By Mercy Almeida Stellus
SELANGOR — The Church of St Jude celebrated World Marriage Day on February 12.
In addition to celebrating Mass, the parish’s Family Life Ministry created a photobooth and a Holy Family fountain beside the church office to mark the occasion. After Mass, parish priest Fr Vincent Thomas blessed the married couples and presented them with a flower and a candle, which the couples lit at the Holy Family fountain.
When asked about married life experiences, the Chans said, “Forty-four years of marriage is indeed a milestone. We made it through because of the love we share for one another.”
Mr and Mrs Augustine, who are also celebrating 44 years of marriage, shared the same sentiments. When asked what advice they would give young couples, Mrs Augustine said there must be love, mutual respect, and understanding.
“Prayer life is another important part to support a couple in staying together,” added Mrs Augustine.
Younger married couple, Gloria and Brandan Jude said, “It feels great to be living a life with someone on the same wavelength.”
Brandan’s sister, Lavanyah Ann, now married for one year, humorously said, “It feels like having an approved sleepover with your best friend.”
They, like many other young married couples, said they were inspired by their parents who may not have had an easy life in the beginning, but through all their tribulations and problems, they stuck together, always lifting their families to God in their daily family prayer.
It was a beautiful sight to see the young and the senior married couples gathering around the Holy Family fountain, saying a family prayer together as they lit and floated their tea candles in the little pond, trusting that the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus will bless their families forever.
