"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate". - Mathew 19:6
When everyone around was busy and lost in the celebrations of Valentine's day, St Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish Airoli was taking love, one step forward and planning to celebrate World Marriage Day. World Marriage day?? What is it??
Something that began in 1981, received the Apostolic Blessings of Pope John Paul II, in the year 1993. The World Marriage day celebrations since then have expanded all over the world and is celebrated on the second Sunday of February.
Under the leadership of our dear Parish Priest Fr Samuel, the Women's Cell core team began preparing for the World Marriage day celebrations. Right from invitations to liturgical preparations and a get together for all couples, was meticulously done.
On Saturday 15th February, 40 couples dressed in red and black and with broad smiles on their faces, were present in Church looking forward to a liturgical celebration and a renewal of their marriage vows. The melodious choir, the powerful sermon by Fr Samuel and active participation of the couples must have surely put a smile on the face of Jesus. This was followed by a celebration on the church building terrace.
Church building terrace, did I say!! Ah, climbing is such a task! But to make this herculean task joyful, beautiful wedding pictures of the couples were displayed on the walls, next to the steps that led to the terrace. It was a delight to see the couples wait and watch each other's pictures and share a laugh. It was almost like an art museum, with every wedding picture telling their own story.
On the terrace, everything was set right. To begin with the march, to the slicing of the cake by the oldest and youngest couple, it felt like a wedding reception. The comperes Mr Joe and Ms Rachael, kept the spirits high with loads of games, dance and humour. A picture with Pope Francis ( a cut out offcourse) was like a personal take away. It was wonderful to see the couples behave like lovebirds, something that they shy away from, in the presence of their children. They played every game, bringing in a different personal charm. A refreshing juice and tasty dinner brought a perfect end to this celebration.
In the hustle bustle of life and making everything perfect for everyone, married couples often forget to celebrate themselves and their love. Such celebrations enkindle that lost spark and make the bond of love stronger. Pope Francis has rightly, said that marriage is a gift from God, and that families are based on the union of a man and a woman. A happy committed married couple make a happy family. We need more such happy married couples who can be a role model to the younger generation, where we see the institution of marriage not be taken seriously.
Valentine's day is celebrated as a day of love, but even St Valentine too married couples who were in love....right?
I close this note with a quote from the Word of God where we read:
“Above all these things, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
- Colossians 3: 14
A wish and a prayer for every family. May the love of Jesus Christ bless us and keep us united always.
-Reema Vaz
