On September 15, the Concha Acústica of Campo de Marte in Lima will be the scene of the XI Meeting of the Network of Matrimonial Communities of Peru, under the motto “Turn on Love… And don’t let it go out!”.
This event, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Lima, aims to strengthen, accompany and guide couples, couples and cohabitants in their search to consolidate family relationships based on the love of Jesus.
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Since its creation in 2013, the meeting has been a beacon of hope for many couples in difficult situations. Raúl Iparraguirre and Tula Velesmoro, founders of the Network, stressed the importance of this meeting for those going through a crisis.
“The main objective of this event is for all couples in love, boyfriends, cohabitants, married, separated, to understand that they are not helpless. You are not alone or isolated in this world full of turbulence. There is a very clear option to be able to save, renew and strengthen your marital life,” said Raúl in a recent interview with ACI Prensa.
The meeting, which will feature a varied program of presentations, moments of prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist, will also feature the presence of international guests such as Martin Valverde and Lizzy Watson from Mexico, who will share their experience as a couple. In addition, Inés and Pepe Enciso will appear, offering keys to keeping love alive, and psychologists Laura and Ítalo Macha, who will give advice on coexistence and love. Father Ángelo Costa will guide a moment of spiritual restoration, and the day will end with a Mass presided over by Bishop Guillermo Elías, Auxiliary Bishop of Lima.
Raúl Iparraguirre recounts his own transformative experience: “We came to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at a critical moment, on the verge of separating. The Spirit spoke to us with a phrase from Matthew 19: ‘What God has joined together, let no man put asunder’. This message penetrated deeply into our hearts and was the beginning of our renewal,” he commented. The couple, who will celebrate 41 years of marriage this October, have dedicated their lives to supporting other couples in overcoming similar crises.
“Since that date, we have worked tirelessly in the family ministry. We advise couples for free because what God gave us for free we also do for free. It is essential for us to share our testimony and the wisdom we have received from God,” said Tula. She points out that, over the years, they have seen how many couples have found hope and renewed their commitment online.
Raúl also remembers the initial impact of the Meeting: “The first time we organized Enciende el Amor, approximately 700 couples gathered. We are very flattered to know that there are people who want to save their marriage. There is no existing marital crisis that can be enough to end a marriage.”
Regarding the relevance of the event today, Tula highlights: “Reflecting on the crises that many couples face, events like ‘Ignite Love’ are a door to a stronger marriage. It is an opportunity to build on a rock that is Christ.”
Likewise, he emphasized that love never dies and that, with God’s help, what seems lost can be recovered. “Love can grow cold due to lack of communication or small details missed, but with God’s help, everything can be recovered. Nobody is perfect, and in that imperfection, we must walk towards holiness,” he added.
The Meeting, the married couple points out, seeks to be a starting point for couples to rekindle their love and commitment. “The main objective of ‘Ignite Love’ is to help couples reconnect with God and make the decision to build a life of unity with their partner. Many times, society is in crisis because families are in crisis, and families are in crisis because marriages are,” Raúl concluded.
Tickets for the XI Meeting are available not JOINUSSalesiana Bookstore, San Pablo Bookstore, or through WhatsApp +51 913402834.