Article | - 4:20 pm
The 15th Edition of the Wedding Celebration Was Held in 59 Countries
• Over 17,900 couples got married or renewed their vows across 59 countries on May 1st.
• Spiritual guidance was shared by Bishop Macedo and Ester Bezerra, based on Proverbs 31 and Malachi 2:14–15.
• Marriage as a covenant: God is not only a witness to the vows but also a vital partner in the relationship.
• The cross as a symbol of love: The vertical beam represents one’s relationship with God; the horizontal symbolizes the relationship between husband and wife.
• Humility and faith: Couples were advised to seek God first in difficult times, rather than turning to outside sources.
• Singles were included in the blessings, encouraged to believe for their turn at the 2026 celebration.
• Weekly Love Therapy meetings continue to offer support and practical advice for both couples and singles.
“It is an honor for us to witness this day, this act of coming to the Altar to make a Covenant with God and with your spouse,” said Ester Bezerra as she opened the event at the Temple of Solomon on May 1st, addressing 226 couples. In Brazil, an additional 15,508 couples were married in other locations of The Universal Church, along with at least 2,170 couples who sealed their union in 58 countries.
In her address to women, Ester Bezerra referenced Proverbs 31, emphasizing that women should do good for their husbands and turn to God during difficult times. Bishop Macedo added, “We learn from the Word of God that when a woman does good for her husband, she is ultimately doing good for herself. And when a husband does good for his wife, he is also doing good for himself, as that is how it has been there in our home.”
This love that sustains marriage was designed by God and is symbolized by the cross. The vertical beam represents the relationship between the individual and God, while the horizontal beam represents the relationship between husband and wife.
Citing Malachi 2:14-15, Bishop Macedo explained that God is the eyewitness of every couple who gets married. “God categorically says that He was a witness, and He is being your witness here and now. Much more important than anything you have done in your life is what you are doing now: you are starting a new life, even if you are already a certain age, it doesn’t matter. It has begun now, and you will be blessed, and God will bless your marriage so that you will be His witness in your home and that you will generate a blessed family so that He will be honored. God is interested in your happiness,” he declared.
Before exchanging rings and vows, couples were reminded of the importance of words in their relationship with God and marriage: “You will pledge your word to your wife and vice versa. Though the world often disregards the weight of words, the word does not die. The word is spirit. The Word of God is Spirit and is Truth. It does not die. And our word, your word, will not die either.”
After praying for all the couples, Bishop Renato and his wife, Cristiane Cardoso, led the exchange of rings and vows. However, before this awaited moment, the bishop instructed them to speak to God first: “Before the Altar, God is our witness. You will exchange rings, and after exchanging the rings, you will have the opportunity to speak. First, you will speak to God… Close your eyes and say a prayer… Ask God to bless your marriage. Afterward, you will speak to your wife, and the wives will speak to their husbands. You will pledge your word.”
Bishop Renato emphasized that couples need to maintain humility in the face of any challenges they may encounter. “The humility to learn avoids the humiliation of losing a marriage,” he said. Cristiane added, “When you have no way of resolving the issue, you will not argue, cry, or vent to your mother. No. Go to God instead. He delights in coming to you and saying, ‘Let’s resolve this together.’ He is the third partner in your marriage, so take advantage of that.”
The final prayer was on behalf of those who celebrated the union of hundreds of couples and believe they will be able to be with their beloved at the next Wedding Celebration, which will take place in 2026.
The Love Therapy meetings focus on achieving success in romantic relationships. During these sessions, speakers provide valuable advice, share tips, and offer guidance to both couples and singles on how to navigate their relationships intelligently and prepare for meeting their life partner.
They take place every Thursday at 7 PM at select locations of The Universal Church. Call 1-888-332-4141 or visit The Universal Church for more information. Love Therapy meetings directly from the Temple of Solomon are available on Univer Video.
Contributors:
Laís Klaiber (Translated and Adapted From Original) / Photos: Demetrio Koch and Guilherme Branco
