Manila (AsiaNews) The Christian Family Movement (CFM) is celebrating its first 50 years in the service of the Filipino family. For half a century, it has sought to "promote and strengthen the growth of Christian families, evangelise families and communities, and help transform people to be witness to Christ in the world."
CFM's national chaplain Mgr Manuel G. Gabriel told AsiaNews that the movement's "charisma is family life. It is a community of families called to witness Christ and its mission is to evangelise and to be evangelised by families and communities through its family life programmes."
The prelate added that the CFM "attempts to live family-style spirituality in a highly practical way. A typical CFM unit is composed of six to eight families, with the adults meeting two evenings a month in each other's homes. Through the dynamics of group interaction, Christian values are strengthened and families reach out in action to others."
The first CFM unit was set up in September 1956 by Tony and Teresa Nieva. It is the first lay religious movement that included the entire family as members.
"The CFM," said Mgr Gabriel, "pioneered the development and delivery of family life programmes in the country" such as weekly retreats and programmes for young adults.
The organisation spearheaded the Family Rights Movement, which in 1979 came up with the Declaration of Family Rights that was eventually adopted by the government.
Its family life programmes are now promoted by many other groups and movements.
And while its main focus remains family life, it is now active in social action programmes.