On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Course held by the Family Center in Palestine came to a close. The course spanned three sessions and was attended by approximately 24 young men and women preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The aim of the course was to prepare future spouses spiritually, psychologically, and socially, and to deepen their understanding of the responsibilities of married life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Informative and Guiding Sessions

The first session, held on Friday, February 21, focused on the importance of communication in married life. Ms. Selina Ballout, from the Family Pastoral Center, presented a comprehensive talk on how to build healthy and effective dialogue between spouses, which fosters mutual respect and strengthens the foundation of marital relationships. Mr. Osama Khalilieh, from Bethlehem University, also gave an intervention on financial planning, emphasizing the importance of sound financial management to ensure the family’s stability and a balanced married life.

The second session, held on Friday, March 14, addressed physical health and the importance of pre-marital medical examinations. Pharmacist George Fanous delivered a talk aimed at raising awareness among the youth about the necessity of knowing their health status before beginning their life together. Dr. Bashar Reshmawi then spoke about marital relations and methods of natural family planning. The session concluded with a talk by Fr. Hanna Salameh, parish priest of Beit Jala, who addressed the moral dimension of these topics according to the Church's teaching, affirming the sanctity of the marital relationship and the importance of living according to Christian values.

The third and final session, held on Friday, April 4, was a deeply spiritually nourishing. Fr. Emil Salayta, President Diocesan Tribunal, spoke about the canonical laws surrounding the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, clarifying the legal aspects that govern this sacred sacrament, as well as the rights and responsibilities of spouses in the light of Canon Law.

The session continued with a spiritual reflection delivered by Msgr. William Shomali, who emphasized that marriage is not simply a union between two individuals, but a sacred vocation—a divine calling to live in love and authentic communion under God’s guidance. The day concluded with His Excellency leading the prayer of the Stations of the Cross, offering participants a profound time of contemplation and spiritual renewal. At the close of the service, certificates of completion were presented, symbolizing the couples’ readiness to embark on this new chapter of their lives with faith, commitment, and a deepened sense of purpose.

• Best Wishes for a Blessed and Joyful Journey

With the conclusion of this blessed course, the organizers extend their warmest and most heartfelt wishes to all the participants, praying that their married lives be richly filled with love, peace, and the grace of God. Marriage is far more than a social contract—it is a sacred vocation, a divine mission rooted in self-giving, forgiveness, and mutual support. Through this calling, couples are invited to build strong, faith-filled Christian families that serve as living witnesses to the Gospel in today’s world.

We hope that this time of spiritual and practical preparation has helped deepen the participants’ understanding of their sacred roles as husbands and wives. May they now be fully prepared to embark on this journey with confidence, hope, and a heart rooted in faith. Blessed be their path, and may God walk beside them every step of the way.