In a significant religious event, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, presided over a mass wedding ceremony for 21 couples on Sunday, February 16, in Niger State.
The ceremony, held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Nsanji Nkoso, Magama Local Government Area, was attended by couples who had completed their traditional marriage rites and undergone three months of pre-marital counseling.
Bishop Yohanna underscored the importance of formalizing unions within the church, stating that marriage is not just a social contract but a sacred commitment. He stressed that cohabitation without a church-blessed marriage is not recognized in Catholic doctrine. Urging the newlyweds to build their relationships on love and companionship, he reminded them that marriage is a lifelong covenant.
Among the couples was Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian Uche, who had been cohabiting for 22 years and have five children. Expressing their joy, they thanked the bishop for helping them sanctify their union. Mrs. Uche shared her excitement, noting that she is now eligible to participate fully in the church’s women’s fellowship, a privilege previously unavailable to her.
The mass wedding reflects the Catholic Church’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family values and ensure that couples receive the church’s blessings in their marital journey.
