Christian life community (CLC) National Convention 2012

CEBU, Philippines - Fourteen delegates from the Sacred Heart Parish CLC representing the Sacred Heart CLC, Barkada ni Kristo, and the Lumen Christi I, II, and III, attended the CLC National Convention in San Pablo City last October 20-21. They were accompanied by Fr. Ben Sim, the Parish Priest, their Ecclesiastical Assistant (EA) and Community Guide.

The theme of the Convention was "Celebrating Mary's Fiat: Mary, Model of our Collaboration in Christ's Mission."

170 delegates from all over the country converged in San Pablo City, Laguna, about two-hours ride south of Manila. The Convention was held in Casa San Pablo. The age of the participants ranged from 14, a high school student, to 96 year old Ka Lope, who has never missed a Convention or Assembly. More than one half of the delegates were young people. They made the Convention very lively.

There was the joy of reunion among the senior members most of whom started with the CLC during their student days, and who are now grandparents. The great number of youth in the Convention gave a refreshing and dynamic atmosphere to the Convention. They never seem to run out of energy!

The session on Saturday, Oct. 20, started with the usual introduction and the orientation talk on the “Role of Mary in the CLC - Journeying to Christ through Mary." Then the delegates went on a pilgrimage to five Marian shrines in five churches around San Pablo City.

In the afternoon, the delegates signed up for one of the three concurrent workshops: 1. Mary in Art and Literature, 2. Mary in Songs and Music, and 3. Images of Mary. Each session was followed by reflection with guided questions.

At the end of the sessions, the delegates made a procession to the San Roque Church where Fr. Ben Sim presided at a Mass in honor of Mary, with Fr. Tony de Castro, S.J., the National EA, and Fr. Denny Toledo, S.J. concelebrating.

At the end of the day, despite the double power interruption, spirited socials ensued. The Lumen Christi of Cebu contributed an energetic dance and a song number. The games and activities were so engaging that the Socials ended past midnight.

The second day started at 8:30 A.M. with a Praise and Action song led by the senior but energetic dancing ladies of the Cadena de Amor CLC of San Pablo City. The main session was on "Living out our Marian Devotion" - beyond religiosity to spirituality. After that, a wrap-up, synthesis, and evaluation. Fr. Tony de Castro, the National EA. presided the culminating liturgy. Then the final lunch.

A number of the senior delegates departed for Manila after lunch to avoid the Sunday traffic, while practically all the youth joined in a tour of San Pablo City.

The San Pablo National Convention marks another star in the journey of the CLC Philippines. The youth were inspired by the senior members. The seniors enjoyed their remeniscing and also fired-up by the energetic youth. CLC continues to progress in its mission with Christ in the company of Mary.

The Cebu CLC would like to congratulate the San Pablo CLC for a job well done.

Shoutouts to the NCR-CLC for their hospitality and their generosity in taking care of the delegates.

The delegates would also like to express their deep gratitude to their friends and benefactors.

God bless all of you! God bless the CLC! (FREEMAN)