COUPLES ENCOURAGED TO BUILD CHRIST-CENTERED FAMILIES AT ARCHDIOCESAN COUPLES MASS
Couples drawn from the Marriage encounter and Couples for Christ groups within the parishes in the Archdiocese of Nairobi gathered in large numbers at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Ridgeways for the annual Archdiocesan Couples Mass, a celebration aimed at strengthening marriage, family life and faith within the Church.
In a Mass presided over by Bishop Rodrigo Mejía SJ, bishop emeritus of Ethiopia and scores of priest chaplains, he called on couples to build a Church rooted in communion, participation and shared responsibility, drawing inspiration from the Synod on Synodality.
In the homily, His Lordship reminded the faithful that the Church is a family where every member has a role to play and where each role deserves dignity and respect.
He encouraged families to embrace their missionary vocation, emphasizing that parents, especially fathers, are the first catechists within the home. He further noted that Christian marriage reflects the love of Christ for the Church and challenged couples to witness that love in their daily lives.
During the celebration, couples marking wedding anniversaries received a special blessing in recognition of their commitment to marriage and family life. Couples for Christ group has grown over the years since its establishment in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The movement collaborates with the Archdiocesan Family Life Department through initiatives such as the Marriage Works Programme, which prepares engaged couples for Christ-centered marriages. It also participates in major diocesan events such as Archdiocesan Couples Dinner and the annual Family Day celebrations.
