Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi has urged married couples to understand that matrimony is not a challenge-free venture but a sacred journey where love must consciously triumph over obstacles.

The cleric spoke on Saturday morning, 28 February 2026, during the Holy Mass marking the continuation of the fourth phase of the Marriage and Family Life Training at St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.

Addressing couples gathered for the programme, he declared that marriage is not an event but “a life to be lived,” warning that many unions fail today because the quality of consent has become dangerously shallow.

Akahi News reports that the priest’s homily formed part of the intensive training designed to deepen couples’ understanding of marriage as a path to sanctification and evangelisation.

Marriage Is Not Free of Challenges

In a reflective tone, Rev. Fr Ajayi reminded participants that Scripture never promises a storm-free marital life. Rather, it assures believers of grace in the midst of trials.

Quoting John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” he explained that difficulties are inevitable, yet conquerable through love rooted in Christ.

He further referenced 1 Corinthians 13:7, noting that love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

“Marriage is not a business venture where profit is guaranteed,” he said. “It is a covenant that demands sacrifice, patience and forgiveness.”

According to him, couples must resist the modern illusion that compatibility alone sustains marriage. Instead, deliberate commitment and sacrificial love are what secure lasting unions.

Akahi News gathered that many couples nodded in agreement as the priest emphasised perseverance over perfection.

Our Marital Lives Are Being Studied

In one of the most striking moments of the homily, the cleric cautioned that married couples are constantly being observed by younger generations.

“Your marriage,” he said, “is a living textbook. Young people are reading you.”

Quoting Matthew 5:16, he urged couples to let their light shine before others so that their good works may glorify God. He also cited Proverbs 22:6, reminding parents of their responsibility to train children in the way they should go.

According to him, when children grow up witnessing constant hostility, neglect or disrespect between parents, such patterns often replicate themselves. Conversely, homes characterised by forgiveness, prayer and mutual respect inspire healthy future families.

Akahi News learnt that the priest described Christian families as “silent evangelisers,” shaping society more profoundly than many public campaigns.

The Crisis of Consent in Modern Marriages

Turning to a more analytical dimension, Rev. Fr Ajayi lamented what he described as the declining quality of marital consent.

“The quality of consent is very low today,” he said. “That is why many marriages collapse under minimal pressure.”

In Catholic teaching, matrimonial consent is the essential element that brings a valid marriage into existence. Referencing Genesis 2:24, he reminded couples that marriage requires a deliberate leaving and cleaving — a mature and conscious decision.

He further cited Matthew 19:6, where Jesus says, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”

According to him, true consent demands freedom, maturity and understanding of the obligations of marriage. That is why, he stressed, the Church joins rational adults capable of making informed decisions in matrimony.

“Marriage is not a gamble,” he said. “It is a covenant entered into by responsible adults who choose love daily.”

Akahi News gathered that he encouraged participants to revisit their vows internally and renew their commitment in sincerity.

The Philosophy of Marriage: A Decision to Love

Perhaps the central thesis of his message was the philosophy of marriage as a decision to love.

Love, he explained, is not merely an emotion but an act of the will.

Quoting Ephesians 5:25, he reminded husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. He also referenced Colossians 3:14, describing love as the bond of perfection.

“The feeling may fluctuate,” he said, “but the decision must remain firm.”

He encouraged couples to see love as an intentional, daily choice — a choice to forgive, to communicate, to sacrifice and to remain faithful.

Akahi News reports that the priest underscored that this rational, faith-informed decision distinguishes sacramental marriage from casual relationships.

A Path to Righteousness, Not Destruction

Concluding his homily, Rev. Fr Ajayi warned that marriage can either elevate souls toward righteousness or drag them into destruction, depending on how it is lived.

Quoting Deuteronomy 30:19, “I have set before you life and death… choose life,” he urged couples to consciously choose righteousness in their homes.

He also cited Psalm 1:1–3, describing the blessed person whose life is rooted in God.

“Your marriage,” he declared, “should be a path to righteousness, not a pathway to regret.”

He encouraged couples to prioritise prayer, dialogue, mutual respect and spiritual growth. According to him, when Christ remains at the centre, storms may come, but collapse will not.

Training Continues

The fourth phase of the Marriage and Family Life Training continues at St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede. The programme is part of the Diocese’s pastoral effort to strengthen families and reposition marriage as both a means of sanctification and evangelisation.

Akahi News is on ground to bring readers further updates as the sessions progress.

As the Mass concluded, couples departed with renewed conviction that marriage is not merely endured but intentionally lived — a covenant sustained by faith, hope and above all, love.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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