KUALA LUMPUR: Marriage Encounter (ME) enables married couples to receive a priceless gift from God; and this gift could be used for the rest of their lives, and also for their children.

This was how Benjamin and Matilda Selvanathan described their experience of the ME Weekend held from July 3-5 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. The couple said that like many others, they thought that they had the answers to a lasting marital relationship since they were educated in the ways of the world.

“However, as we immersed ourselves in the ME Weekend, we realised that we were not communicating with each other in a conducive manner. We can honestly and joyfully declare that we received a rare, priceless gift from God, thanks to the ME Weekend,” said Benjamin and Matilda, who have been married for more than 14 years.

According to Paul and Linda Daniel, the coordinating couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter in Selangor/Kuala Lumpur, this July programme, in which 11 couples participated, was the 143rd ME Weekend to be held in this region.

“When the ME Weekend begins on Friday evening, many couples are usually shy and reserved. However, as the Weekend gets going, couples are able to fully relate to the programme, and are able to give their undivided attention to their spouses, and enrich their couple relationship,” said Paul and Linda.

They said that some couples hesitated or did not want to attend the ME Weekend as they thought that ME was for “problem” or difficult marriages.

“After the Weekend, couples realise for themselves that ME makes good marriages better. They are then keen to encourage other couples to also take part in the ME Weekend,” said Paul and Linda.

The ME coordinating couple said that the next ME Weekend would be held from October 2-4 at APC, KL.

Paul and Linda said that couples interested in participating in the next ME Weekend could register with their respective parish ME representatives, or call John and Francisca, the Pre- Weekend couple, at 012-3893754. — By Canute & Lourett Magimay