Fr. Roderick Miranda blesses couples after renewal of vows. Photo by Ernie Esconde
SAMAL, Bataan — Several couples regardless of the number of years they were married renewed their vows and received blessings on Valentine’s Day, Sunday in a move initiated by the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) or Aglipayan Church here.
IFI- Samal parish priest Fr. Roderick Miranda said some are shy to say “I love you” but the pairs will be forced to let each other know of their feelings during the renewal of their promise to love each other.
The priest called the couples one pair at a time at the flower-decked portion of the church near the altar especially prepared for the ceremony and guided the husband and wife repeat their vow.
The husband was first told to follow after the priest the following promise and then the wife. The couple held each other’s hands while reciting the vow.
“Sa ngalan ng Diyos, ako si (name of husband) ay buong pusong tumatanggap at kumikilala sa iyo (name of wife) na asawa ko. Sa araw na ito, muli kong bibigkasin ang pangakong mamahalin at iibigin kita sa kahirapan man o kasaganaan, sa karamdaman at kalusugan. Itatangi at igagalang hanggang tayo’y paghiwalayin ng kamatayan.”
The couples were in simple Sunday Mass attire, with no godparents nor other wedding entourage or documents to sign.
“Ito’y upang muling sariwain lamang ang mga pangako sa isa’t isa sa Araw ng mga Puso bilang bahagi ng Banal na Misa sa umaga at sa hapon,” Fr. Miranda said.
After the simple exchange of vows, the priest gave the couples some reminders.
“Inihahabilin ko na patuloy kayong mabuhay na magkasama na puno ng pag-ibig, pananampalataya at pag-asa at patuloy na magsikap para lalong yumabong ang diwa ng pagmamahalan sa isa-t isa,” Miranda said.
“Higit sa lahat, pag-ibayuhin ang pagpupunyagi na maitatag ang mga tahanan na maging pugad ng kapayapaan, katarungan, kalayaan at katiwasayan para maging alay pamana sa mga anak sa panahong ito,” the priest added.
He then blessed the couples and told them to kiss each other to mark the end of the ceremony.
