The joy of Mr and Mrs Jude Umunna knew no bounds on Saturday, November 27, when they were joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at St Rita Catholic Church Obadeyi, Ijaiye/ Ojokoro Local Council Development Area. The couple, who had been living together and bore children, were overwhelmed with joy as parents, friends, relatives gathered in the church to witness the exchange of martial promises and exchange of rings. The Parish Priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Philip Uchendu, who administered the Sacrament, described the couple as “dedicated parishioners who felt the need to invite God into their family through the Sacrament of matrimony.” He said, “They realised that they are incomplete until they are complete in Christ. You have come to the presence of God to draw strength and in order to keep your family going.” He described marriage as ordained by God, saying it’s a covenant and not a contract that could be terminated at will by either of the couple.
The preacher, while commending the new couple, advised them to allow Jesus Christ to be the foundation of their family saying “with Christ all things are possible.” Fr Uchendu described men and women who are co-habiting without the Sacrament, “as still in boy friend and girl friend relationship” until they come before God to bless their courtship. “Unless this Sacrament is reflected and celebrated in your life, you are not permitted to come forward to receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ even if you are participating in all the activities of the church and after your traditional marriage.” He explained that traditional marriage is to receive the consent of both parents of those going into marriage “but you still need to invite Christ into your marriage by receiving the Sacrament of matrimony.” “Mr. and Mrs. Umunna are now qualified to receive all their rights and privileges due to them as Catholics after this sacrament.”
He advised the new couple and wedded Catholics as well to be faithful to their marital promises as well make their families “domestic church” describing the family as the first class where the children learn the church’s catechism. The preacher also stressed the importance of prayers, understanding, love and spending time together in the family. Fr Uchendu remarked, “This marriage must be built on the platform of prayer, love, and understanding. Learn to spend time together with your wife and children. Don’t always be in a rush to go out in the morning without praying with your family. A family that prays together, they say live together. “This marriage is incomplete if you are not a man and a woman of prayer. Nigeria is full of evil people.
Be prayerful, prayer is the key. Prayer is more important than the kiss you give him or her in the morning. Dwelling on the readings of the day taken from the Book of Genesis, Ephesians and the Gospel of Mathew, Fr Uchendu reminded the couple that it was God who match-make, not human beings, saying they should live as one body as stated in the Bible. “As a woman, don’t capitalize on the weakness of your husband and you husband don’t do the same. Be in control of your mouth; it can destroy and make.” After the church’s activities, friends, relatives including members of the Catholic Women Organisation of the parish, led by Mrs Eunice Udeji, were entertained at an event centre in Ikeja. Mrs Udeji while commenting on the ceremony, described Mrs Mary Umunna as a dedicated member of the organisation, hence the mass turnout of the CWO members at her wedding. In an interview, the couple expressed gratitude to God and the church for allowing them to have the wedding saying “we can now heave a sigh of relief.
