In a significant display of faith and commitment, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State Chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, officiated a mass wedding for 21 couples at St. Mark Catholic Church in Nsanji Nkoso, Magama Local Government Area on Sunday.
The ceremony, aimed at sanctifying marriages in the eyes of the Church, brought together couples who had previously only undergone traditional marriages. 
Bishop Yohanna emphasized that while cultural and legal aspects of marriage are important, it is necessary for Catholic couples to receive the Church’s blessing.
“Until a couple is united through legal, traditional, and Church-sanctioned marriage, cohabitation is not acceptable,” he stated. “Many relied solely on traditional rites, but it was important to ensure that no one was under compulsion and that they understood the sacred commitment they were making.”
He further stressed that marriage is a lifelong journey built on love, responsibility, and companionship, urging the newlyweds to uphold their vows with faith and dedication.
Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Yasak Joshua disclosed that all 21 couples had completed traditional marriage rites, including the payment of bride price, and underwent three months of marriage counseling before their Church wedding. He also noted that the longest-married couple had been together for 24 years, while the youngest couple had been married for just one year.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian Uche, had cohabited for 22 years and raised five children, some of whom have already graduated from higher institutions.
Mrs. Uche expressed her gratitude, saying, “For years, I couldn’t hold any position in the women’s fellowship because our marriage wasn’t blessed in the Church.
Now, I feel honored and grateful for this opportunity.”
Sponsors of the couples, including Lydia Ishaya, expressed joy over the success of the event, praying for continued blessings upon the marriages.
The celebrations continued the following day as Bishop Yohanna administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 400 parishioners, strengthening their faith and commitment to the Catholic Church.
This mass wedding and confirmation event stand as a testament to the Church’s commitment to guiding its members towards spiritual and moral fulfillment.
