On Monday, April 22, the sessions for the first group of engaged couples willing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony concluded in Amman.

Director of the Pastoral Office of Marriage and Family Fr. Bashir Bader presented certificates to those enrolled in the three-week course, during which the participants listened to ecclesiastical, theological, humanitarian, and medical views relevant to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

In a statement to en.abouna.org website, Fr. Bashir Bader said: “The meetings were a distinctive pastoral procession for the local church, for all those who participated in giving the lectures, and for the engaged couples as well, at a time when we wanted to enlighten the path of love that they are walking on towards holy marriage away from improvisation or haste, while seeking a spirit of distinction in their coming marital and family lives.”

Dr. Amal Al-Shammas, consultant in obstetrics and gynecology, had earlier presented an important humanitarian lecture about  biological-medical aspects, and provided the awareness needed to the engaged couples about some laboratory and medical tests that are required before marriage so as to prevent some diseases, out of concern for their effect and dangers on pregnancy. She also provided a medical perspective on sensitive issues such as contraception and abortion, and the Church’s position on them. Regarding her participation in the sessions, Dr. Shammas said that her participation in these sessions are designed to keep the engaged couples abreast of medical issues that they may face in order to alleviate the seriousness of health problems.

The engaged couple, Hadi and Lavinia, expressed their pride in joining these courses prior to marriage, and they explained in a statement to en.abouna.org website that the preparatory courses for those about to tie the knot were very important to them from the spiritual, ecclesiastical, and medical aspects, as they were provided with broad outlines on how to build a stable, fruitful, and successful Christian family. They also encouraged all engaged couples to participate in these courses because they represent an indispensable intellectual and spiritual asset before receiving the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.