A Catholic bishop urged married couples to renew their commitment to one another, saying lasting marriages are built on a daily decision to listen, forgive, pray and choose each other again.
Speaking during Mass at the recent general assembly of the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines in Makati City, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said families remain powerful witnesses of faith in a world marked by division.
“The Church does not ask you to become perfect families, but the Church needs faithful families, families willing to listen again, to forgive again, to pray together again, and to choose one another again,” Alminaza said in his homily.
“In a wounded and divided world, faithful love becomes a form of evangelization,” added Alminaza, who serves as bishop of San Carlos and president of Caritas Philippines.
The gathering brought together couples and families from different regions under the theme, “Love Beyond Boundaries: Rekindling Commitments, Renewing Faith.”
MEFP president couple Atty. Jun and Loida Virtudazo encouraged members to continue strengthening family life through service and Christian witness.
Reflecting on their leadership journey, the Virtudazos said they accepted their role with prayer and trust rather than confidence in their own abilities.
“We stand before you today, not as perfect partners because anyone who has been married long enough knows there is no such thing, but as two people who have chosen again and again to love beyond our own boundaries,” they said.
The assembly also provided opportunities for prayer, reflection and fellowship, allowing participants to renew their dedication to the Marriage Encounter mission and strengthen ties with fellow families.
MEFP chair couple emeritus Robert and Tinette Aventajado reaffirmed their support for the organization, pledging to continue assisting its programs for formation, membership and growth.
“We are happy to watch with pride as the MEFP grows from strength to strength with commitment, love, and grace,” they said.
The Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines promotes stronger marriages by helping couples place God at the center of family life and develop deeper communication through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Founded on the principles of the Marriage Encounter movement, the organization seeks to bring the experience of marital renewal to more couples and families across the country.