Catholic Church in Nigeria Weds 109 Couples

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, Most Reverend Mathew Audu, wed 109 couples in Masakaon on Saturday, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Audu appealed to relatives of the couples to allow the newly-weds to build their marriages and urged in-laws not to interfere in their affairs.

The bishop said, “As newly-wedded couples, you must love each other just as Jesus Christ loved the church and died to set souls free. 

“You must respect each other’s feelings, care for each other, share views and reason together in peace and unity. You must not allow a third party to come into your matter; always invite God to intervene in your case.

“Ensure that you are coordinated in all your dealings and make the Word of God your standard, pillar, faith and hope. If you can keep these entire commandments, your marriages will be perfect and other couples will want to copy you.”

Bishop Audu also confirmed 1,390 faithful, blessed 56 Eucharistic ministers and 76 lectors.

Earlier, the Parish Priest of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Jude Maigari, said the mass wedding was a culture imbibed by the church to enable couples with little finances to wed.