The Catholic Church has encouraged married couples to engage in regular hangouts and bonding activities outside the home as a means of strengthening intimacy and ensuring marital stability.
The advice was given during the Catholic Men Organisation’s (CMO) Couples’ Feast, held at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Tedi, Lagos, on Sunday as part of the 2025 Father’s Day celebration.
With the theme “Marriage That Works,” the retreat brought together couples to reflect on the importance of love, mutual respect, and commitment in marriage.
The Voice of the people (VOP) reports that the event featured activities such as the exchange of pleasantries between spouses and symbolic gestures that promote emotional connection and marital harmony.
In his remarks, marriage counselor Mr. Okechukwu Obereagu described marriage as a divine calling with specific purpose and spiritual guidelines.
“Marriage is the first institution established by God for human sustainability,” he said.
“Sadly, many couples engage in behaviours that threaten the foundation of their union, leading to separations or divorce.”
He advised couples to reignite their bonds through hangouts, shared prayers, and intentional acts of love.
“Pray together as a family and allow God to be the pilot of your marriage,” he urged.
“Expect imperfection from your partner, embrace their flaws with love, and avoid unhealthy competition or prolonged arguments.”
Obereagu also encouraged couples to:
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Refrain from sleeping separately during conflict
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Practice regular gestures of love
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Resolve issues within 24 hours to prevent emotional distance
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Laugh off minor faults instead of reacting with harsh criticism
He added that true Christian marriage requires continuous effort and communication to keep the relationship vibrant.
Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thompson, the CMO Chaplain and Parish Priest, called on fathers to love their wives selflessly, just as Christ loved the Church.
“Husbands must be sacrificial in love, while wives should be supportive, avoid unnecessary complaints, and model the values of Christian motherhood,” he said.
Fr. Thompson urged parishioners to cultivate gratitude and remain prayerful, stressing that peace in the home is essential for societal stability.
He concluded with prayers for family unity, protection of children, and continued grace for couples in their marital journey.
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