A Wedding is a Day ...A Marriage is a Lifetime

Last weekend was a very interesting for my fiancé and me. We attended Catholic Engaged Encounter. No one referred us to attend CEE for our marriage preparation programme but I heard of another marriage preparation programme from a friend but theirs were a bit more expensive. It was a choice between attending a Parish Pre-Cana Seminar or a Weekend Retreat. But then decided to register Adrian and me to CEE. To tell you honestly, our reason for participating on this weekend retreat was merely because it’s a prerequisite so we can be married in the church. Not knowing that this experience will change my ideals on what marriage is all about and how to deal with the trials and difficulties in a marriage.

There were 5 married couples that shared experiences on their married life. And yes, it’s not always a bed of roses. It was really an eye opener for Adrian and me. Since he is not outspoken about what he feels, I’ve learned a lot about him, his views, ideals, values and attitude on marriage. It was wonderful to discover that we have a lot in common in terms of morality, life-giving situations, openness in communication, decisions in marriage, sexual intimacy and our values on people around us. And it was interesting to know that we differ on some aspects of marriage too, like our values in money and time. But the most important thing is that we are both open to change and to compromise on this matter.

I thought having a happy marriage is the best a woman could hope for. But after CEE, I realized that unity is what keeps a marriage happy. And that “I’m sorry” is not enough but asking for forgiveness to your partner whom you have wronged shows that you are humbled by your insensitivity. I’m so glad to have experience this weekend. It was not like any other retreat I’ve taken before. Now, more than ever, I can wholeheartedly say that I’m ready for marriage. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We’d like to thank Cory & Dado, Bernadette & Robbie, Malou & Galo, Susan & Tim, BimBim & Mike and Fr. Dave. For sharing your experiences with CEE’s Weekend Batch # 61.

This Weekend marks an important part of our relationship because it opened our hearts and minds to the different aspects of marriage. It not only tackled the spiritual part of marriage, but also the planning and what goes beyond marriage. –Adrian & Shiena

If you wish to know more about how CEE can help you prepare your marriage for a lifetime, contact Mr. Dado Hipolito at 810-0222 or email at ceephilippines@yahoo.com.