PATI, PATNI AUR WOH! - World Marriage Day 2023

‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’. This scripture verse from Ecclesiastes 4:12 emphatically states that the cord of marital love, remains unbroken when united with God. World Marriage Day was celebrated in our parish, St. Michael’s Church, Mahim on Sunday, 19th February 2023, under a catchy caption ‘Pati, Patni aur Woh!’ reflecting God as the third partner in Marriage!

M3 (Mass-Movie-Meal) made the celebration so significant. It began with Mass at 6.30pm, the liturgy organised by the Family Cell. The Choir with their joyful choral ensemble created the right ambience for us. Fr. Ashwin Castellino in his thought-provoking homily emphasized on God as the significant third partner in Marriage. ‘Ego’ was nailed as the main enemy of Marriage. An advice & warning was further expressed never to create a loophole for anyone to enter into the inner circle of Marriage, which comprises of Husband, Wife and God. These valuable takeaways from the homily will surely serve to keep us alert and cautious in our marital relationships. The Renewal of Marriage vows brought tears of gladness and joy to many as we relived our Wedding Day - the beginning of our married life in the House of God. The felicitation of milestone couples (completion of 25, 30, 40 & 50 years and over) warmed the cockles of our hearts with the realisation of the truth that God can make loving marriages happen even today in a world of infidelity that knows not chastity…where people marry to be divorced and are divorced to be married.

The Celebration continued with an entertaining programme. Joe Mascarenhas our compere for the evening kept us in splits of laughter, while every member of the Family Cell welcomed us with love. In sync with the National Anthem that is normally sung before a movie in every theatre, a unique anthem, the song ‘Love Story’ was sung by Ruby Cerejo, a song she sang on her wedding day. Sensitivity flowed, as we recalled the lyrics and sang along. The Movie ‘Trust’ was a perfect choice with a scriptural message (Rom 8:28) that God our third partner in marriage is there with us all the time to work out everything for a good & lasting marriage. The snacks were delicious and the Meal that followed was a well-spread sumptuous banquet. The Candle-light dinner spread a special aura of love and warmth, to show each married couple in our parish that God loves us and cherishes us as mini-reflections of His light, first to our children and to the world at large.

In a nutshell, it was a prayerful, entertaining, relaxing and splendid evening! God bless Fr Ashwin Castellino, and each member of the Family Cell, St. Michael’s Church, Mahim.