by Fr Bento D’Souza for BIS Mumbai 

The Salesians of Ahilya Nagar (Ahmednagar) organized a one-day Marriage Enrichment Programme at Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, Ahmednagar, on January 18, 2025. Couples from the parishes of St. Anne’s, St John the Baptist, and Don Bosco Parish, Savedi, participated in the event designed to strengthen marital bonds and foster deeper understanding and collaboration in relationships. The programme began with a warm welcome and an opening prayer, setting a reflective tone for the day. Participants were invited to introduce themselves, creating an atmosphere of companionship and openness.

The first session, led by Fr. George D’Abreo, explored the importance of understanding personality differences and emotional needs. Using engaging questions and practical examples, Fr George D’Abreo introduced the couples to effective communication techniques such as using “I feel” statements, active listening, and avoiding the “fix-it” approach in problem-solving. This session encouraged couples to reflect on their shared experiences and fostered a deeper appreciation of their unique dynamics. 

In the second session, Mrs Bindu Chadda, a well renowned family and trauma counselor, conducted an interactive session on conflict resolution. Through creative exercises, couples learned how to handle disagreements healthily, practice forgiveness, and build trust. A particularly impactful activity involved couples working silently to create designs, reflecting on the importance of non-verbal communication and teamwork. The session concluded with a heartwarming exchange of written affirmations, strengthening the bonds of love and respect. 

During the third session, Fr Vishwas Pereira shared his pastoral insights on integrating faith into married life. He emphasized the importance of prayer, mutual support, and time investment in strengthening marital bonds. Through an engaging presentation, Fr. Pereira highlighted the significance of recognizing and addressing barriers to harmony and nurturing a Christ-centered marriage.

During the last session led by Mr Ian Lemos, participants gained practical insights into managing finances within a marriage. Topics included budgeting, saving, planning for the future, and resolving financial conflicts. Couples were equipped with tools to track expenses, understand safe borrowing practices, and make informed investment decisions to secure their future together.

The day concluded with a reflection on the sessions, where participants shared their experiences and key learnings. Couples left the programme feeling empowered and equipped with practical strategies to enhance their relationships. The event underscored the importance of communication, financial harmony, conflict resolution, and spiritual connection as pillars of a strong and lasting marriage.

The Salesians of Ahilya Nagar extend their gratitude to all facilitators and participants for making the programme a resounding success, reaffirming the mission of nurturing healthy, faith-filled families.