Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao - Archbishop of Goa and Daman

Most Rev. Bishop Agnelo Gracias - Bishop of Mumbai, Chairman CCBI Family Comm.

William & Esilda Cheng – Presidents ICCFM

Rev. Father Jose Majadas - Chaplain ICCFM

Rev. Father Aquilio Gomes - Parish Priest, Taleigao

Distinguished guests, International delegates, fellow CFM families past and present, Wellwishers, benefactors, parisioners of Taleigao,

In July 2007 three years back, 28th July to be precise, at the conclusión of the X World Assembly in Fatima, Portugal, the announcement of the venue for the XI World Assembly was made. India was announced as the next destination. Loud cheers arose.

With the assistance and blessings of Almighty God through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, patronage and encouragement of the Diocesan authorities, thanks to the generosity of our well wishers, donors, benefactors, support from the various Govt. Offices, and the hard work of all the CFM families of India, today we gather in this Community Hall at Taleigao in Goa, to mark the commencement of the XI World Assembly of Families and the XV General Assembly of the ICCFM. So let us echo the cheers from 2007 once again today.

We are privileged to have had His Grace Archbishop Flipe Neri Ferrao with us today as the main celebrant at the inaugural Eucharistic celebration. His Grace is very supportive to the CFM and immediately consented to the organising of this Assembly in the archdiocese when approached. We Thank Your Grace for your presence, support and prayers. Ladies and gentlemen do join us in welcoming His Grace Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao.

Bishop Agnelo Gracias is associated with the CFM for many years. As Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Families Bishop Agnelo always is a part of all CFM events and celebrations. Your lordship, we are glad to have you with us at this XI World Assembly of Families.

We extend a warm and hearty welcome to the ICCFM President Couple William & Esilda Cheng and to the ICCFM chaplain Fr. Jose Majadas from Panama. With your guidance and advise this Assembly has been formulated.

Everyone has a guardian angel. The CFM also has one in Taleigao. Fr. Aquilio parish priest of Taleigao has been a guardian angel in helping us to get many of the requirements organised. We are grateful for this help and dear Father we are very happy to have you participate in this Assembly.

( Any other dignitaries present that need to be acknowledged)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is our pleasure to welcome the delegates – both international as well as the delegates from India, past CFM families / members, members from other family movements and all the parisioners of Taleigao. Your presence here today tells us of your commitment and support to the cause of the family.

The presence of the Continental and Country leaders needs to be acknowledged in a special way:

Msgr. Charles Vella - Past ICCFM Chaplain tenure of 25 years

Nop and Elma Muangkroot – Former ICCFM Presidents for term of 6 years

Tony and Lilli Gaucci - ICCFM Representatives to the United Nations

Gary and Kay Aitchison – Former North America Continental Presidents & nominees for presidency

John and Laurie Przybyz - Continental Presidents North America

Rosalinda Campos & Jorge Carillo Lopez – Nominees for presidency

Martha and Carlos – Presidents MFC Latin America

Hector and Maria Rodrigues - Vice Presidents MFC Venezuela

Mel and Emma Ricafrente - Asia Continental Presidents

Donald and Ester Singh - Vice Presidents CFM Asia

Msgr. Manuel Gabriel Garcia – Chaplain CFM Asia

Fr. Arul Raj - National Chaplain CFM India.

The logo is an essential and vital part of any event. It gives identity, depicts the objectives and gives meaning and depth to the event. The logo we have for this XI World Assembly is no exception. It has been admired and appreciated by all. The creator of this logo is a young, soft spoken, very simple young man pursuing his studies in fine arts and priesthood. Ladies and gentlemen do appreciate Brother Alvito. We request Brother Alvito to please come up and accept a token of appreciation for his work.

It is our pleasure on behalf of CFM India to welcome you all today. We appreciate and thank you for your prayers, presence and support.