Love Conquers All

Photo credit FFWPU-USA

A global pandemic didn’t stop Unificationist couples worldwide from making the greatest commitment to each other in receiving the Marriage Blessing on October 10. With safety precautions in place, couples from the U.S. and abroad joined the live virtual ceremony in South Korea officiated by Rev. Gi Seong Lee and Mrs. Lee.

“This 2020 Special Blessing Ceremony was unique and groundbreaking on many levels,” said Yun-A Johnson, national director of the Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM) department of FFWPU-USA. “Starting with the Special Grace from Mother Moon and her heart to embrace the world, to the new technology used to host the ceremony live via two-way broadcast with Korea so that the participants could see each other in real time all across the world—the Blessing was a beautiful reminder that we are truly a global family.”

In the U.S., Unificationist communities from California to New Jersey hosted intimate yet socially distanced celebrations for 15 couples nationwide at local churches. Dressed in suits, gowns, and face masks, couples shared every precious wedding moment, whether physically together or digitally connected through live tablet Zoom calls, with spouses in other countries.

In Minneapolis, Blessing organizers decorated the church space to create a lovely atmosphere for two young couples. Thoughtful details like specially labeled water bottles and treats enhanced the one-of-a-kind experience. 

Another couple in Dallas felt the love of their community, which honored them with a beautifully decorated two-tier cake as they celebrated the concurrent Cheonbo Festival. And in the Northeast, which had eight couples, the ceremonies were also uniquely tailored in similar fashion.

“I think the Cheonbo ceremony happening just an hour before the Blessing created an incredible atmosphere and depth about what it means to be a Blessed couple,” said Johnson. “The goal isn’t just to receive the Blessing ourselves, but to share it. God’s Blessing is meant to be given to the world.”

The Marriage Blessing Ceremony, ordinarily held in person, has joined hundreds of thousands of couples from around the world in South Korea for more than 50 years. For the first time ever, the recent Special Blessing Ceremony was entirely virtual, and it was the second ceremony of 2020 as Dr. Moon aims to share God’s love and grace with all of humanity.

Stay tuned to hear from Special Holy Blessing couples who shared their experience with us. For more information on the Holy Marriage Blessing, click here.