
On 1 February 2025, Couples for Christ Western Australia (CFC-WA) gathered for a powerful and spirit-filled retreat to embrace the new theme for the year: “Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee.”
This much-anticipated event brought together members from the North, South, Southwest, and East & Regional Chapters, starting the year by strengthening our faith and deeper commitment to Christ.


The retreat began with the South Chapter Music Ministry leading the community in a gathering song, followed by a short teaching of the 2025 theme song, “Rejoice, Take Courage, Return to Galilee.” While we practiced, our hearts were already opening to the powerful message of the day.


Before leading the Praise and Worship, Bro. Kit, our Cluster Head, took a moment to reflect on the past five years or so, of the CFC themes. This nostalgic walk through our journey reminded us that while each theme carried a unique message, they all interwove to guide us back to the heart of our faith—just as Jesus instructed His disciples to return to Galilee after His resurrection.


Exploring Galilee with Fr. Christian Saminal, OSJ
The retreat’s highlight was the insightful talk given by Retreat Master Fr. Christian Saminal from St. Damien Parish in Dawesville. He began by inviting everyone to reflect on our emotions at that very moment—responses ranged from joy and gratitude to a sense of renewal. He encouraged the community to own those emotions as part of our personal faith journey.


Fr. Christian then asked us, to investigate the final chapters of the Gospels—Matthew 28, Luke 24, Mark 16, and John 21. He posed the questions: Why do we need to go back to Galilee? What is Galilee? What did the disciples experience there?
Through deep reflection and shared insights, we recognized Galilee as more than just a place—it was a spiritual home, a place of encounter with Jesus, a place of transformation. Among those who shared were Bro Deo, Bro Melvin, Sis Ai and Sis Julie.



The Significance of Returning to Galilee
Fr. Christian expounded on the powerful meaning of returning to Galilee:
Galilee was where Jesus performed many miracles, called His disciples, and built their faith.
The disciples, after Jesus’ death, were scattered, lost, and afraid—but the angel and Jesus Himself told them, “Go to Galilee, and there you will see me. Do not be afraid.”
Returning to Galilee meant going back to the moment of first love with Christ, rekindling faith, and stepping into renewed mission.



Faith, Fear, and Mission
Fr. Christian shared personal experiences, including his own fears before becoming a priest, likening them to the fear that the disciples had. He reminded us that even priests and leaders face doubts and insecurities, but trusting in God’s calling brings transformation.
He challenged the community to reflect on our spiritual journey:
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Are we still in the early stages of faith, like “L-plate” drivers, hesitant to step up?
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Are we growing in faith and courage, ready to take the microphone and lead others to Christ?
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Are we just attending Mass, or are we truly encountering Christ and responding to His call?
Using the analogy of a driver’s license, he encouraged CFC members to progress from being passive learners (disciples) to active missionaries (apostles), ready to share the faith.
A Personal Galilee for Everyone
Fr. Christian emphasized that Galilee is not just a physical place—it is a state of heart and mind. It is where we first encountered Christ, where we felt His love, and where we can always return when our faith wavers.
He shared a moving story about an inmate he met during a prison Bible study—how the man, despite years of feeling lost, found God in the most unexpected place. The inmate realized that God had never abandoned him; rather, He had been waiting for the right moment to reveal Himself.
What is your Galilee? This question resonated deeply with everyone present, urging us to reflect on our personal journey of faith.


Final Reflections & Takeaways
To conclude the retreat, Bro. Kit invited us to share our reflections:
Bro. Wayne: Encouraged everyone to share their faith and not let their light go to waste.
Bro. Rey: Reminded us that when facing challenges in service, always return to our Galilee, whether that’s our first CFC Christian Life Program or our personal covenant with Christ.
Sis. Junz: Shared that her Galilee is the CFC community—a place where she encountered God through the love and support of her brothers and sisters in Christ.
The retreat ended with a prayer of thanksgiving and a joyful closing song, “Oh What Praise” by Liveloud Worship played by the South Chapter Music Ministry.


A Celebration of Fellowship
After the retreat, we all gathered for a joyous fellowship, sharing food, laughter, and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ. The overflowing joy reflected the theme’s call: Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee.
As we step into 2025, let us carry this message in our hearts—to never lose sight of where we first met Christ, to take courage in our mission, and to rejoice in the journey ahead.
What is your Galilee? Where is Christ calling you back to? Let us continue to walk in faith, embracing His call with open hearts. See you at our next CFC gathering!
P.S.
Browse more photos below. You can also click the “Praise & Worship” tab for more!
P.P.S.
Thank you Sis Rymer, Sis Ralou, Sis Icile, Sis Ruchelle, Sis Ritchel, and Bro William for the photos.
#CFCWA #RejoiceTakeCourageReturnToGalilee #FaithJourney #CommunityOfFaith
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Doni Diaz de Rivera
CFC-WA South Chapter Youth For Christ Couple Coordinator