Family Renewal Program at St. Dominic Savio Church, Dibrugarh, Strengthens Marriages and Families

Tongana, Dibrugarh, 25 February 2025: St. Dominic Savio Church in Tongana conducted a three-day Family Renewal Program from 21-23 February at Dirak, one of its parish stations, drawing nearly 60 couples and their children. The program focused on essential family-related topics, including marital commitment, abortion, parenting, the influence of social media, pornography, and family prayer. A team from St. Boniface Pastoral Centre, Dibrugarh, led the sessions, featuring Sr. Christina Tuti MSMHC, Sr. Sara SH, and Mr. Lawrence Minj.

Addressing parental responsibility, Mr. Minj emphasised, “Children learn what they see,” urging parents to be mindful of their actions. On marital commitment, he advised couples to practice self-discipline, warning against extramarital relationships. “Extra-marital sex may seem exciting, but it is deceptive and destructive,” he cautioned.

Sr. Christina educated the youth on bodily changes, sex education, human reproduction, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Sr. Tuti tackled the dangers of pornography, stating, “Pornography is designed to arouse sexual desire and can lead to addiction and negative consequences.” She also spoke on abortion, affirming, “Life begins at conception, and abortion destroys a God-given life.” Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, she reinforced, “Human life must be respected and protected from conception” (CCC 2270).

Sr. Sara underscored the importance of family prayer, reminding parents that they are their children’s first teachers in both academics and faith. “A family that prays together stays together,” she said, urging families to pray daily.

Parish priest Fr. William Horo accompanied the team and participants, celebrating both the inaugural and concluding Mass on 21 and 23 February. During the opening Mass, he blessed and distributed Holy Family images to the families, encouraging them to foster faith within their homes. The program strengthened family bonds, reinforcing faith, values, and commitment among participants.

By Fr. William Horo