Black Catholics Celebrate Marriage

[Smartmarriages ©]

subject: Black Catholics Celebrate Marriage

from: Smart Marriages 

Family Reflections
By Andrew & Terri Lyke
August 25, 2000

On August 19 the Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated the first  Archdiocesan
Black Catholic Celebration of Marriage. Participating were married couples
whose cultural roots are in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and 
elsewhere
in the African Diaspora. This included interracial, inter-church and
interfaith couples. A collaboration of the Family Ministries Office, 
Vicariate
VI and St. Ailbe Parish, this first-time event had a very successful 
inaugural
run.

Vernie and Johnnie Mae French, married April 13, 1941, enjoyed the honors 
of
having the longest marriage among the estimated 75 attending marriages-59
years. Their advice to couples marrying today was, "Trust in God. Have
faith!"

Christopher and Patricia Adegbemi, a Nigerian couple, were very excited 
about
the event because it was another opportunity to stand with the people who
stood with them at their August 15, 1998 wedding. They invited members of
their wedding party to the mass. Days before the event, Patricia stated, 
"It
will be a wonderful way to celebrate our second wedding anniversary."

Bishop Joseph Perry, masterfully presided over the liturgy with pastoral
sensitivity and skill. His homily opened the word of God and articulated a
theology of marriage that surely enriched all who attended. 

However, most impressive was Bishop Perry's hospitable pace as he counted 
down
through the years and invited every couple to stand. The pride was 
evident and
the support was felt as the couples, from 59 years married to 4 weeks, 
were
received and applauded by the congregation.

Such celebrations must happen again and again in our communities of faith.
While this celebration was good for a particular community of believers, 
it is
something that we the Church must do for all. 

Jesus said in Chapter 5 of Matthew's Gospel, "No one after lighting a lamp
puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light 
to all
in the house." Each marriage at our celebration bears light. The 
celebration
itself was our way of putting that light on a lampstand.

The pervading cynicism about marriage that is particularly malignant in 
Black
communities was challenged and put on notice that day. Christian marriage 
was
center stage; the light of Christ was illuminated in each couple. Every 
couple
was fed spiritual food; and each marriage present was made at least a bit
stronger.

Jesus challenges us to " . . . let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16) Today there are at least 75 Black Catholic marriages more
encouraged to meet that challenge. Following the simple advice of Vernie 
and
Johnnie Mae French to trust in God and have faith, those marriages are 
surely
light to the world. 

"Family Reflections" is a newspaper column that presents a continuing 
theology
of family life. Andrew and Terri report, from their experiences as married
partners, parents, and members of extended families, their observations of
God's presence in family life. As active members in the Catholic community
they share their perspectives on the Church in society. Through the prism 
of
their African American heritage, they share their unique spirituality.  



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Diane Sollee, Director
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www.smartmarriages.com  202-362-3332