Part 3: Practical Ways to Care for Marriage

In concluding the session, Sr. Melanie shared some practical ways to care for marriage. She explained that marriage banns are there to ascertain the freedom of the parties from any impediment as well as to encourage the community to support the young couples.

 Marriages are strengthened when:

• families support other families
• support systems are available like Marriage Encounters (ME), retreats for couples and BECs
• additional support such as marriage counselling or referrals by Parish Office for couples in trouble are made available.
• the community prays for troubled marriages instead of spreading rumours. She cautioned that gossiping can make troubled marriages to worsen.
  

Sr. Melanie concluded her talk by emphasizing that good marriages strengthen the community.

She said that marriage is a journey couples make to help each other get to heaven. She reminded all that ‘the Lord does not demand that we be successful but rather faithful”.

Comments from audience

Many commented that it was a good reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the need to be faithful to each other in good and bad times – always putting the spouse’s and family’s interest ahead of one’s own. Most felt that they had a better understanding of the strict laws on divorce and separation. It was indeed very informative and enlightening.