“In the One, we are one” (1 John 1:3-4) was the theme of a Couples for Christ “Mensa Christi” regional retreat held May 22-23 in Saskatoon. Couples for Christ is an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement linked to the Vatican through the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and led by an international council based in the Philippines.
The 2026 Central Region Theme Weekend focused on unity — communion with Christ and with each other — and included worship, talks, fellowships, and time for personal encounter with the Lord.
Speakers during the retreat in Saskatoon included Ricky Ysonza, Boboy Santos, Leo Amat, and Michael “Shok” Ariola, who explored the theme in four sessions emphasizing healing, renewal, and belonging in Christ; building a home grounded in love and peace; responding to the call to listen, serve and forgive; and finding true joy in the Lord’s presence.
Mass with Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen was celebrated Saturday morning, May 23. Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando, Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino, Fr. Arnold Bolima, and Fr. Clement Arthur of the Diocese of Saskatoon concelebrated Mass with the bishop, along with Fr. George Canto from the Diocese of Prince Albert.
In his homily, Bishop Hagemoen thanked members of Couples for Christ for their witness. While serving as a priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, he became aware of the work of Couples for Christ and the various groups associated with it, Hagemoen said.
“I have come to appreciate — and indeed to rely — in my pastoral work as a priest and now as a bishop, on the great faith and missionary zeal of Couples for Christ.” The family-based international Catholic organization is responding to the missionary call to spread the Gospel, Hagemoen affirmed.
“This missionary zeal is very much affected by the need for the Gospel,” he said. “The need is great and the issues that we face in our world … are also great, and we need to witness the light of Christ and illumine our human dignity, to illumine our family and communities.”
Reflecting on the scriptures for the day, the bishop stressed that God created humanity for communion, grounded in the community of the Holy Trinity.
“Thank you for your communion with Christ, and with the Church, and for your communion with your families, and how you support Catholic Christian family life in all your various activities, ” he said, urging: “Continue to carry out those with zeal and with great joyful enthusiasm.”
