Couples told: ‘Marital crisis is an opportunity to grow in love’

This year’s marriage encounter weekend seminar (MEWS) presenting priest, Fr. Ricardo “Bobby” Sta. Cruz of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Aborlan, Palawan, told couples to “see the moment of crisis [in marriage] as a moment of grace.”

“When you and your spouse are facing a very tough situation, consider this ‘crisis’ as God’s way of making your relationship stronger,” added the priest. “Pray and discern as you get reconnected to each other and put God at the center of your lives.”

Love, a decision

In an interview, Sta. Cruz told CBCP News that problems in marriage are normal, but couples should understand that divorce is “never an answer.” He stressed, “Remember this: what’s important is not what’s lost but what’s left. Let the hands of God do the work for you.”

He also reiterated that what the world needs now are “God-centered marriages and prayerful couples”. “Always find time to pray together as a family and as a couple,” said Sta. Cruz.

The priest also shared insights about understanding oneself, one’s spouse, marriage and family, as well as the importance of putting God at the “center of their relationship.”

Every marriage is sacred

The event also emphasized the divine nature of marriage.

“Each union is blessed by God and every couple must value the sanctity of marriage,” said one of the presenting couples, Belar and Cynthia Cruz. “It entails huge responsibility, deepens genuine love, and requires absolute understanding.”

The said MEWS for Class 17, organized by the Marriage Encounter Prayer Community of the Parish of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan, was held at St. Joseph House of Serenity in Meycauayan, Bulacan, from April 13 to 15, 2018.