Res Gestae
Marriage encounter, a love experience for a couple
In 2005, my wife and I attended a marriage encounter at the prodding of the loving couple ChrisGem Paras who also turned out as our sponsor. The weekend encounter was held at St. Clement’s Retreat House. It started on a Friday evening and lasted Sunday afternoon.
We were only five couples who attended the encounter. Later, I realized that, indeed, it was not easy to invite couples for the marriage encounter, especially that it is a live-in experience.
Since it is paramount that couples attending the encounter have to leave their homes, their kids, their responsibilities and other commitments to give time for themselves, such challenge makes it difficult for the organizers to get attendance for the purpose.
At that time, we did not have a child yet; thus, we found it easier to decide on our case. With a bag of clothes and toiletries for two nights and two days, we jumped off for the journey.
We were only on our third year of marriage when we underwent the weekend encounter. (The program is intended preferably to couple who have been together for at least five years.) And, it was such a blessing that we have been into it that early. With short engagement (six months) before we tied a knot in marriage, that weekend encounter gave me and my wife the chance to better understand each other. We never anticipated that the series of activities that weekend would bring us to a deeper realization of how we have understood of ourselves, of what we have wanted, of what we have dreamt of, of our fears, of our happiness, of our pains, of our aspirations… not only as individual person but as one who made a commitment, a promise to love in richer or in poorer, in sickness or in health, ‘til death.
I was tempted to share here the detail of that experience, but I opted not. I don’t want to spoil the thrill of couples who have been thinking (or have received invitations) to join the encounter. But, all I can assure of future weekender-couples is that the weekend is about knowing lovingly your partner better…in the comfort of your room. Yes, you will be staying together in your private room; thus, the encounter can be likened to a second honeymoon but on its highest level…! Privacy is carefully protected during the weekend. Participants will not be required to express their personal thoughts or feelings with the group. As I said, the encounter is between you and your partner and your God.
I’m writing this because I have just received an invitation from NonoyDel Tarrosa to invite couples for the next WWME Weekend for the Archdiocese of Jaro. It will be on March 13 to 15, 2009 at the Casa Sto. Agostino, Jocson St., Arevalo, Iloilo City.
The invitation goes “the Worldwide Marriage Encounter is welcoming any church-wed couple who wants to enrich their relationship. Whether you are doing fine with your partner right now, there is more to discover, or if you are disillusioned, or lukewarm, then you and your partner can bring back the warmth and luster of romance. Discover the Worldwide Marriage Encounter way of communication.’
But the Marriage Encounter is not only for couples, it also “welcomes priests and religious who want to revitalize their relationship with the people of God and develop an even deeper appreciation for their own vocation.”
The question, however, is do you have to be a Catholic to avail of the opportunity? No! Marriage Encounter does present God as a focus for successful marriage. The teams are Catholic, and in theology of marriage as a Sacrament of the Church, but couples of any faith can benefit from it and are encouraged to attend as long as they were married in their own church.
And, while the Marriage Encounter is not for free, “no one is ever denied the opportunity to attend a weekend because of lack of funds.”
So, if you are interested or if you have heard HIS voice, harden not your hearts. Call or text Nonoy & Del at (his) +6303173018810 or (hers) +639176025765.