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Marriage Encounter Asian Conference Mass in Ipoh |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Sep 20 2010 |
17 September 210
IPOH: Forty-seven Marriage Encounter delegates from 12 Asian countries participated in a special Mass held at St Michael’s Church on Aug 28. The Marriage Encounter Asian Conference Mass was celebrated by Bishop Antony Selvanayagam and 13 priests from various countries, at the conclusion of the 35th Asian Marriage Encounter conference held at Bukit Mertajam.
The delegates comprising couples from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, Philippines and Malaysia, were dressed resplendently in their national costumes. They were led by Reynaldo and Imelda Sangalang, who work together with Fr Ruperto Guiritan of the Philippines. Rey and Imelda head the Asian Council of the Marriage Encounter group whilst an American couple, Cathy and Tony, with Fr Emile from THE US, heads the International Ecclesial team of the World Marriage Encounter group.
Although this is the 35th Asian conference, the marriage encounter worldwide network has been 42 years in existence. The conference marks the coming together of different Asian secretariats to update each other on the latest happenings as far as marriage is concerned. “It’s evangelizing Asians in terms of marriage. It’s still a challenge because of the different cultures and religions and also because of changing values.
The values of marriage are waning in Asia because of commercialism, “ said Rey. “It was apt that the theme, Called to community, broken and shared, was chosen as it tells everyone that we cannot share if we are not broken. “Our charism is witnessing to others the way they see us through our marriage. It may take some time, but God’s work takes time,” Imelda added. Rey said there is still a continuing challenge to promote marriage as well as priesthood as a vocation.
He noted that married couples often involve themselves in the church indirectly or separately. “We want them to be involved in church as a couple, so people can be attracted to the vocation,” he said. Rey and Imelda, who married in 1974, have been involved in the marriage encounter group since 1980. Hiromi and Hisami Jimba of Japan enjoyed this conference very much although they have been here on previous conferences in Port Dickson in 2002, and in Penang in 1995. “Each country takes turns to host the conference, depending on their resources,” said Hisami.
The Asian group is targetting Vietnam, Oman and Qatar next, to spread the marriage encounter network. “Most important is our entry through the marriage encounter weekends, because it is through this, that couples and priests work together to preside over the weekends. “It’s a chance for us to help priests promote their vocation as well as the sacrament of marriage to people,” he said. At the end of the Mass, the delegates proceeded to the nearby Parish hall, where a gala night and fellowship were organized for them.
Last changed: Sep 20 2010 at 9:54 AM
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