Ten couples from the Diocese of Chinhoyi in Zimbabwe recently came together to celebrate their wedding anniversaries in a heartwarming event. The celebration, filled with love and joy, served as an inspiration for younger men and women to learn valuable lessons from their elders.
The event took place on Saturday, 3rd August, at St. Paul Parish in Karoi, where couples from various centers including Holy Trinity, St. Theresa, and Tengwe gathered to mark this special occasion. Each couple was honored with Papal Blessing Parchments, adding an extra layer of significance to the celebration.
Renewing vows and recommitting to love
The highlight of the ceremony was when the couples renewed their vows in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Fr. James Allen, with support from Fr. Chazunguza and Fr. Simbarashe Chigumbura. The couples reaffirmed their love for each other through exchanged rings and kisses, symbolizing their commitment to stand by each other through thick and thin.
Among the couples were esteemed individuals like Mr. Albert Chikuvadze, the Diocesan Pastoral Chairperson, and his wife Rhoda, as well as Mr. Joseph Masikati, the Diocesan Chairperson for the Sacred Heart Guild, and his wife Judith. Their heartfelt reaffirmation of their vows resonated with all attendees.
Lessons from seasoned couples
Amidst the celebrations, the couples shared their wisdom on what it takes to sustain a long-lasting marriage. The oldest couple with 40 years of marriage, Mr. Wibert and Mrs. Clothilda Sengai, stressed the importance of mutual growth, tolerance, humility, and adaptation within a relationship. They emphasized the need to communicate effectively, respect each other’s differences, and support individual goals.
Mr. and Mrs. Sengai also highlighted the significance of sharing responsibilities, setting family goals, and grounding their union in prayer. They urged young couples to treat marriage as sacred, avoid competition, and nurture intimacy through confidentiality, respect, and effective communication.
Guidance for the journey
During the anniversary Mass, Fr. Chigumbura challenged the couples to remain steadfast in their love and serve as shining examples to the younger generation. He emphasized the value of forgiveness, resilience, and endurance in stabilizing families. The priest encouraged young couples and youth to seek guidance from God-fearing mentors and aspire to emulate the commitment shown by the celebrating couples.
As we reflect on the remarkable bond shared by these Zimbabwean couples, let us take inspiration from their journey of love, dedication, and mutual respect. May their example serve as a guiding light for all of us embarking on the beautiful path of marriage.
