Res Gestae
Challenge to couples
"I place much of my hope for the future in Marriage Encounter." – Pope John Paul II
Last month, I wrote here about my experience of marriage encounter. Partly, it was also a way of lifting a finger for the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) organizers in their campaign for more participants on the scheduled weekend encounter that month. But, it never worked. There being only one couple who signified their commitment to participate, the organizers opted to cancel the activity for obvious reasons.
This time, the WWME is intended to hold again a marriage encounter on May 8 to 10, 2009 at Mensa Domini Formation Center in Pavia, Iloilo.
The invitation came a month before so that WME couples can also send out earlier the invitation to prospect participants.
It is our prayer that many will heed the call.
For the many who have a vague idea of what a marriage encounter is all about, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:
What is Marriage Encounter?
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a positive and personal experience for couples, priest and religious, which will offer a technique of loving communication. It is not a seminar, neither is it a retreat nor marriage counseling. It's an opportunity to look deeply into each other relationship and with God. Also it's a time to share their feelings, hopes, fears, joys and frustrations. The personal reflection, and sharing with your spouse will be in the privacy of your own room. Privacy is carefully protected during the weekend. You will not be required to express your personal thoughts or feelings with the group.
WWME is a Catholic expression open to all married couples regardless of faith or religion, race, age, education or financial status.
Find out more why we say, "You don't need a weekend, you deserve one!"
Who may take the weekends?
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 luke warm, then you and your partner can bring back the warmth and luster of romance. Discover the Worldwide Marriage Encounter way of communication.
Marriage Encounter 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.
What happens during the Marriage Encounter Weekend?
An atmosphere is created in the Weekend in which the couple can concentrate exclusively on each other. A series of presentations is given by a team of couples and a priest. Each talk is carefully structured to help you look at yourself, your marriage, the Christian ideal for it, and the way it affects the world. There is a positive approach that starts with the love you already have. Then in a quiet and reflective atmosphere, WWME will help you build, expand and deepen your relationship.
Does the weekend respect the couple's privacy?
Yes! WWME emphasizes communication between husband and wife which is free from everyday distractions and tensions. You concentrate on your spouse to such an extent that you are hardly aware of the other couples who are in the Weekend too. After the presentations, the couples have time in the privacy of their own room for their own sharing. You will not be required to express your personal thoughts or feelings with the group.
Do you have to be a Catholic?
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.
Where can we get more information?
Please contact: Toto & Inday Perez - (his)+639163262881, (hers)+639208424212; Ed & Febs Brasileño - (his)+639082276152; Dan & Tess Jimenea - (his)+639286244104, (hers)+639163701755; Ed & Len Cabarles - (his)+639069060000, (hers)+639062472727; Boy & Rose Puig - (hers)+6309189424728; and Nonoy & Del Tarrosa - (his) +6303173018810, (hers)+639176025765.
For couples who think they have already known their partners, this marriage encounter is a litmus test.
Obviously, I am posing a challenge. Will you take it?