GOL’S JOURNEY OF LOVE THROUGH TIME

A community of more than a hundred dedicated couples united by a shared commitment to grow spiritually in Christ-centered marriages, striving to stand resilient against the challenges of modern times—such is the foundation of the Gospel of Love (GOL) Marriage Enrichment Community. Founded as a Catholic non-stock, non-political, and non-profit corporation, the community was born out of a deep desire to create a sanctuary for families—families united by the Word of God and driven by the principles of the 3Ts: Time, Talent, and Treasure.

How it began

The roots of GOL stretch back to the Alpha Zeta ME Tuklasan Valenzuela Sector, to which its founding members first belonged. Driven by a shared desire to immerse themselves closer to home and serve their own parish, they regrouped under the name “Gospel of Love Marriage Encounter Community Inc.” (or simply GOL ME). Its first major project, the M.E. Weekend Seminar at Paradise Resort in Malolos, Bulacan, was a pivotal event that honed GOL’s capacity to hold yearly live-in marriage encounter seminars. This would not have been possible without the new Gospel of Love Module developed by GOL’s Founder and Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Dars Cabral.

GOL’s foundation was not only shaped by Fr. Dars Cabral but also by several dedicated couples who played key roles in spearheading the community’s early development. Among these couples were Danny and Arcy Hernandez, Nora and Resty Gomez, Arthur and Bennie Ramos, Eric and Jenny Urrutia, Gener and Tess Bonifacio, Tony and Glojie Cabral, Ernie and Didet Urbano, Willy and Baby Mendoza, Boy and Dolly Flores, Ben and Mila Mendoza, and Dolfo and Mercy Pineda. Their collective efforts and commitment were instrumental in establishing the Gospel of Love Marriage Encounter Community.

The official recognition of GOL came on July 20, 2007, when it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CN20071410. The Articles of Incorporation eloquently express the community’s mission: to “advance and promote the spiritual growth of every couple through sponsorship of ME weekend seminars, follow-up reunions, prayer assemblies, family encounters, retreats, parenting values, personal growth seminars, outreach programs, team and lay counseling programs, documentation and research, and fundraising activities to finance various apostolic projects.”

Disillusion stage, cracks surfaced

Like any journey of faith, GOL faced its share of challenges. A significant division arose within the community due to differing opinions about whether the organization should remain parish-based, focusing its activities within a single parish, or operate as a trans-parochial organization, expanding its reach to other parishes or even on a diocesan level. This difference in vision for the organization’s future created tensions that eventually led to the formation of separate entities within the community. In 2008, this division resulted in the creation of a separate entity, the Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish Marriage Encounter Community. While this split was a difficult chapter, it also reaffirmed the core values of GOL—strengthening families and promoting the Christian way of life. Both communities continue to thrive, bound by the same mission of service and love.

Changes in organization to sustain growth and attain mission

Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, asserted that change is the core essence of the universe. He famously expressed this idea by saying, “No man ever steps in the same river twice,” highlighting the constant flow and transformation in all things, where nothing ever remains unchanged. 

Thus, so with Gospel of Love.  In 2012, recognizing the need for growth and evolution, the leadership of GOL embarked on significant changes in its By-laws, inspired by the structure of other progressive marriage encounter communities and civic groups like Rotary and Lions’ clubs. These changes included the creation of a Board of Trustees composed of 16 elected Trustees led by a Couple Chairman responsible for crafting the group’s policies. Furthermore, the positions of First and Second Vice-Presidents were introduced to train and prepare future leaders for the role of President. The establishment of a Management Committee to plan and implement policies from the board was another crucial development.

To be sure, GOL’s structure is now robust, with a Chair Couple and Executive Officers at the helm, supported by a 16-member Board of Trustees. Various committees—Organization, Finance, Mass Media, Service, Formation, Liturgy, and Youth—each play a vital role in the community’s vibrant life. The community’s calendar is filled with meaningful projects: yearly Weekend M.E. Seminars, evangelization activities, scholarship programs for underprivileged students, disaster relief efforts, and a host of fundraising activities that keep the spirit of service alive.

Making GOL financially strong to pursue its vision and  mission

GOL’s ventures into businesses like Pandesalmo and peanut butter were conceptualized with the dual purpose of generating income to fund various community programs and providing members with additional livelihood opportunities. This approach drew inspiration from organizations like the Knights of Columbus, which sustain their mission through profitable ventures like their insurance business.

Today, the Gospel of Love shines brightly as a beacon of resilience and grace, a living testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of its members. Guided by a leadership devoted to nurturing future visionaries and safeguarding the enduring spirit of their mission, the community has blossomed into a haven of innovation and generosity. This spirit has birthed ventures like the bakery business, Pandesalmo, and a thriving peanut butter-making endeavor—enterprises that not only fuel the community’s initiatives but also kindle a sense of entrepreneurship and shared purpose among its members.

Thanks to the selfless and dynamic stewardship of couples like Ian and Jo Colopano, who bring their success in managing a chain of bakery shops, and Godo and Greta Candido, alongside a dedicated corps of volunteers, these enterprises flourish. Their delectable and affordable peanut butter is winning hearts both within the GOL community and beyond, with aspirations to rival popular brands in the years to come.

 

Family Center (FAMCEN):  the house that prayers and united action built

One of GOL’s most ambitious dreams is the establishment of a Family Center, envisioned to serve as a sanctuary for families needing spiritual formation and support. Launched in 2017, this project is a labor of love, slowly but steadily gathering the necessary resources to bring this vision to life. Truly, GOL is committed to nurturing God-centered families united in faith, hope, and love.

The dream of establishing a Family Center is a testament to GOL’s commitment to nurturing Christian families. This Center, while being a significant part of GOL’s vision, is not the end goal. It aligns with the group’s broader mission of fostering God-centered families. The Center will serve as a venue for the envisioned Family Academy, where couples can learn how to be responsible Christian parents, and will host seminars, recollections, meetings, and even sports activities.

GOL on air

Though the Gospel of Love once reached out to the wider public through its radio program on Radio Veritas 846, logistical challenges led to its discontinuation. Yet, the spirit of communication and outreach remains strong within the community as members continually seek new ways to connect and serve. In a world that often feels fragmented, the Gospel of Love stands as a reminder of what is possible when people come together in faith and love. As it continues to grow, the community remains dedicated to its sacred mission—to be a conduit of God’s love, fostering Christ-centered families united by their unwavering faith in our Heavenly Father. The Gospel of Love is not just a name; it is a living, breathing testament to the power of love in action.