Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – Fifteen couples from parishes across the Klang Valley stepped away from the demands of everyday life to invest in something often overlooked amid life’s busyness — their marriage.
The participants attended the Marriage Encounter Weekend (ME194), organised by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) Selangor/Wilayah Persekutuan at Days Hotel & Suites, Fraser Business Park. Joining them for this experience was a priest from the Diocese of Malacca Johore.
For decades, the WWME movement has helped married couples strengthen their relationships through a simple yet effective method of loving communication. The programme encourages husbands and wives to listen deeply, express their feelings honestly and rediscover one another with Christ at the centre of their marriage.
Set in a peaceful environment away from the pressures of work, family commitments and digital distractions, the weekend allowed couples to focus exclusively on each other.
Many participants described the experience as transformative.
Mark and Christine, from the Church of the Holy Rosary, Kuala Lumpur, said the structured communication process was one of the weekend’s greatest gifts. “It was more than a retreat; it was a new beginning for us,” they shared.
Phillbert and Caron, from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang, said the sessions helped them reflect more deeply on their marriage while strengthening their communication and appreciation for one another.
Others echoed similar sentiments.
Kenny and Fiona, from the Church of St Ignatius, Kelana Jaya, said the weekend restored their sense of togetherness with God at the centre of their relationship. At the same time, Ignatius and Beatrix, from the Church of St Jude, Rawang, spoke of gaining a deeper awareness of themselves and each other, providing a stronger foundation for their future together.
For Prasant and Marlene, also from St Jude Parish, the weekend offered practical tools to work through issues they had struggled to resolve.
“We learned to communicate better, listen more intentionally and understand each other more deeply,” they said.
Gabriel and Jackie, from the Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam, described the weekend as an invitation to make their relationship a priority once again.
“No matter how many years you have been married, it is never too late to deepen your relationship, renew your love and transform a good marriage into an even better one,” they reflected.
Melvin and Roanna, from the Church of Jesus Caritas, Kepong, said the weekend renewed both their marriage and their faith.
“It allowed us to step away from the busyness of life, rediscover one another and freshly encounter God,” they said. “We returned home with renewed hope, grateful hearts and a deeper commitment to continue choosing each other and placing Christ at the centre of our marriage and family.”
Organisers said the ME Weekend continues to play an important role in strengthening marriages by helping couples grow together in love, communication and faith.
Married couples interested in future ME Weekends may contact James (019-356 2321), Mandy (012-371 8756) or email wwmeselwil@archkl.org for further information – Herald Malaysia
