By Olivia Obijiaku
Monsignor Joseph Atadov of the Catholic Diocese of Kastina has called on couples to be faithful to one another. The clergyman gave this task as the homilist at the Mass for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Rosemary Chiamaka Nnabuife and Paul Chidi Obah, an Old Boy of St Joseph Minor Seminary, Zaria, in Good Shepherd Parish Graceland Zaria, Saturday 25th May 2024.
Monsignor Atado implored them to appreciate each other’s efforts and contributions because everyone wants to be appreciated. He lamented increasing rate of divorce, tasking the couple forgive one another because they are bound to offend themselves even as he told them to put God first in their lives so that He can lead them aright.
“Be faithful to your spouse.” The priest told them. “Let your husband be enough for you. Let your wife be enough for you. Today you are not only to join yourself to Christ but to your spouse in the Sacrament of Matrimony. You must be happy and contented with the choice you have made until death do you part. Do not delay forgiveness. You are breaking your marriage if you do not forgive. As long as you live, your spouse must offend you because nobody is perfect. You will offend your spouse and your spouse will offend you, as long as you are living together. As long as you in this world, someone must offend you and you will offend someone. As long as you are alive, people must offend you and you must offend people because we are flesh and blood. No man, no woman is perfect.
You can never find a perfect wife, a perfect husband in this world. You can be angry. You can be provoked. But do not delay forgiveness. We cannot pray when we are angry. Free your heart. Let go and let God enter. Marriage is meant to be enjoyed.”
At the end of the Mass, the requested Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father, Pope Francis was presented to the couple by Rev Fr Benedict Nkom. It reads, ‘The Holy Father Francis cordially imports the requested Apostolic Blessing to Chidi Paul and Chiamaka Rose Mary on the occasion of the Sacrament of Matrimony that their love consecrated at the altar will be blessed each day with divine graces.
