Girlfriend attended it because her marriage is on the rocks, and came back saying that the principal message of the weekend was that "love is a decision." She wasn't sure if she was buying this or not and asked my opinion. I wanted to know if anyone else had personal experience or friends who attended this "Retrovaille" and had any opinions - whether positive or negative regarding the weekend or the principle of "Love is a decision" that I can pass along to her. Thanks.
2006-06-12 22:25:29 · 2 answers · asked by Randa 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Reason for troubled marriage: Husband caught in months-long affair. This is about the 5th affair she has found about during their 20 year marriage. They have 2 children together (one adolescent / other preschooler).
2006-06-14 22:34:43 · update #1
Retrouvaiile is NOT marriage Encounter. ME makes good marriages stronger. Retrovaille is for troubled, painful marriages.
It is good she went. It is true- Love is a decision.
If it is all lust and hormones, it is just that- lust and hormones.
If you decide you are going to love someone, unconditionally, then you do. I really can't explain it otherwise.
My husband had an affair, I decided we were staying married. I heard about retrovaille and asked my trusted priest friend. he told me I had already lived it better than they could teach it, because I had decided I meant it when I made my vows before God the day we were married. I had decided to love him, and I intended to live out that love.
The rest comes eventually. it is hard to explain. It is like the old arranged marriages that never involved love. The couples did learn to love each other.
If things are rough, and you decide to love...well, eventually it happens...the feeling comes more naturally...but it takes time, effort, a true commitment to the Sacrament of Matrimony....and faith in Jesus Christ.
2006-06-14 12:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually Catholic Marriage Encounter is a world wide program. Millions of couples have attended weekends and been enriched by the experience.
I believe that real lasting love is a decision. It can last a lifetime. It is different from the "being in love" feeling that comes and goes like waves.
With love in Christ.
2006-06-13 17:04:47 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋