Mother’s Union
30th Anniversary
This past Sunday was Mother’s Day in Madagascar, as well as in much of Africa. Happy Mother’s Day! This year is especially meaningful for the Diocese of Mahajanga, as the women begin a yearlong celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Mother’s Union in the diocese.
The Mother’s Union in Mahajanga continues to live out the vision of the global organization, focusing its ministry on women and families through prayer, worship, and service. Among its five key objectives, two stand out in particular: promoting conditions in society that support stable family life and the protection of children and promoting and supporting married life. One of the ways the Mother’s Union is strengthening families is by helping young Christian couples have a Christian wedding, so that through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, God may bless their relationship.
You may remember that in a previous article I shared that one priest has officiated only two weddings in his 25 years of ministry! This is not because Christian couples are not getting married, but because many simply cannot afford the legal fee ($15 CDN) and the cost of two gold rings ($85 CDN). Culturally, only gold rings are considered appropriate for the sacrament, leaving most couples able to complete only the civil portion of marriage.
This year Darrell and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. The foundational ingredient in our marriage is our relationship with the Lord – as we each draw closer to Him, we draw closer to each other. As much as we love one another, we know that marriage can be challenging as we navigate the ups and downs of life. But the Lord promises to love us and we know that “for all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). It is vital that young Christian couples include the Lord in their relationship and a critical step in doing so is entering a Christianmarriage.
Please join me in praying for young Christian couples - that they would lean on the Lord for all things and love one another with the love God has for them. If you would like to financial support a Mahajanga wedding, please use one of the links below: