By Lawrence Tukamushaba
“The Church is commissioned to proclaim the mercy of God, the beating heart of the gospel which in its own way must penetrate the heart and mind of every person,” Pope Francis (The Face of Mercy). What kind of pastoral initiatives can we implement to make the Jubilee Year of Mercy felt in our Parish? We reflected upon this question in our pastoral team meetings. Many initiatives were proposed such as organising seminars for different groups and encouraging people to deepen their sacramental life, especially the sacrament of reconciliation and matrimony.
Indeed, many marriages are in crisis. With the help of Marriage Encounter, the pastoral team put in place a seminar for couples who have been married for 25 years or more. The renewal of their matrimonial vows took place on the second Sunday of Easter or the Divine Mercy Sunday.
With great enthusiasm and excitement, over sixty couples from St. Anne’s Parish main Centre registered for the seminar which took place on the 2nd April. One couple celebrated its 64th years of marriage. For most of them, it was their first seminar ever as couples. They had a chance to share their life experience. It was also a time to look back with gratitude and look at the future with hope.
The renewal of their marriage vows took place at Mass presided by Luc Antaya, M.Afr. In view of everyone, they repeated their love and life commitment for each other. Some refreshments were provided after Mass and a few souvenir pictures taken. The “under 25” are waiting for their great day too. “May pastors [….] be diligent in calling back the faithful to the throne of grace, that they may receive mercy and find grace,” Pope Francis (The face of Mercy, No. 18).
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