Four Filipino Couples Say “I Do” Together in Unique Mass Wedding Celebration
Love was definitely in the air in St. John’s as four couples from the Filipino community in Newfoundland and Labrador gathered at St. Teresa’s Parish for a wedding extravaganza unlike any other. What started as a beautiful union turned into a mass celebration of love and tradition.
As the sounds of music filled the church, the four grooms eagerly awaited their brides, who gracefully made their way through a veil of flowers. With their parents by their side, the couples exchanged vows, rings, and sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by a chorus of blessings and hymns.
The idea of a mass wedding stemmed not only from a desire to reduce costs but also to honor the rich tradition of their homeland, the Philippines. Myhra and Mario Ibabao, one of the four couples, shared that the entire group were close friends who made a pact to tie the knot together, creating a unique bond that goes beyond just marriage.
Their decision to have a church wedding was driven by a belief in the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage, a sentiment echoed by others like John Allester and Arcelli Letigio, who also sought the church’s blessing on their union. Despite already having civil weddings, the couples found joy and fulfillment in solidifying their commitment before a higher power.
Organized by a community group called Couples for Christ, the mass wedding was not just a celebration of love but a testament to faith and unity. The shared experience brought families together, crossing cultural boundaries and creating lasting connections.
For many in the community, like Hazel Ouano Alpuerto, who stepped in as a surrogate parent for a bride whose own parents couldn’t attend, the event symbolized the strength of the Filipino community. It showcased not just the joy of marriage but the unwavering bond that ties them all together.
Amidst the cheers, tears, and laughter that filled the church, one thing was clear: this mass wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of love, faith, and the power of community coming together as one.
Stay updated on more heartwarming stories like this by downloading the free CBC News app for the latest news alerts. Let’s continue to celebrate love and unity in all its forms!
Love was definitely in the air in St. John’s as four couples from the Filipino community in Newfoundland and Labrador gathered at St. Teresa’s Parish for a wedding extravaganza unlike any other. What started as a beautiful union turned into a mass celebration of love and tradition.
As the sounds of music filled the church, the four grooms eagerly awaited their brides, who gracefully made their way through a veil of flowers. With their parents by their side, the couples exchanged vows, rings, and sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by a chorus of blessings and hymns.
The idea of a mass wedding stemmed not only from a desire to reduce costs but also to honor the rich tradition of their homeland, the Philippines. Myhra and Mario Ibabao, one of the four couples, shared that the entire group were close friends who made a pact to tie the knot together, creating a unique bond that goes beyond just marriage.
Their decision to have a church wedding was driven by a belief in the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage, a sentiment echoed by others like John Allester and Arcelli Letigio, who also sought the church’s blessing on their union. Despite already having civil weddings, the couples found joy and fulfillment in solidifying their commitment before a higher power.
Organized by a community group called Couples for Christ, the mass wedding was not just a celebration of love but a testament to faith and unity. The shared experience brought families together, crossing cultural boundaries and creating lasting connections.
For many in the community, like Hazel Ouano Alpuerto, who stepped in as a surrogate parent for a bride whose own parents couldn’t attend, the event symbolized the strength of the Filipino community. It showcased not just the joy of marriage but the unwavering bond that ties them all together.
Amidst the cheers, tears, and laughter that filled the church, one thing was clear: this mass wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of love, faith, and the power of community coming together as one.
Stay updated on more heartwarming stories like this by downloading the free CBC News app for the latest news alerts. Let’s continue to celebrate love and unity in all its forms!
