Macau - The celebration in Macau of the United Nations International Day of Families took place on May 16 at the Nova Taipa Garden. Co-sponsors included the All Nations Church of Macau, the Macau-Timor Friendship Association, the Unified World of Martial Arts Association of Macau, and the International Educational Foundation.
Four couples rededicated their marriage on that day, and 15 college students from Macau University and Macau University of Science and Technology attended the event and observed the ceremony.
The starting of a family is the marriage between man and woman. A marriage built on a commitment to eternal love between husband and wife will be stable, and the family will be happy. In contrast, extra-marital affairs kill the integrity of the family. Inviting couples to dress formally, recite again their marriage vows, and recommit themselves to their marriage has been proven to be one the best way to strengthen marriage and family. It can also inspire young people to aspire to a happy marriage and family.
The program started with the Chinese National Anthem. Dr. Chang Chuan-Fong, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification of Macau gave the welcoming remarks. Filipino Pastor Dondy from the All Nations Church gave a Christian benediction, and Professor Song Ung from Myanmar gave a Buddhist benediction. Ms. Alice Huang served as the master of ceremonies.
Two video presentations were shown: “Ideal Family and World Peace” and “UPF Peace Tour” to give the participants a global perspective about world peace starting from ideal family.
It was explained that the family is the basic unit of society and also the foundation for world peace and happiness. Regardless of people's ethnic, cultural, or religious background, the family is the foundation for social prosperity and development. At the same time, the family is also the longest and most intimate social group to which we belong. With a healthy family, we can have a harmonious and happy society. If the family is full of problems, our society must be full of problems.
The program continued with a Thai folk dance and the presentation of certifications of Youth Ambassador for Peace to 11 young people. At the end, all the participants signed the “Universal Peace Federation Declaration on Families” to show their support.
To read UPF's Declaration on Families, click here.