Sylvia Delacuesta
I have been in the Ministry of Couples for Christ for 30 years. Together with my husband, Mars Delacuesta, we attended the very first Christian Life Program that was given in the USA. CFC has put a lot of meaning to us in this earthly life. It is a “Refiners Fire” and its pastoral formation has grown and matured us in our humanity and faith. The empowerment and gifts of the Holy Spirit makes each day joyful in spite of all life’s challenges. CFC, a loving and supportive community of brothers and sisters in the Lord is truly comforting and uplifting.
Married for 40 years to my husband, Mars, who was my blind date in College in the Philippines and met again after 10 years in New York City. We are blessed with two children and a 4-year old grandson. Our daughter, Geraldine, now married to our wonderful son-in-law, Evan, an Occupational Therapist, was a former Full Time Mission Worker for CFC. Our son is a member of Singles for Christ. Our children were 7 and 2 years old when we joined CFC and they were with us in all CFC missions and activities. Both our children were born in New York and grew up in the US so when they were growing up, we made it a point to bring them to the Philippines for a family vacation so they learned our family culture and they joined CFC’s work with the Poor. Since we live in two different states, as a family, we like to be together especially on important occasions.
I worked at the United Nations, New York, for 25 years with the Under-Secretary-General at the Office of the General Assembly and Conference Services. I took early retirement and became mostly involved in CFC work and felt I was being called to serve more. I am currently serving as HOLD Coordinator for the Caribbean Region. I have volunteered my service in the HOLD Ministry for the past 22 years. Before taking the position as Administrative Support in the CFC USA Home Office, my husband and I were part of the Area Governance Team handling PFO Directorate in North Carolina. We also served as Country Coordinators of two Caribbean countries. My husband did CFC Mission Trips to Sierra Leone, Africa. In my current service, I hope that I will continue to grow more spiritually and pave my way to my eternal home with God and do the same for brethren in the community through my service.
The book of Habakkuk 3:17-18 has given me inspiration in life to be always joyful in spite of every trial that may come. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of workers has inspired me to be diligent in every endeavor; whether it be for family duties and chores, employment duties, or service in the Church or Community. His life has inspired me to always work dutifully and wholeheartedly.
My best experience of God is as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. It is not only a rewarding experience but a most joyful feeling of God’s real presence and the great privilege of distributing Holy Communion. I feel a very special bond with God who always inspires me to strive for Holiness and worthy of this calling.
