Home and married life must be marked by prayer

In honour of the Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and patrons of married couples, a solemn Mass was celebrated at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, July 26. This special liturgy brought together married couples, engaged persons, and families, all seeking grace and spiritual renewal in their vocations of love and unity.

Presiding over the celebration, Fr Martin Sirju delivered a sermon rich in spiritual insight and pastoral guidance. His homily focused on the indispensable role of prayer in marriage and family life, drawing from the example of Sts Joachim and Anne as models of faithful devotion and holy companionship.

“You cannot rely on the blessings of your wedding day alone,” Fr Sirju reminded the faithful. “To endure, to grow, and to thrive for 25 years or more in marriage, you need continual nuptial blessings, and those come through prayer.”

He urged husbands and wives to be a blessing to one another, encouraging them to affirm each other daily in the love and strength of the Holy Spirit.

In a time when marriages and family life are under increasing pressure, Fr Sirju called couples to return to the foundation laid by God: prayer.

Reflecting on Matthew 7:7, he outlined three essential dimensions of prayer for every Christian home: Ask–and it shall be given to you; Seek–and you will find; Knock–and the door will be opened to you.

“Ask for the bread to make your marriage happier,” he said. “Seek the wisdom that only the Holy Spirit can provide. Knock on the door of God’s heart, and He will open it with grace and mercy.”

Fr Sirju emphasised the importance of being spiritually united with Christ, especially in marriage, where couples are called to mirror Christ’s sacrificial love for His Church.

“Connect with the Holy Spirit so you can breathe, truly breathe in your marriage. Do not lean on your own understanding, for human wisdom fails, but the wisdom of God endures forever.”

The Mass concluded with a special nuptial blessing upon all married and engaged couples present, along with prayers for families to remain united in faith, hope, and love.

As the Church continues to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the family, this celebration served as a sacred reminder that a home rooted in prayer is a home blessed by God because, as Scripture says, “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4).

— Twinkle James, media team member