A two-day Family Seminar was held at Shantiraj Catholic Church, Thanchi Parish, organized by the Family Life Commission of the Archdiocese of Chattogram in collaboration with Holy Cross Family Ministries. The seminar took place on 16–17 June, 2026 and brought together 43 married couples from Thanchi and Bolipara parishes.
The seminar was conducted under the theme, “The Importance of Family and Church Teaching in Building a Happy Married Life.” It focused on various aspects of Christian married life, including strengthening family bonds, mutual respect, shared responsibility, and building faith-cantered families.
The seminar commenced with an inaugural Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Nokrek, CSC, Parish Priest of Thanchi Parish. Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Saikat Tolentino, CSC, delivered the keynote presentation on “The Importance of Family in Building a Happy Married Life.”
In the evening, participating couples took part in a Family Fellowship Gathering, facilitated by Mr. Bishamvo Tripura, a representative of the Family Life Commission. Through cultural performances, interactive activities, and fellowship sessions, the couples enjoyed an opportunity to strengthen their relationships and deepen mutual understanding.
The seminar also featured a participatory session focusing on family life, during which Fr. Regan Clement D’Costa presented an important talk on “Family Realities: Catholic Marriage and Church Teaching.” In a subsequent session, several selected couples shared their personal experiences, challenges, and faith journeys in married life. Their testimonies served as an inspiration to all participants.
The closing session included participants’ feedback, an evaluation of the seminar, expressions of gratitude, and a vote of thanks. The organizers emphasized that seminars of this nature play a vital role in strengthening families by promoting faith, Christian values, and healthy relationships in today’s society.
The participating couples also expressed their appreciation, stating that the seminar had given them a renewed perspective on married life and helped them deepen their understanding of mutual love, responsibility, forgiveness, and Christian family values. They expressed their hope that similar family formation programs and seminars would continue to be organized in the future.
