Marriage Encounter Foundation celebrates 50th anniversary
The most active marriage enrichment lay organization, the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines (MEFP), celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first ever Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar (MEWS) in the Philippines, held on Oct. 3 to 5, 1969, by Fr. Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ, with then president-couple of the Christian Family Movement, Sito(+)-Sony Sison as team couple.
The anniversary celebration takes place today, Oct. 5, at Crown Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel in Ortigas Center, QC.
Fr. Tanseco founded the MEFP and acted as its national spiritual director with the mantra “couples should be the best of friends and passionate lovers.”
MEFP’s president-couple Robert and Tinette Aventajado said the celebration is a homecoming for all couples who have undergone the marriage encounter weekend seminar and marriage encounter communities that trace their roots to 1969.
At today’s event, the initial findings of the MEFP’s 50th Anniversary Legacy Project, a nationwide survey and study on the changing landscape of marriage and family life conducted by the University of Asia and the Pacific, will be presented.
The Aventajados said it is important to know why there seems to be a high level of civil marriages, cohabitation, actual or virtual separation of parents for various reasons, and virtual divorce.
MEFP commissioned the survey hoping for a better understanding of the mindset on marriage of Filipinos of various ages and social classes. The MEFP’s goal is to help everyone address the deteriorating family life situation in the Philippines more efficiently, effectively, in a long-term and sustainable manner. And with the belief that marital spirituality and the exchange of feelings — through dialogue and empathy — play an important part of the solutions.
Boac Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr., chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, will deliver a message during the occasion.
The event’s highlight is a tribute to MEFP founder Fr. Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ, as thanksgiving for touching the lives of countless married couples through the marriage encounter apostolate.
The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, will celebrate Mass and is guest of honor and speaker.
Smart-PLDT and San Miguel Corporation, who have long supported the MEFP’s advocacy, are the event’s gold sponsors. Other sponsors are RNA Corporation, Hotel Gracelane in Pampanga, Majestic Rice, PAGCOR, Villar Foundation, RII Builders, SM Foundation, and VB Columna Construction.
The celebration begins at 1 p.m. at Crown Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel in Ortigas Center, QC