CFC Finland organized and conducted the first-ever Marriage Enrichment Retreat in this part of the world, last August 26 to 27 at Hotelli Korpilampi in Espoo, Finland.
The retreat had as theme “Love heals”, inspired by 2 Kings 20:5: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: “Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I am healing you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.”
The retreat aimed to provide couples with a guide on how to strengthen their relationships and seek healing. A total of 6 couples participated in the retreat, demonstrating their commitment to enriching their marriages. The couples came from various backgrounds and shared a common desire to deepen their love for each other.
The MER was led by CFC Finland unit head Ernie and Edith Santos, along with household leaders Maui and MJ Agustin. The speakers came from far-off places who generously share their wisdom and experiences on married life. They were Elmer and Ime Pagdilao from Switzerland, Joel and Nona Rama from the UK, Pete and Badette Navarrette from Switzerland, and Joel and Gemma Dayao from the Philippines. Joel and Gemma are the Regional Coordinators for the Nordic Region. The speakers’ insights provided valuable guidance on how to overcome challenges and grow in love.
The retreat featured a well-structured program that allowed couples to reflect, learn, and connect with one another. Some of the highlights included talks and workshops on various aspects of marriage, such as communication, forgiveness, and intimacy.
These sessions provided practical tools and strategies for couples to apply in their daily lives. The couples were given the opportunity to share their personal experiences and challenges within a safe and supportive environment . This encouraged open dialogue and fostered a sense of community among the participants.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by. Fr Jigger Ganado who also led the renewal of vows, allowing couples to renew their commitment to their marriage and seek God’s blessing.
The CFC Handmaids of the Lord graciously volunteered to watch over the children throughout the retreat. This allowed couples to fully engage in the sessions without worrying about their children.
The CFC Finland MER 1 was a resounding success, providing couples with a transformative experience to strengthen their marriages. The combination of insightful talks, interactive workshops, and a supportive community created an environment conducive to healing and growth. (Joel Dayao)