NBVM Novena DAY 9: Married Couples
Today marks the 9th Day of Novena for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The multilingual mass was presided by Rev Fr. Ryan with the theme Married Couples where he mentioned that married life is a beautiful journey if you understand the meaning of marriage. Fr. Ryan highlighted on 4 points, firstly the Sacrament of Matrimony where God chooses a suitable partner for you emphasizing that they become not two but one and the two of them become one flesh and one body.
Genesis 2:18
“It is not good for a man to be alone, I will make a suitable partner for him.”
Secondly, he emphasized a message from Pope Francis addressed to married couples quoting Amoris Laetitia saying that God is present always with you in joys and difficulties of your married life. He explains on the constant presence of Jesus in today’s family life and that by virtue of the Sacrament of Matrimony, Jesus is present in your family boat even in all your problems, pain, sorrows, joys, weaknesses and strengths.
Mark 4:39-40
“They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are lost!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and there followed a great calm. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? Have you still no faith?”
Thirdly, God is present in procreation where God blesses married couples with children who are a gift from God. Essentially, parents are responsible for their children’s growth, education and sharing the agape love and Christian life. This is because children seek from parents the signs of strong and reliable love.
Fourthly, Fr mentions that God is present in your family prayer when you forgive and accept one another. Despite all the ups and downs, mistakes, anger and hurting each other, one can still pray together asking for grace, guidance, peace, forgiveness and healing. Fr reminded all married couples to not be afraid to ask forgiveness from their spouses as it heals wounds.
Finally, Fr reminded everyone that God is not cruel or punishing but He is a loving and forgiving God and He wants us to be saved through Jesus Christ. One must take initiative to forgive, accept and bring healing and not wait for others. We should act on behalf of God by reaching out to those who have hurt or wounded us.
Blessing of Married Couples
Procession, adoration and benediction
After Mass, the procession commenced, joined by the entire congregation as everyone lit their candles and walked around the church compound while singing hymns and reciting the rosary to our Beloved Mother.
Adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament took place once the congregation returned to the church which marked the end of today’s celebration.
