A Time for Reflection on the Growing Frequency of Weddings and Community Gatherings

There is a growing need for our society to reflect on how we utilise our limited resources, particularly time, money, and human effort, in conducting weddings. One area that calls for thoughtful concern is the practice of organising multiple individual weddings within the same church or nearby localities, often within a short span of time.

In recent times, we are witnessing an increasing number of holy weddings, which is a positive and encouraging sign. Heartfelt congratulations to all the newly married couples. It reflects well on our society that marriages are being solemnised through the Church, upholding Christian values and the sanctity of holy matrimony. There are fewer instances or reports of couples eloping, which indicates a growing respect for Christian teachings on marriage and family life. The Church, in this regard, deserves appreciation for its proactive role in imparting awareness on holy marriage and Christian family life.

When multiple weddings are held separately within the same church or in nearby areas, there is often a repeated use of limited resources-time, money, and human effort. As a result, families and community members may become physically and financially exhausted due to continuous preparations and recurring social obligations. In this context, opting for a common Holy Mass or joint weddings, particularly when couples belong to the same church or locality, may be a thoughtful and practical approach. Such an arrangement can help reduce unnecessary expenditure, avoid duplication of efforts, minimise fatigue, and enable families and the community to celebrate in a more meaningful manner without undue or much pressure. Otherwise, repeated preparations and continuous hosting place considerable financial and physical strain not only on individual families but also on the wider community, eventually leading to resource depletion and social obligations.

Social/Community Gatherings and Activities

There is also a need to reflect on how we conduct our social and community gatherings. The intent is not to question the quality or value of our current social activities, but to recognise and acknowledge that there is scope for optimisation in the way they are organised and carried out. By minimising excessive or repetitive social gatherings, greater emphasis can be placed on meaningful and quality interactions. Frequent events often demand substantial investments of time, money, and human effort, which lead to unnecessary strain on individuals and families.

This approach does not undermine our culture, traditions, or social values. Rather, it emphasizes practicality and responsible use of resources while preserving the essence of togetherness and community bonding. Thoughtful planning and simplified gatherings can ensure that social interactions remain purposeful, inclusive, and sustainable. Being mindful of how resources are utilised will help strengthen social harmony while adapting sensibly to present-day realities.