Married couples have been urged to let God lead their families so that he gives them direction amidst challenges. This call was made by Rev. Fr. Innocent Naturinda, Financial Administrator for Kabale Diocese while preaching during solemn Mass to celebrate the feast of Holy Family at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish.
Fr. Naturinda said that the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Family on a Sunday which falls between Christmas and December 31 and that this day is in a special way for those who have lawfully contracted marriage. He said that it’s a celebration for all of us because we are born from families and we pray that our families may take the example of the Holy Family.
The Feast of Holy Family is celebrated after Christmas and Christmas means celebrating the love of Christ as read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in his should not perish but have everlasting life.”
St. John writes to the faithful reminding them of how God has truly loved them – How good is it for us to be called children of God. We should rejoice in this, but also take care not to spoil it. Let us strive to walk in the way that God expects of us. The Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph enjoyed the company of God because they did his will. Each of the members played their roles faithfully- Fr. Innocent Naturinda.
Fr. Naturinda also called on married couples to remain faithful to each other, love and respect each other and have high dignity for the Sacrament of Marriage. He said that St. Joseph tried to protect the dignity of Mary when he found that Mary was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Joseph took care of Mary and the child Jesus. On this note, Fr. Naturinda Innocent urged married couples and family members to respect the dignity of each other.
In the first book of Samuel, Elkana and Hannah were married but had no child, but Hannah remained in the house of the Lord praying for their marriage. God heard her prayer and gave them Samuel. Married couples therefore should have time for God, pray together and let God lead you.
God is the source of marriage and willed that it should start (Gen 2: 18-24). Therefore, do not chase God from your family. The family is a gift from God. Keep that gift sacred. When Samuel was born, Hannah took him to the temple and consecrated him to God, children are fruits of marriage and a gift from God. On this note, Fr. Naturinda urged parents to take the children and consecrate them to God, he will lead them to grow well and in virtue.
There could be misunderstandings, wrongdoings in family, but how do you treat them? Do you play blame game? Do you sit and resolve them amicably? Or you keep grudges. For those who have not legalized their marriage to be inspired by the holy family and their intercession so that obstacles may be removed.
He urged parents to help their children know relations (kumanya obuzaare). He also urged children to respect and obey their parents. Do not neglect and despise them because you are powerful. Parents are a source of blessing or a curse.
Mrs. Honest Niwagaba, chairperson of Holy Family Rushoroza Cathedral Parish and Kabale Diocese thanked Fr. Innocent Naturinda for the beautiful message which she said would help the members rejuvenate their matrimonial commitment. She also congratulated members upon celebrating their Feast day and wished them a happy new year 2025.