The effort to get to know the value of the sacrament of marriage, to carefully look inside oneself and the future spouse was made by the participants of the retreat for engaged couples with the pre-marriage course "We build love on truth". The retreat took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń on February 11-13, 2022.
The meeting was organized in the form of a workshop by the Licheń Center for Assistance to Families and Addicts, combining theory with a large dose of practice and a smile. Host: Krystyna and Arkadiusz Gorgolewski with 25 years of marriage and Fr. Zbigniew Borkowski, MIC, director of the Licheń Help Center, emphasized that marriage is a beautiful adventure for a lifetime. - We show that marriage is authentic and beautiful, but not idyllic. Healthy love is great. If anyone is looking for a pattern of love, let him look at the cross. Christ revealed her on the cross, and in marriage it is sometimes said: everything but the cross! Life is difficult, but by walking together, the effort turns into joy - says Fr. Borkowski.
The participants also learned that the marriage oath is the key, the source of recovery for marriages that have even broken up. They considered what love, fidelity and marital honesty meant, it is worth coming back to them in times of crisis.
The lecturers emphasized that communication skills are a process, one should learn how to talk, and especially how to listen. They served primarily their own marriage experiences. - We encourage you to live your marriage joyfully. For the young to discover the truth about themselves and in front of each other - say Krysia and Arek. The conferences were the starting point for answers to a number of questions that the participants took up in pairs.
There was also time for prayer, walks, marriage anecdotes and conversations. - It's a great way to spend Valentine's weekend, it's a great date! For me, it is a great value that we get to know the history and experience of the lecturers. Love and spirituality are combined with practical advice, it is important to relate to real life - says Marta. - We have a moment to look inside ourselves. In the frenzy of pre-wedding preparations, we do not think about checking if I am fine, or do I have any questions? During the retreat, we raise issues that we did not think of, 'says Asia. - The topic of honesty was important to me, so that the spouses would not have any secrets from each other, because we make decisions for life - admits Przemek. - The priest and the couple of the leaders draw our attention to important points that we may overlook, and they will help us get to know the other person. We wonder if we have similar expectations, how do we see our future, what are our priorities - family or work? - adds Rafał. Young people emphasize that the workshop form is a great idea, despite intensive work, because it gives rise to a lot of reflection.
How Can I Keep a Marriage From Breaking Up? - The most important thing is to stick to God, because then forgiveness is possible. Otherwise, people often fail to forgive, or are sophisticated, forgive only once, or only on small matters. After such calculations, without reference to God, they come to the conclusion that it is not profitable - admits the director priest.
- For us, the presence of God in the sacrament is an anchor. We encourage participants to open up to the Source and to see that the words of the marriage vow touch eternity. There will be many problems that cannot be resolved humanly. Marriages fail mainly when they are powerless. However, God's grace comes with the cross, say Krysia and Arek.
We invite you to the next retreat for brides in days September 9-11, 2022
Information on other retreats organized by the Lichen Center for Assistance to Families and Addicts can be found on the website Licheń Help Center.
We also encourage you to take advantage of the offer of retreats and workshops conducted at the Licheń sanctuary: here is the retreat calendar.
Text and photos: Sanctuary Press Office
