17 October 2013 – The Couples for Christ Lebanon, a church-based group composed mostly of Filipino migrants, celebrated their 14th Anniversary of Foundation in Lebanon last October 13 at the Sports Club of the Collège Notre Dame De Jamhour in Mount Lebanon.
To show its support for the organization, the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), namely Vice Consul Dennis John Briones, Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong, Welfare Officer Imelda Gatinao, Information Officer Edwin Batallones, OWWA Staff Joselito Sunga and POLO driver William Marvida attended the whole day anniversary celebration, which featured cheering and sports competitions plus fun games.
Also present to support the event were Fr. Martin McDermott SJ and Rev. Fr. Louis Taoutel SJ, the respective parish priests of the St. Joseph Church in Tabaris in Achrafieh and St. Elie Church in Antelias in Metn, where many Filipinos congregate to hear mass on Sundays. Other members of the Filipino community were also present to witness the CFC sports event.
The celebration started early in the morning with a thanksgiving mass at the St. Joseph Church, where the organization is based. After the mass, everyone proceeded to the venue, the Collège Notre Dame De Jamhour Sports Club. The brief opening program commenced with the parade of the members of the Couples for Christ, with the special participation of the Singles for Christ Group, who formed four competing teams, the Yellow, Orange, Green and Turquoise teams. The cheering competition followed the parade and, shortly before lunchtime, the 400-meter relay, volleyball, basketball, football and other fun games started. The series of competitions concluded with a Bible Quiz, also participated in with much enthusiasm by the four teams.
The officers and staff of POLO/OWWA Beirut also took the opportunity to do an outreach activity by offering services, such as renewal of OWWA membership and counseling.
The awarding of trophies and prizes to the winning teams and a special blessing and prayers led by Fr. McDermott concluded the daylong celebration. END