.”
He challenged members to see their identity not simply as participants in a church group, but as intentional disciples. In the Gospel reading, “John the Baptist could not contain what he experienced. No one had to tell him what to do. He had encountered the Christ,” he said. “That is what you are called to—to witness in your families, workplaces, and communities.”
Archbishop Gordon stressed that today’s world urgently needs missionary disciples, particularly in the face of weakening family life, loneliness among the young and elderly, and a growing loss of meaning.
“We are living in a time of great volatility,” adding, “people are searching.” Those who belong to ‘Gen Z’ want “something solid” in a culture of “fluidity” and “they’re tired of social media, and the hype, and hunger for truth.”
He warned that while the universal Church will endure, local churches depend on committed disciples. “There are places where churches no longer exist. The Church survives where people live their faith intentionally.”
Calling CFC’s mission “vital” for the present age, he urged members to respond boldly. “This is your time. The family needs you.” He ended, joking, “Get up off your….off your….chairs, and get to the mission God entrusted to you.”
Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP, spiritual director of CFC Trinidad and Tobago, concelebrated the Mass. He acknowledged the presence of Sr Thérèse Dookeran OP as the “mother of CFC” locally and affirmed the new national leadership of Dr Neil and Claire Peters, along with regional leaders Mark and Wendy Poon Tip, the first non-Filipino representatives on the international body.
Before anointing and blessing CFC leaders, Archbishop Rivas encouraged members to remain courageous in their witness. He suggested to the Peters that pilgrimages be organised to the churches in the Archdiocese dedicated to St Francis of Assisi in this special Year of St Francis (January 10, 2026 –January 10, 2027), as declared by Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Rivas said he was willing to attend.
Giving brief remarks, Neil Peters shared that the Global CFC marks its 45th anniversary in 2026 under the theme, In the One, we are one!
Before the final blessing, long-serving members Earl and Ann Taylor, were presented with an apostolic blessing for their wedding anniversary. The couple celebrated 56 years of marriage on August 3, 2025. —RS
