In an era grappling with escalating moral degeneration and unprecedented rates of marriage dissolution, a powerful call has emerged for governments, institutions, and communities to fundamentally “reinvent and refocus” on the institution of marriage.

This urgent plea aims to fortify family and parenting units, ultimately fostering the growth of individuals imbued with integrity, substance, and unwavering commitment.

This significant challenge was laid forth by Reverend Father Fred Jenga, President of Holy Cross Family Ministries, while delivering the Apostolic Blessings to Tarsis and Margaret Nabigedde, a couple who recently celebrated a remarkable 61 years of Holy Matrimony at Namisambya Cell, Northern Division Kamuli.

The Apostolic Blessings, issued by His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion of the Holy Year 2023, cordially imparted requests for heavenly graces and a fresh outpouring of divine favor.

“I recommend you to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary that by witness of generous and faithful hearts the flame of hope may always shine brightly in our world,” the Blessings poignantly read, underscoring the spiritual bedrock of enduring unions.

Father Jenga’s observations painted a stark picture of the contemporary landscape. He noted the alarming rise in moral degeneration and marriage breakups, which are perilously becoming an “acceptable norm,” even in developed countries where trends like contractual marriages and an overemphasis on individual rights are gaining traction.

“We need to refocus and reinvent the marriage and family institutions so that we rediscover our norms, values and practices that bound the families together and enforced responsibility and parenting so as to stop the moral degeneration and escalating marriage breakups,” Father Jenga voiced, emphasizing a return to foundational principles.

The Digital Deluge: A Threat to Intimacy

In a powerful testament to their enduring bond, Tarsis and Margaret Nabigedde offered profound insights into the longevity of their 61-year marriage, directly implicating modern technology in the erosion of contemporary unions. They candidly blamed the pervasive influence of computers, TikTok, and social media for replacing intimate relations and open communication, thereby creating a void that “gives the devil space to break it.”

Margaret Byogezi, with wisdom gleaned from decades of shared life, elaborated: “The devil manifesting as Tiktok, laptops and social media has ruined marriages and stalled families as couples and parents get obsessed and preoccupied with them leaving no time to have intimate relations and bond with the family.”

She offered practical counsel, cautioning couples against the pitfalls of rumors and third-party interference. Instead, she advocated for relationships built on mutual understanding, transparency, and forgiveness.

Citing her husband as an example, she recalled how he, a builder, would promptly send messages or explain his delays upon arrival. Remarkably, she also highlighted his willingness to defy traditional stereotypes by engaging in housework, even excelling as “a very good cook – a job traditionally known for women.”

Building on Substance, Not Spectacle

Tarsis Nabigedde, reflecting on the fragility of modern marriages, pointed out that many fail because they are built on “false hopes, material gains and lavish ceremonies to impress the public not stabilize the marriage.”

In stark contrast, he shared the humble beginnings of their own enduring union: “We got married and wedded in poverty, raised our children with hope and built our trust together each passing day and today our children have paid us hundredfold with pride, happiness and integrity. Learn to manage differences as a couple and always give your children hope, courage and praise. Marriage is a wonderful learning commitment that compels us to take care of one another.”

Their son, John Kairu, offered a compelling testimony to the fruits of their parents’ commitment. He described Tarsis and Margaret as an “embodiment of parenting values, strict disciplinarians, invested in education and religious upbringing.” This resolute approach, he affirmed, resulted in children who are “God-fearing, workaholics, high integrity and good moral and spiritual values which have made us win in competitive world of work.”

The inspiring anniversary celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Members of the Busoga Kyabazinga Kingdom, media personalities, and respected elders, all bearing witness to a living example of marital endurance and family strength.

The call from Holy Cross Family Ministries, amplified by the Nabigeddes’ extraordinary journey, serves as a poignant reminder: the future of society hinges not merely on economic growth or technological advancement, but fundamentally on the strength of its family units, nurtured by a renewed commitment to the timeless values of marriage, integrity, and shared purpose. It is a challenge that demands collective action and a profound re-evaluation of what truly binds us.