T&T, Caribbean welcome for WWME Convention

For the first time in 57 years, the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) North American Secretariat (NAS) Convention is venturing beyond United States borders. Trinidad and Tobago will host the 2025 convention from June 20-22, marking a historic milestone for the organisation and offering attendees a unique Caribbean celebration of faith and marriage.

The convention will focus around the theme Be the Light of Christ, drawing inspiration from Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:14 for believers to be the light of the world. This theme resonates deeply with the mission of WWME, as participants are challenged to reflect Christ’s light in their marriages and communities. As St John Paul II eloquently stated, “ours is the demanding task of becoming the reflection of Christ’s light.”

The theme extends beyond mere symbolism, connecting to the fundamental Catholic teaching about Baptism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasises that through Baptism, Christians become “the light of the world,” enlightened by Christ.

This theological foundation shapes the convention’s logo, which features a flame extending outward to represent the spreading of Christ’s light, supported by the traditional Easter candle and cross symbols.

An estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from around the world are expected with most participants arriving by June 18. This will allow them time to experience local Corpus Christi observances on June 19 and explore the island’s attractions with their families.

As part of Region 3-CAN, which includes Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, St Vincent, Barbados, Dominica, and Jamaica, the host location represents the Caribbean’s growing influence within the organisation’s Canadian/Caribbean Secretariat. WWME was introduced to T&T and the Caribbean more than 50 years ago by Wilfred and Kay Holder, and Fr Anton Dick CSSp.

Msgr Philippe Bordeyne

The convention will unfold at the National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA). Msgr Philippe Bordeyne will serve as the featured speaker. This French theologian and president of the St John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences brings impressive credentials, including his role as theological advisor to Pope Francis on synodality and his expertise on Amoris Laetitia. Though not personally “encountered” through WWME, Msgr Bordeyne has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of WWME experiences on couples during his parish work in Paris.

Embracing the local flavour, organisers have reimagined the convention song Light of the World by Jay Stocker in three distinctive Caribbean genres: Soca/Calypso, Reggae, and Salsa.

This musical adaptation symbolises how the universal message of Christ’s light can be expressed through diverse cultural expressions, reflecting the Caribbean’s vibrant spiritual traditions.

The convention’s official launch on September 23, 2023, at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval, marked the beginning of extensive preparations. With North American Secretariat leadership Tony and Sue Morris, alongside Bishop Emeritus Michael Warfel conducting site visits and meeting local organisers, the groundwork is set for a truly memorable gathering that promises to blend spiritual enrichment with Caribbean hospitality in unprecedented fashion.

 Visit wwmeconvention.com to register.

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