Madrid, Spain - After a mild and pleasant autumn, the day of the tenth and last Marriage and Family seminar, Dec. 19, 2009, dawned bitterly cold and windy. It would have been a good day to stay home and keep warm. The first speaker canceled because of family illness. Still, by the time the choir started singing Christmas carols, the room was full.
The first speaker was supposed to have been from the Women's Association of the Filipino Community in Madrid, but her father was in the hospital so she unable to attend.
I opened with a presentation on the theme of the Family and Society, emphasizing the value of the family as a model for healthy social relationships. The family is the main pillar and fundamental institution of society. Furthermore, it is the school of love, according to the teachings of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
The next speaker was Mrs. Rosa María Jiménez, president of the Association for the Education and Formation of Personality and Human Relations. She gave a wonderful lecture on the family and social relationship, including much practical guidance about relationships among family members and their influence in society.
Mr. Armando Lozano, director of UP-Spain, presented an Ambassador for Peace certificate to Mrs. Katia Núñez Castillo, President of the Quisqueya Dominican Republic Association. They offer art and technology education for young people and adults from the Dominican Republic who are living in Spain.
I then gave background information about the conflict on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, describing the three main groups that are conflict and recent violence related to elections.
By the time the Chorus of the Mil Caminos Association began singing Christmas carols, more than 50 people all together. With their recital of holiday music, the atmosphere became a Christmas celebration, as people shared love and friendship. We gave Christmas presents to all the speakers and chorus.
We ended the seminar by lighting candles and praying for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao. Four representatives of various religions offered sincere prayers for an end to the conflict that has been ongoing for more than 40 years.
Mr. Armando Lozano gave the closing remarks after which we shared a toast for peace, wishing each other peace and love for the coming Christmas season and for the New Year 2010.