A New Beginning
With safety precautions in place, 15 Unificationist couples across the U.S. received the Marriage Blessing virtually on October 10, embarking on an exciting new chapter together.
They joined hundreds of thousands of couples from around the world who have participated in the momentous Marriage Blessing Ceremony, which was first initiated more than 50 years ago by Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) co-founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, affectionately known as True Parents.
Now in 2020, amid a global pandemic, these couples have trailblazed the Special Blessing Ceremony—a unique, solely virtual celebration broadcasted live from South Korea where participants joined locally. Communities in California, Nevada, Texas, Minnesota, and New Jersey specially honored their couples with intimate yet socially distanced celebrations at local churches.
Here are a few heartfelt reflections from the Marriage Blessing ceremonies in the U.S.:
“My Blessing experience was enlightening and motivational, although I knew this Blessing would be different than others due to the pandemic. The online lessons were very educational, spiritual, and memorable. It really helped me to understand the process and to embrace my future with my wife. This whole experience has strengthened my belief in God and I know that He will guide my wife and I to a blessed life full of love and happiness. I am so grateful for everyone who was a part of this beautiful night who helped make it so special. And wish every couple that received this Marriage Blessing all the best and all the love.” —Clifton, NJ couple
“We have a lot of support from the local families of the Unification movement. Dozens of families and friends witnessed the Blessing ceremony and shared their congratulations with us. True Parents have pioneered the heavenly tradition for the first time in human history to bring us this Blessing. I understand very clearly that it is not just for the sake of my happiness, but it carries the hopes and dreams of the entire community as well.” —Las Vegas, NV couple
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive the Blessing this time with my husband, my family, and my local community whom I’ve grown up with. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be Blessed at such a special Blessing. I want to inherit True Parents’ heart to embrace all the people of this world; to commit to keeping my heart open to all the challenges that come; and to give with a pure heart to my husband, my family, my community, this world, and back to God. True Parents have given us everything and saved my life. This Blessing is a testament to their true love.” —Minneapolis, MN couple
“This 2020 Special Blessing Ceremony was such a huge step in my life and a necessary one. The whole ceremony was amazing! Each step from the performances to the prayer, it was all truly a blessing in itself. The recording of a prayer previously given by True Father was a big and necessary reminder for me that he is here loving and supporting us. I got really emotional when the first song was being sung. Then it ended with a really soft and simple tune, and I visualized a new me that had formed, being led by God and my wife. It felt like a new beginning. Thank you so much God and True Parents!” —Dallas, TX couple
For more information on the Marriage Blessing, click here.