Apostolic Nuncio decries commercialisation of marriage

Archbishop Blume offering the couples holy communion

Remigious Okoku Obomba, 55, a lecturer at Uganda Christian University, Mukono could not stop smiling as him and his wife Joanitta Ngabiroch walked majestically down the aisle to say their vows in front of thousands of well-wishers on Sunday.  

Obomba and Ngabiroch who have been in a union for 31 years were among the 15 couples who took their vows in mass wedding presided over by Papal Nuncio to Uganda Augustine Blume at Nebbi Cathedral. 

Bishop Sanctus Wanok of Nebbi Catholic Diocese said the mass wedding was part of the activities to climax diocesan synod. 

A synod is a council of a church, usually convened to decide an issue of doctrine, administration or application. 

Unlike the first synod held in 2003 that focused on the formation of church structure, the second synod will focus on the spiritual and economic development of the families in the diocese.

"The family is the foundation the church. And our synod was basically looking at how we can strengthen it spiritually and economically. This matrimony is, therefore, a symbol that we all need to show love in our family" Bishop Wanok said.

Archbishop Blume read the marital rites as the couple affirmed their wish to marry in God's Church.

Archbishop Blume blessing the couples

He said the celebration of holy matrimony is something that must be embraced, adding that it enables a couple to understand God's love and desire. 

"Matrimony is not just a ceremony or formality, but formation of a domestic church without which our society is doomed," he said.

Blume preached against emerging trend where material demand is eating away family, arguing that the kingdom of God is not about drinking and eating.

"These couples have made good decision to accept God because our faith is not about eating and drinking but the kingdom of God," He said.

He also said the church is faced with challenges of modernity, noting that people have invented their own marriage.

"As Christian do not be swayed by what you read and watch in the media. Some of them are against God's will and it will destroy your family," He said, citing the use of contraceptives. 

Blume appealed to couples to love and support each, adding that by doing so they would strengthen their marriage.

During the celebration, Blume commissioned the over 50 synod delegates who will spearhead family apostolate in the diocese.