Pa Jacob and Ma Justina Ihensekhien, the parents of Rev. Fr Dr Matthew Ihensekhien, recently marked their 50 years of wedding anniversary. The event which took place at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ogbeson – Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, at 11:00 AM, had in attendance Bishop Ogun of Uromi, who was the Chief Celebrant of the Mass that witnessed well over 80 priests and Religious in attendance. Priests and Consecrated Persons and laity from Uromi diocese in their usual strong sense of solidarity thronged the venue of the event in their massive numbers. Also at the event were friends and well – wishers of the Ihensekhien family from within and outside Edo State.
In his opening remark, Bishop Ogun appreciated Pa & Ma Ihensekhien for keeping together in these past 50 years and counting. He presented them as shinning light and examples for the world today, especially the young generation, who have missed the mark and path of the true understanding and interpretation of marriage. Bishop Ogun said that marriage has both spiritual and physical dimension, and that it is emphasis on the spiritual dimension and living it out as a product of the providence of God that the true value is achieved which is materialized in keeping with each other in love till death. He lamented on the attitude of the world today in only emphasizing and keeping with the material aspect of marriage, which translates into only when the goings are good or as I want it, without a recourse to God’s plan and will and providence. And the fruits of this is evident in the very common and frequent break – ups in marriages and single parenthood that is trendy today.
In his homily, Rev. Fr Emri Emmanuel from the Archdiocese of Lagos, gave Pa Ihensekhien the opportunity to enlighten the church on the secret of the success in marriage. In his response, among other things, Pa Ihensekhien listed praying together, forgiving each other, appreciating each other, eating together, living together etc., as the foundation to their staying together all these years.
Fr Emmanuel pointed out the fact that occassions like this is a great opportunity to thank God for this providence. He alluded to the story of the the 10 Lepers in the Scripture (Luke 17:11-19), who enjoyed the providence of God, but only one made it worthwhile to come back to Jesus Christ to say “Thank you”. In the story, he noted that the fact that Jesus Christ remained at the point where the 10 Lepers could find him after they were healed, passes a strong message to us. He said that Jesus Christ remained their because he actually was expecting the 10 Lepers to come
back and give God thank, but only one did. So, we have no excuse to fail to thank God, because he is always waiting for us at that point where we can easily find him.
A high – point of the celebration was the renewal of marriage vows by Pa and Ma Ihensekhien, which was witnessed by Bishop Ogun and all present at the event. There was also a thanksgiving procession by the celebrants and children, friends and well – wishers, who danced to the sanctuary to appreciate God.
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