{"id":343930,"date":"2025-06-30T11:20:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T15:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=343930"},"modified":"2025-07-04T08:32:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T12:32:02","slug":"dominicas-light-shines-at-worldwide-marriage-encounter-convention-with-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/news\/dominicas-light-shines-at-worldwide-marriage-encounter-convention-with-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Dominica’s light shines at Worldwide Marriage Encounter Convention (with photos)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dominica’s delegation (l-r): Deirdre and Hillarian Jules, Rosie and Rany Felix, Akel and Wardyi Raffoul, Jo-Anne and Mathew Carette, Julie and Tim Durand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019s closing Mass, there were two archbishops, eleven priests, and four deacons in attendance. They represented Trinidad, the wider Caribbean, and the United States.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The convention\u2019s central theme\u2014Be the Light of Christ\u2014resonated deeply with attendees. It served as a spiritual compass, reminding couples of their sacred vocation to be living examples of God\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime Marriage Encounter gathers, it\u2019s all about love,\u201d Hillarion Jules shared. \u201cWe left Trinidad empowered and ready to reflect that light in Dominica.\u201d 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: \u201cDoing little things with great love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rosie added that couples don\u2019t need to be perfect to be a light. \u201cWe are not perfect, but there are many things we can do perfectly. Love is a daily decision,\u201d she said, echoing the wisdom of pioneers in the ME movement.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Dominican team showcased their culture with pride, donning attire adorned with a touch of madras for the opening ceremony\u2014an effort that earned glowing praise from fellow attendees.<\/p>\n

The delegation also participated in the Corpus Christi procession and the Masses which formed part of the convention, describing the entire weekend as a \u201cheavenly experience\u201d that fused renewal, fellowship, and sacred purpose.<\/p>\n

With renewed spirit and tools in hand, the Dominican team returns committed to continuing their mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mountain-top experience is behind us,\u201d Deirdre Jules reflected. \u201cNow the real work begins\u2014back in the valleys where our light is needed most.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n