Marriage Enrichment Retreat Strengthens Catholic Family Life in Coastal Karnataka

Mangalore, February 19, 2026: In an initiative to strengthen Catholic family life, Missionary Families of Christ (MFC), Mangalore, organised a three-day Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER 2) for couples from 7 to 9 February at the Divine Call Centre, Mulki.

More than 30 couples from parishes across the dioceses of Mangalore and Udupi participated in the residential programme, which sought to help spouses deepen their sacramental bond and renew the spiritual foundations of married life.

Senior resource couples from Chennai and Mangalore led the sessions, addressing key dimensions of Christian marriage, including unity, communication, financial stewardship, intimacy and parenting. Organisers designed the retreat as an immersive spiritual experience rather than a conventional seminar, enabling participants to step away from daily responsibilities and devote focused time to prayer and mutual reflection.

The schedule combined structured couple dialogues, praise and worship, fellowship activities and a ceremony in which participants renewed their marriage vows. A parallel children’s ministry ensured that parents could engage fully in the programme. Youth volunteers known as “Heart Champs” conducted activities for children, integrating music, interaction and prayer.

The retreat concluded with a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist celebrated by Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza, Parish Priest of the St Jude Shrine, Pakshikere. In his homily, he urged couples to become witnesses of Christ’s love within their families and parish communities.

MFC, a global Catholic lay movement committed to family renewal and evangelisation, described the successful conduct of MER 2 as a reaffirmation of its mission to uphold faith, family and life in the region.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download