Laurence and Jarrie's Wedding 1-6-17

One of the best love quotes from the court I have encountered is this:

Marital union is a two-way process. An expressive interest in each other’s feelings at a time it is needed by the other can go a long way in deepening the marital relationship. Marriage is definitely not for children but for two consenting adults who view the relationship with love amor gignit amorem, respect, sacrifice and a continuing commitment to compromise, conscious of its value as a sublime social institution. (Chi Ming Tsoi vs. Court of Appeals and Gina Lao-Tsoi, GR No. 119190, 16 January 1997)

This quote seems to suggest that there are two features which are considered important to forge a beautiful marriage. One is somewhat personal and then the other, legal.

For the first one, the personal aspect pertains to the feeling that the two have for each other. Both should feel they need each other and at the same time they feel needed by the other. This feeling is known to us as love. Love makes one interested about the other. Without love, a man and a woman lack foundation to build a personal relationship with each other. Without love, there is no willingness to give one’s life for the other. Without love, there is no willingness to accept one’s life given for the sake of the other. Love is the most basic reason why we see a man and a woman marry.

For the legal aspect, age and maturity become a considerable circumstance. Marriage is for two consenting adults, man and woman, who establish a permanent union of conjugal and family life. The permanence of the union between a husband and his wife is protected by our law being a sublime social institution. But the law itself requires that both the husband and wife must know their rights and obligations so as to observe them. In other words, the law protects the marriage of a husband and wife who protect it.

Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie, I believe the two features required to forge a beautiful marriage are already upon your power. In terms of personal aspect, the love that is asked from you is already there. Remember, it was sometime in December of 2014, Laurence “Niño” was diagnosed with Dengue and was confined in a hospital. His platelet count went as low as 21 and only the doctor could tell if Laurence “Niño” would already need blood transfusion. The twist of this event happened when Jarrie decided to stay during the Christmas season to take care of Laurence “Niño” at the hospital rather than to go home here in Iloilo. Jarrie stayed beside Laurence “Niño” and even forced him to drink “tawa-tawa” that helped him fully recovered his health. Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie, this event in your life unfolds the love which is demanded from you.

In terms of the legal aspect, again it was in December but this time of 2015 that Laurence “Niño” decided to take Jarrie as his wife. Laurence “Niño” with a bended knee asked Jarrie to marry him as the countdown for the New Year started. What happened on that New Year’s Eve eventually brings us all here today. Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie, you sealed your love today and you want your love to be protected by law –law of the State and law of the Catholic Church. It seems that after this mass, you have all what is being required to forge a beautiful marriage. There is no reason for you then to doubt the future of your marriage.

Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie, aside from these two aspects, personal and legal, let me add another aspect which the Church considers important for every marriage i.e., the spiritual aspect of marriage. Learn from your experience that even how much you love each other, other feelings such as anger, jealousy, pride, etc. still do exist somewhere in your heart. Learn from your experience that even if you are legally and sacramentally married to each other, you still have your own share of up’s and down’s, you still have something to argue. Sometimes, if little sentiment is left unresolved, it becomes determinative for the worsening condition of a marital relationship. Then the hash tag, JARneytoLAU, is nothing but an isolated journey of an individual to reach out for another individual. This is not the marriage you want I believe, Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie. The marriage that you want is to find yourselves joining each other’s hands journeying together to a direction God has given you. Marriage, for you Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie is a lifetime partnership and this can only be real and true when God is with you. So please, both of you pray together. Prayers will always keep your marriage safe. As it happens that you marry here in this famous Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Iloilo, pray to Mama Mary to always help you. Have faith and pray every day!

To end, Jarrie, I have known Laurence “Niño” since 2005 when I was assigned as a guest priest in their parish. I assure you, he is a very responsible loving young man as well as a very straight guy. I have never seen him happier until he has found you. I say this because I remember the moment, it was sometime in 2015, when his family introduced you to me at their home while we were having dinner, I could see how Laurence “Niño” felt so complete because of you. Jarrie, Laurence “Niño” loves you with the only love he has reserved for a woman he dreams to marry, be always thankful for that.

Laurence “Niño”, though I have only met Jarrie once or twice at your parents’ home, I know she is your missing link. Like a typical Ilongga, she knows how to take care of the people you love. She knows when she has to speak her mind or to be silent. She will do everything she thinks right to support you. Ilonggas are “malambing’ but they are strong when it comes to issues affecting marriage and family. You are therefore blessed by God Laurence “Niño” for having Jarrie as your wife. Basta Ilongga, manami guid magpalangga.

So for both of you, Laurence “Niño” and Jarrie, your journey towards each other ends in this wedding but your journey together towards a meaningful lifetime partnership begins in this marriage. You are no longer two but one. You remain one as long as you can spell the word JARLAU in your marriage. Just Another Reminder Love Always Understands. Jarrie and Laurence, let us bless God and give Him thanks. Amen.