Archbishop to marrieds: Reserve time for each other

PIC: Couples cutting a cake with Archbishop Lwanga during the mass wedding at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

FAMILY

KAMPALA - The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has urged married couples to reserve enough time for each other to consolidate their union.

He warned that mobile phones are one of the factors ruining many marriages.

The cleric mentioned this while preaching on Saturday at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo, where 45 couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding organised by the Kampala Archdiocese.

"Any marriage to go well needs each one to communicate well, give each other time, love each other and pray together as a family," said Lwanga.

"Be happy, healthy in body and spirit, welcome each other, know each and everything of each side and respect each other."

The colourful ceremony that united couples from 24 parishes started with Mass led by Lwanga.

Relatives, friends and well-wishers graced the event as the lovers took life vows and said "I do" under the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony.

The brides dazzled in their beautiful gowns courtesy of the Archdiocese.

45 couples tied the knot in the mass wedding at Munyonyo. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Lwanga urged particularly the youths not to shy away from tying the knot.

"We need to believe in the marriage institution, and wedding in church is the first step in the right direction."

He also called on the faithful to uphold family values, which he noted are facing a crisis - with the ripple effect being experienced in the church.

"The situation is as a result of secularization, religious pluralism, economic crisis, science and technological research and civic and political life.

"You must respect each other's feelings; care for each other, share views and reason together in peace and unity. Ensure that you are co-ordinated in all your dealings and make the word of God your standard, pillar, faith and hope," said the cleric.

To the newly-wedded pairs, the Archbishop advised that they should promote love and endurance to avoid shortcomings that may result in the dissolution of their marriages.

Keeping a healthy marriage is equally important.

Lwanga voiced his appeal to Christians to go for regular medical checkup to keep track of their health status, adding that many people are dying early from diseases because of inadequate knowledge.