Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Course Held in the Diocese of Shimoga

Shivamogga, October 4, 2026: The Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Course was held on October 3 and 4, 2026, at Sannidhi, the Pastoral Centre, Shimoga. The course was organised to help participants understand the meaning, responsibilities, challenges, and spirituality of Christian marriage and to prepare them to enter family life with faith, commitment, and maturity.

The course began on Saturday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m. with an introductory session by Rev. Fr Venil D’Silva, Director of the Family Commission. He explained the aims and objectives of the Pre-Cana Course and highlighted the importance of preparing oneself spiritually, emotionally, and practically for married life.

Fr Biju Thomas, in his session on Marriage in Canon and Civil Law, explained the purposes of marriage, impediments to marriage, canonical form, disparity of cult, and other important aspects of Church law concerning marriage.

Mr Monthu Moras and Mrs Vinitha conducted sessions on Financial Stewardship and Pro-Life, emphasising responsible financial management in family life and the Christian responsibility to respect and protect human life.

Mrs Mary D’Souza spoke on Responsible Parenthood and the upbringing of children in faith and values. She emphasised the important role of parents in nurturing their children and helping them grow in faith, good values, and responsible citizenship.

Fr Venil D’Silva, in his session on Communication in the Family, explained the importance of healthy communication between husband and wife and among family members. Beginning with the theme of communication in the Bible, he highlighted that the fruit of God’s communication is Creation. He explained the purpose and objectives of communication, as well as its different forms and their importance in building strong and healthy family relationships.

In another session, Fr Venil D’Silva reflected on the Three Altars in the Family: the Table of the Word, the Table of Bread, and the Table of the Bed. He explained how the Word of God, the Eucharist, and the sacred intimacy of husband and wife are essential dimensions of Christian family life.

In his fourth session, he introduced the participants to the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC), explaining its origin, mission, and presence in the Diocese of Shimoga. He encouraged the participants to join MFC and become missionary families, witnessing to Christ through their family life.

Sr Dr Loveline D’Souza spoke on Sexual Morality in Family Life. She explained Christian teaching on human sexuality and emphasised the dignity of marriage, responsible relationships, and the importance of a strong pro-life commitment.

Fr Franklin D’Souza reflected on the theme Marriage as Covenant and Sacrament. He explained the sacred nature of the marriage covenant and the sacramental dimensions of Christian marriage, reminding the participants of the lifelong commitment involved in Christian family life.

Mr and Mrs William Jyothi D’Souza conducted a session on Interpersonal Relationships and Problems in the Family. Through meaningful explanations and an engaging role play, they helped the participants understand common challenges in family relationships and ways of addressing them constructively.

Mr David Raj spoke on the Complementarity of Man and Woman, emphasising the unique dignity, gifts, and responsibilities of both men and women in marriage and family life.

Fr Glanson D’Souza conducted a session on Spirituality in the Family, encouraging the participants to make prayer, faith, and their relationship with God the foundation of their married and family life.

Another important highlight of the course was Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity for Confession. These spiritual moments enabled the participants to reflect on their lives, renew their relationship with God, seek forgiveness, and prepare themselves to enter family life with greater purity, holiness, and commitment.

A total of 33 participants from Mangalore, Belthangady, Bhadravathi, Bellary, and Shimoga took part in the Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Course.

The Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Course was a meaningful and enriching experience for all the participants. The various sessions helped them understand that Christian marriage is not merely a social or legal institution, but a sacred covenant and sacrament rooted in love, faith, responsibility, mutual respect, and openness to God’s will. The course also encouraged the participants to build families that are prayerful, loving, united, and missionary in spirit. The Eucharistic Adoration and Confession provided a fitting spiritual preparation, enabling the participants to renew their lives and approach their future married life with faith, purity, and holiness.

Rev. Fr Venil D’Silva
Director, Family Commission
Diocese of Shimoga