Marriage convalidation joy for 47 couples

PENAMPANG – Brimming with joy and gratitude, 47 couples from Penampang and Kota Kinabalu had their marriage finally convalidated according to the Catholic Church law at St Michael Church on 29 Aug 2018.  The ceremony was blessed by Fr Wiandigool Runsab and assisted by Deacon Gilbert Marcus.

Most of the couples were married above five years.  The longest married was 30 years, while the most recent about a year ago. The majority of them were married under the native and civil law, while some through other Christian denomination services.

Fr Runsab urged the newly blessed couples to reflect on the meaningful event which they had just experienced.  They were encouraged to see it as not just a way of gaining recognition in the Church but rather a turning point of growing closer in communion with the bigger family of the Church.  One way of realizing this was to be involved in Church activities or services, which could contribute to the strengthening of their faith.

The almost two-hour packed service was attended by family members who witnessed the signing of the marriage vows of the newly blessed couples.  The festive joy continued to overflow at the reception at the adjacent church hall.

The next registration has been scheduled on Oct 13-14 this year. Couples, who are desirous of having their marriage convalidated, are advised to contact the Penampang Parish office for further information @ 088-711009. – SOCCOM Penampang