Catholic Bishop Cautions against “selfish motives” in Marriage of 19 Couples in Kenya

“When you say ‘I take you, I accept you…’ Let it come from your heart and let it last all your life. It should not be that you come and declare to take someone because of certain benefits, because of certain goals, and when those goals are achieved, you leave that person,” the Catholic Bishop said.

“Today, no marriage can exist if people are not faithful. And that faithfulness means keeping the word you promised before this altar. Do not break it. Keep the promise,” he added.

Bishop Kadima also advised those preparing for marriage to be discerning in their choice of partners, noting that integrity and responsibility are essential for a lasting union.

“If you see someone who does not fulfill promises, do not marry that person. Run away. If you see someone who has many debts and does not pay, do not marry that person,” he said.

Citing the writings of St. Paul on marriage, Bishop Kadima reminded the people of God that marriage calls a man and woman to leave their families and become one body. He warned against external interference, particularly from in-laws, which he described as one of the current causes of marital breakdown.

More in Africa

South African Catholic Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Dies at 76

Read the article

“We leave everyone else who might destroy our marriage. When you take your partner, leave everyone else so that they do not ruin your marriage,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said.

“Now, one very bad thing that destroys marriages is in-laws,” he said, and added in his address to parents, “Stay away from these issues. Leave that marriage alone.”

He cautioned in-laws against criticizing activities the couples engage in, and to allow those married to live their life freely.

“Let people live as they want. Let people love each other. Do not interfere. That is not your marriage. Focus on yourself and leave other people’s marriages alone,” the 61 years old Bishop said.

Bishop Kadima urged couples to make prayer the foundation of their families, saying that faith and communication with God sustain marriages, especially during challenges.

“Let us be people who pray in our families. We who are taking each other today should pray together. Each one of us should pray for the other,” he said.

He encouraged the newlywed couples and those who are already married to “accept each other, live well together.”

The Catholic Bishop highlighted some of the things that determine a successful marriage, saying that to live well the couples should love and respect one another.

“We pray that your marriage here may last,” the Local Ordinary of Bungoma Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in February 2022 said.  

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.