The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, officiated a mass wedding ceremony for 21 couples on Sunday, February 16, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Nsanji Nkoso, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The event brought together couples who had already completed their traditional marriage rites and undergone three months of marriage counseling.
Bishop Yohanna highlighted the importance of the ceremony, stating that it was necessary to ensure the couples were properly united in the eyes of the church.
He emphasized that living together without a formal church wedding goes against Catholic teachings, urging the newly wedded couples to build their marriages on love, faith, and companionship.
“Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and it should be approached with responsibility and devotion,” he added.
Among the couples was Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian Uche, who had been cohabiting for 22 years and have five children.
Expressing their joy, the couple thanked the bishop for providing them with the opportunity to formalize their union. Mrs. Uche also noted that the wedding now allows her to fully participate in the church’s women’s fellowship, a privilege she had previously been unable to enjoy.