Making Miracles Happen

Photo credit FFWPU-USA

“We had two days to make it happen!”

Che Consoro and her team pulled off what she calls “a miracle” on March 19—designing a beautiful space of colorful ribbon, floral arrangements, and table settings for a special rededication Marriage Blessing ceremony at Clifton Family Church in New Jersey. 

“It was really exciting because we put everything together so quickly,” said Consoro, a Unificationist who heads the Blessing and Family Ministry (BFM) in Clifton.

A similar feeling of exhilaration swept over multiple clergy couples who renewed their wedding vows in person and virtually. 

“As a Christian, I believe that it is important to keep our marriages together no matter the circumstances, and to put God and Jesus in the center of the relationship,” said Minister Hector Soto from The Family Center in Newark. “I am ready to continue this journey of the next 40-day period to receive the fullness of God’s love and blessing.”

Soto, who received the Marriage Blessing with his wife, Wanda Garcia, said it’s crucial to commit to God with unwavering faith despite the world’s ongoing problems. 

The couples celebrated their love with a specially decorated cake, catered banquet dinner, and live music during the ceremony and reception. Clifton Family Church Pastor Crescentia DeGoede served as the Master of Ceremonies, while Dr. Greg and Yuka Agulan officiated the Marriage Blessing ceremony.

“All of us worked together and it was amazing that we could make everything perfect for the couples,” said Consoro. “The guests were so happy, we could see it. One of the couples said they loved the message and words used in the ceremony; and that it was great to see different religions and leaders coming together and the spirit was wonderful.”

An educational video on the Unification movement, co-founded by the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, was shared by Unificationist Dr. Tyler Hendricks. Elizabeth Family Church Pastor Emiljun and Christine Rapada also shared their personal story of receiving the Marriage Blessing.

“I feel so much gratitude for participating in this marriage rededication ceremony,” said Min. Soto. “This is truly a wonderful experience and a great blessing.”

Blessing organizers in New Jersey said they aim to host another marriage rededication ceremony for clergy in Clifton in the near future. You can learn more about the Marriage Blessing movement here.

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