San Antonio, Paraguay – This past Saturday morning, June 28, approximately 100 couples gathered in San Antonio, Central Department, Paraguay, for a moving joint wedding ceremony. The event, co-organized by the Santa Librada Foundation (Fundación Santa Librada) and the Christian Family Movement (Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, MFC), was celebrated grandly with the blessings of countless attendees.
A total of 91 couples exchanged vows at the San Antonio de Padua Parish that day. Among them were couples who had waited for an astonishing 13 years to receive the blessing of the sacred sacrament of matrimony, moving those around them. This was more than just a statistic; it was proof of the depth of love and devotion.
Through the Santa Librada Foundation's "Sacred Family Program (Programa Sagrada Familia)," a total of 4,025 couples have, to date, celebrated religious weddings. This latest wedding is a successful continuation of this program, clearly demonstrating the foundation's emphasis on the value and importance of family.
Víctor Centurión, Project Manager for the Santa Librada Foundation, expressed his joy in an interview with Telefuturo, stating, "We feel great joy in this pastoral family activity." He also introduced Carlos Moreira, from the missionary department of the Christian Family Movement (MFC), adding, "We have dreamed of this event for two years."
Moreira emphasized, "It is a great joy for these families who have prepared for a year. The Christian Family Movement has accompanied these couples for a year to ensure they fully understand and happily embrace the responsibilities they undertake before God, the Church, and their families." As he stated, it was evident that the couples underwent a thorough preparation process to form a truly meaningful family.
During the Mass, the priest highlighted the importance of such joint weddings, noting that his own parish had only seven weddings in a year. Centurión announced plans to hold weekly weddings until June of next year. Currently, 2,800 couples are preparing for a year to receive the blessing of the sacrament of matrimony, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to helping more couples establish families in faith.
Santa Librada Foundation: Over 55 Years of Dedication
The Santa Librada Foundation was established on June 1, 1967, and has a history spanning over 55 years. All of the foundation's activities are guided by the philosophy of "apostolado de corazón" (apostolate of the heart). Since its inception, the foundation's apostolate has benefited countless families across Paraguay, with 35 staff members directly assisting them.
The Santa Librada Foundation began with a desire to share the blessings received with those in need. Its roots align with the commercial beginnings of the Grupo AJ Vierci. The foundation focuses particularly on supporting the poor and marginalized through education, health, and social integration programs. Its primary goals include advocating for family values, promoting spiritual and moral growth, and contributing to community development.
The foundation provides practical support through microloan programs, helping low-income families start or expand businesses, and through vocational training programs, expanding employment opportunities. Furthermore, it consistently strives to provide educational support for vulnerable children, nutrition improvement programs, and improved access to medical services.
This joint wedding ceremony is one of the foundation's many activities, significantly contributing to strengthening family bonds and fostering social cohesion on a spiritual level. The Santa Librada Foundation is expected to continue making a positive impact on Paraguayan society, striving to help more families lead happy and stable lives. In this way, the foundation plays a crucial role in bringing hope and courage, revitalizing the entire community.
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