By Arnold Namanja

Blantyre, August 21, Mana: Nineteen couples on Saturday entered into holy matrimony in a mass exchange of vows at Saints Peter and Paul Chilobwe Parish under the Archdiocese of Blantyre.

Officiating the marriages, Chilobwe Parish’s Priest Rev. Fr. Francis Masuku said the exchange of vows is a milestone in the church’s history, as more people will now start receiving sacraments.

“The Catholic Church is premised on different sacraments, including the Sacrament of Marriage, and what this means now is that more people will be participating in the sacred sacraments and also in various church activities,” Masuku said.

He said whether one chooses to have a glamorous or low profile wedding, what is important is to live an active Catholic Christian life and be liberated from any obstructions.

“For me, what is important is that everyone should take part in the life of sacraments, which is the basis of the Catholic Church’s teachings,” Masuku added. 

In his sermon, drawn from Genesis 2:18–26 and Mathew 5:13–16, Masuku said God created man in his own image and gave him power to reign over all living things, apart from recreating the world.

He added that in a similar fashion, the Bible encourages Christians to be the salt and light of the earth through their deeds.

“People should see Christ in us and we also need to take care of our neighbours besides supporting the church in its various endeavours,” Masuku added.   

Catechist for Chilobwe Parish, Patrick Magombo, commended all the couples for making a bold decision in taking the marriage vows, saying it will go a long way in consolidating growth of the church.

“We all need to support our colleagues as they start the journey in marriage. Today is a big and joyous day for the church in Chilobwe and the Catholic Church at large,” Magombo said. 

One of the couples, Annastazio and Rhoda Magreta from St. Louis de Montfort, said they are overjoyed to have their marriage blessed after being unofficially together for five years.

“This is the best moment in our life as we will now be free to participate in church activities without any hindrance. In fact, we will now join the Catholic Family Movement to contribute meaningfully to the church,” Magreta said.

This is the second time for the parish to conduct such a ceremony, as last year at least 43 couples also walked the aisle to make their marriage vows at Chilobwe Parish.