CFC Australia - Melbourne, Victoria

08/09/2026

08/07/2026

Pope Leo has sent an Apostolic Blessing and a personal message to Couples for Christ (CFC) as the Philippines-born Catholic family ministry celebrated its 45th anniversary.

Founded in 1981 in Manila as an outreach of the charismatic community ‘Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon’ ("Joy of the Lord"), CFC has grown into one of the world's largest Catholic lay movements dedicated to strengthening family life and evangelization. Recognized by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Laity in 2000, the organization today has about one million members across its various ministries and serves in all 81 provinces and dioceses of the Philippines as well as 163 countries.

The anniversary celebrations culminated in a Mass at New Clark City Stadium, where more than 37,000 faithful gathered, making it one of the largest events in the movement's history.

During the Eucharistic celebration, Dario Gervasi read Pope Leo's message, conveying the Pontiff's closeness and blessing to the movement.

Celebrating under the theme "In the One, We Are One," the gathering highlighted CFC's enduring mission of building Christ-centered families and forming lay missionaries committed to supporting the Church's evangelizing mission around the world.

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05/05/2026

We sometimes think faith requires us to rise above our emotions and act only on belief. Other times, we let emotions take over, thinking they define us.

But emotions are neither our enemies nor our masters. They are God’s gift, shaping how we encounter Him. When rightly ordered, they help us rejoice in what is true, good, and pleasing in our Father’s eyes.

As we grow in faith, our emotions serve a greater purpose: deepening our response to God’s grace and helping us recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

📜 Source: Fruit of the Spirit

24/04/2026

In every family, challenges will always be part of the journey. We face misunderstandings, weaknesses, and moments that test our patience. But we also know this truth: love has the power to overcome anything ❤️

No family is conflict-free. We bump into each other because we live so close to each other’s hearts. Challenges don’t mean we’re failing. They mean we’re growing together!

11/04/2026

Our prayers and warmest congratulations to our dear Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ on his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst. Praise God! 🙏❤️😇

With prayerful gratitude I welcome the announcement that the Holy Father has appointed Most Reverend René Ramirez RCJ as Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst.

Bishop René has already given generous and dedicated service to the Church in Australia, and most recently to the Archdiocese of Melbourne as Auxiliary Bishop for our northern region. While his time with us as a bishop has been brief, it has been marked by a deep pastoral charity, a missionary spirit, and a gift for fostering renewal in parish and community life. He has been an invaluable presence among us.

Born in Gapan in the Philippines and ordained a priest in 1998, Bishop René has brought to his ministry a rich experience shaped by formation, leadership, and service across the Philippines, Rome, and Australia. His work in formation, communications, and parish leadership, along with his commitment to nurturing vocations and building vibrant faith communities, has been evident throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry .

It is with a sense of real sadness that we prepare to farewell Bishop René from Melbourne. In a short time, he has become a much-loved shepherd, offering wise leadership, joyful witness, and attentive care to clergy and faithful alike. His contribution to our Archdiocese, including his role in preparing for our forthcoming Synod, has been significant and deeply appreciated.

At the same time, we rejoice with the people of the Diocese of Sandhurst. They are receiving a bishop of great faith, pastoral experience, and missionary zeal. Bishop René already knows the Sandhurst diocese well through his recent service in Shepparton South, Nagambie, and Rushworth, and I am confident he will continue to serve them with generosity and love.

I assure Bishop René of my prayers and the prayers of the people of Melbourne as he prepares to take up this new responsibility. May the Lord who has begun this good work in him bring it to fulfilment, and may the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the people entrusted to his care.

We entrust Bishop René and the Diocese of Sandhurst to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.

05/04/2026