Marriage Day in CNMI proclaimed
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 13, 2000 as Marriage Day in the CNMI as he asked couples to rise above the demands brought about by the complex social structures.
Amid the cynicism on the sacrament of marriage, there is still such a thing as loving a person forever, said Jess R A Sonoda, one of the organizers of Marriage Encounter Movement in the CNMI.
Mr. Sonoda lamented the increase in divorce cases and number of people living together without the sacrament of marriage. “Many couples have apparently forgotten the important element of commitment which makes the marriage withstand the test of time,” he said.
Lawyer Ben Salas believes that the couple must have a strong desire to make the marriage work and not just to benefit oneself. “This is an institution that holds the society together. Marriage is constantly challenged and we live in a fast-paced world where people don’t have patience anymore to work things out,” he said.
Mr. Salas’ wife Lovey said she hopes young people would see the real picture of marriage — not the rosy image that’s always pictured on television. Now married for 25 years, the Salas couple have a 15-year -old son.
In the proclamation, the governor said marriage has proven its worth in the creation of a loving and healthful environment throughout history, allowing the family to face all adversities, crises and demands that complex social structure create in this global community.
The governor emphasized that faithful marriage reflects the worth society ascribes to fundamental relationships as well as God’s abundant grace in blessing mankind.
