The Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Kontagora, most of the Reverend Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has carried out a massive wedding for 21 couples in the state of Niger.
The ceremony took place at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Nsanji Nkoso, Magama's local government area on Saturday.
Bishop Yohanna, who is the president of the state of Niger of the Christian Association of Nigeria, can emphasize the importance of the legal and recognized marriage of the Church, stating that coexistence without adequate marriage is incorrect.
He pointed out that many couples had only been based on traditional marriage rites, which foster coexistence without formal recognition.
Most people had based more on traditional marriage, which encourages them to live together. And we also had to be sure that none of them was under compulsion.
“We have to encourage them to do the right thing, especially as Catholics. With this blessing of marriage, these twenty -one couples are now legally and officially married, ”said the cleric …
The bishop encouraged couples to build their marriages about love, company and commitment while reminding them that marriage is a commitment to life.
In addition, the parish priest, the Reverend Fr. Francis Yasak Joshua, revealed that the couples had completed their traditional marriage rites, including the payment of prices of the bride, and underwent three months of marriage advice before the church ceremony.
Several couples expressed sincere gratitude, stating that without the opportunity provided, they may have remained single for the rest of their lives.
One of the couples, Mrs. Ciprian Uche, who had been living together for 22 years and had five children, was full of joy, stating that she can now occupy positions in the women's community since her marriage has been blessed.
The next day, Sunday, Bishop Yohanna administered the confirmation sacrament to 400 parishioners.