Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) Malaysia marked its 45th national convention with a vibrant gathering of couples from across the country, including the English and Mandarin-speaking communities. The two-day event, held at the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA), combined structured sessions, pilgrimage, and fellowship, providing participants with an opportunity to connect, commit, and celebrate.
Nearly 100 participants attended, including couples from Selangor/Wilayah, Penang, Perak, Johor, as well as Kota Kinabalu and Melaka. The event was blessed with the presence of SFA’s parish priest, Fr Paul Cheong OFM, Cap, Fr Gerard Theraviam, Fr Andrew Wong CDD, and Deacon Paul Kang.
The first day began with an ice-breaker to set a warm and welcoming tone. A special jubilee visit with the SFA church team highlighted the convention’s connection to the spirituality of St Francis of Assisi. Three core sessions, led by the National Ecclesial Team (NET) Ivan and Jenny Ngoh, and Friar Joe Matthews OFM, Cap, focused on deepening the lifelong journey of marital conversion — from surface changes to profound shifts in beliefs, values, and hearts aligned with God.
Participants explored seven limiting “locks,” such as viewing feelings as weaknesses, and were introduced to experiential “keys,” reframing feelings as gifts. Sessions outlined the stages of relationships — from romance to power struggle to matured love — reminding couples that conflicts often revolve around connection, priority, and respect. Emphasis was placed on recognising God as the “third partner” in marital conflicts, nurturing a “couple bubble,” and fostering a community that supports fidelity, authenticity, and healing.
Throughout the day, couples engaged in listening, sharing, and spiritual reflection, strengthening bonds with each other and the wider ME community. The evening Mass at the chapel included a renewal of marriage vows and veneration of parish relics, followed by a lively communal dinner at the hall.
Participants shared their reflections on the convention. One couple remarked, “We appreciated learning about the interdependent stage in a relationship. It is inspiring to know we can move from a power struggle into matured love and experience romance once again.” Another added, “The small group sharing was the highlight. Couples shared openly and vulnerably, reminding us that we are not alone. It is beautiful to have a space of trust and belonging.”
The day concluded with a gala dinner themed Warm Hugs and Grateful Hearts, where friendships were rekindled, and new bonds formed. The NET paid tribute to past contributors through a touching video and song, while state teams presented entertainment, and prizes were awarded for the longest-married couples and ordained priests. Even Fr Gerard Theraviam and Friar Joe Matthews showcased their musical talents with piano and song.
A special announcement added to the celebration: WWME was officially recognised as an International Association of the Faithful by the Vatican, revealed by former international ecclesial team couple Daniel and Shelley from Singapore. The event also saw the launch of the newly designed National WWME website (wwme.org.my), generously sponsored by Edwin and Clarence Yin.
The second day focused on the formation session, From First Love to Lasting Fire, helping participants discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Teams also elected new leadership for 2026-2027. Jeffery and Agnes from Johor were appointed as the new national coordinating couple, with Ivan and Jenny, James and Mandy from Selangor, and Joseph and Christine from Penang filling board positions.
The 45th national convention reaffirmed WWME Malaysia’s mission of nurturing marriages through faith, community, and ongoing support, leaving participants inspired and equipped to continue their journey of love and conversion. – Herald Malaysia
