2022 Blessing: Love Leads the Way
Photo courtesy of Graeme Carmichael
This past Easter weekend was a celebration of multiple milestones for the global Unification movement, as we observed the 55th Heavenly Parent’s Day, the 63rd True Parents’ Day and the 62nd Anniversary of True Parents Holy Wedding — as well as the 2022 Hyojeong Cosmic Blessing Festival.
Thousands of couples worldwide received the precious Marriage Blessing that was streamed live and officiated by True Mother in Korea. In the U.S., newlywed couples and those rededicating their marriage vows participated in local ceremonies from communities in Hawaii and Las Vegas, to Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York and more, uniting people of different backgrounds around the world.
“I’m originally from Kenya, but I live in Canada so I came all the way [to the U.S.] for the Blessing,” said one young Unificationist, who participated in the Washington, DC ceremony with her American partner.
“I’m Albanian, born and raised,” shared another groom who joined the movement through his partner. “I came to America in 2013, and just over a year ago I met this wonderful person who brought me to this community. I’m happy to have met every person [at the ceremony].”
“It’s a blessing to be here,” added the groom’s partner, who became a member of the movement through a CARP chapter on her university campus. “[The community] greeted me with open arms like a cousin they hadn’t seen in a long time, and it felt great.”
Couples of all ages and nationalities have connected with each other in myriad ways, but throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, many met each other online through the movement’s matching websites and retreats for older singles.
“I met [my partner] through the 24+ Connect Retreat in 2020, and now here we are,” reminisced one young Unificationist. Other couples were introduced through trusted elders in the movement.
“My father is Filipino and my mother is Japanese,” shared a 27-year-old Unificationist from the Philippines, who met her partner from the U.S. through a national FFWPU regional director. “I’m really grateful to be here in this beautiful country with even more beautiful members. It’s an honor to be here and an honor standing next to my amazing [partner].”
Despite pandemic restrictions in certain parts of the world, among other hurdles, couples still exchanged vows — some with their partner virtually by their side.
“My spouse is in Nigeria, joining me virtually,” said one Unificationist from Malawi who is studying in the U.S. “We feel we are right for each other and can spend the rest of our lives together. This is an amazing step for us and we thank our families.”
Whether embarking on a new chapter of marriage, or renewing their commitment to their spouse, many couples felt inspired and guided by God throughout their journey toward the Marriage Blessing.
“God was definitely involved in finding each other, even in this later stage of our lives,” said one Unificationist from the East Coast. “I’m excited to be part of the Blessing and this special occasion.”
“I’m grateful to the community for all their support,” said another young Unificationist. “We’re really grateful for everyone’s support, and for my parents for believing in us, thank you.”
You can learn more about the Marriage Blessing here.