A delegation of passionate and faith-filled couples from Dominica recently returned home inspired and renewed after attending the 2025 North American Secretariat Convention of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME). The landmark event, hosted for the first time outside the continental U.S., was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Trinidad and Tobago, drawing over 200 couples and clergy from across North America and the Caribbean. At the convention’s closing Mass, there were two archbishops, eleven priests, and four deacons in attendance. They represented Trinidad, the wider Caribbean, and the United States.
Leading the Dominican delegation were Hillarion and Deirdre Jules, current coordinators of Marriage Encounter Dominica, alongside Rany and Rosie Felix, their predecessors, and three additional Marriage Encounter (ME) couples from the island. Among them were Akel and Wardyi Raffoul who will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary this year. The group’s participation at the convention formed part of Region 3 of the WWME movement which includes Canada and the Caribbean.
The convention’s central theme—Be the Light of Christ—resonated deeply with attendees. It served as a spiritual compass, reminding couples of their sacred vocation to be living examples of God’s love in their homes and communities. Monsignor Phillipe Bordeyne, Vatican official for marriage and family life, and Archbishop Jason Gordon were among the prominent voices who animated the gathering with very pertinent messages and celebration of Mass.
“Anytime Marriage Encounter gathers, it’s all about love,” Hillarion Jules shared. “We left Trinidad empowered and ready to reflect that light in Dominica.” Rany Felix, despite falling ill and losing his voice, was able to contribute meaningfully with Hillarion delivering on his behalf, to a presentation with his wife Rosie. Their message, rooted in humility and simplicity, focused on the everyday acts of love that light up marriage: “Doing little things with great love.”
Rosie added that couples don’t need to be perfect to be a light. “We are not perfect, but there are many things we can do perfectly. Love is a daily decision,” she said, echoing the wisdom of pioneers in the ME movement.
Speakers also emphasized family life as a vessel for grace and transformation. The presentation by the Joab family, featuring Deacon Malcolm, his wife Lyn, and their two daughters, showed how even the smallest acts within a family can be expressions of divine light.
The Dominican team showcased their culture with pride, donning attire adorned with a touch of madras for the opening ceremony—an effort that earned glowing praise from fellow attendees.
The delegation also participated in the Corpus Christi procession and the Masses which formed part of the convention, describing the entire weekend as a “heavenly experience” that fused renewal, fellowship, and sacred purpose.
With renewed spirit and tools in hand, the Dominican team returns committed to continuing their mission.
“The mountain-top experience is behind us,” Deirdre Jules reflected. “Now the real work begins—back in the valleys where our light is needed most.”
Below are some photos taken at the convention. You can watch the interview with the leaders of the Dominica delegation on YouTube at this link: https://youtube/UxOH4aM_Bqw?si=N8R0hRaDqBb3NP4b
Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.
We will delete comments that:
See our full comment/user policy/agreement.