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Event Highlights<\/h4>\n
\u2022 Over 17,900 couples<\/strong> got married or renewed their vows across 59 countries on May 1st.<\/p>\n \u2022 Spiritual guidance<\/strong> was shared by Bishop Macedo and Ester Bezerra, based on Proverbs 31 and Malachi 2:14\u201315.<\/p>\n \u2022 Marriage as a covenant:<\/strong> God is not only a witness to the vows but also a vital partner in the relationship.<\/p>\n \u2022 The cross as a symbol of love:<\/strong> The vertical beam represents one\u2019s relationship with God; the horizontal symbolizes the relationship between husband and wife.<\/p>\n \u2022 Humility and faith:<\/strong> Couples were advised to seek God first in difficult times, rather than turning to outside sources.<\/p>\n \u2022 Singles were included<\/strong> in the blessings, encouraged to believe for their turn at the 2026 celebration.<\/p>\n \u2022 Weekly Love Therapy meetings<\/strong> continue to offer support and practical advice for both couples and singles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n In her address to women, Ester Bezerra referenced Proverbs 31<\/strong>, emphasizing that women should do good for their husbands and turn to God during difficult times. Bishop Macedo added,\u00a0\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Before exchanging rings and vows, couples were reminded of the importance of words in their relationship with God and marriage:\u00a0\u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bishop Renato emphasized that couples need to maintain humility in the face of any challenges they may encounter.\u00a0\u201cThe humility to learn avoids the humiliation of losing a marriage,\u201d<\/span> he said. Cristiane added,\u00a0\u201cWhen 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, \u2018Let\u2019s resolve this together.\u2019 He is the third partner in your marriage, so take advantage of that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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<\/strong><\/em>, which will take place in 2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Love Therapy<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n They take place every Thursday at 7 PM<\/strong> at select locations of\u00a0The Universal Church<\/a>. <\/span>Call\u00a01-888-332-4141<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>or visit\u00a0The Universal Church<\/a><\/span>\u00a0for more information. Love Therapy<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>meetings directly from the Temple of Solomon are available on\u00a0Univer Video.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Blessing of the Altar: A Covenant of Faith and Love<\/h4>\n
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\u201cIt 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,\u201d said Ester Bezerra as she opened the event at the Temple of Solomon on May 1st<\/strong>, addressing 226 couples<\/strong>. In Brazil, an additional 15,508 couples<\/strong> were married in other locations of The Universal Church, along with at least 2,170 couples<\/strong> who sealed their union in 58 countries<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe Divine Foundation of Marriage<\/h4>\n
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Citing Malachi 2:14-15<\/strong>, Bishop Macedo explained that God is the eyewitness of every couple who gets married.\u00a0\u201cGod 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\u2019t 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,\u201d<\/span> he declared.<\/p>\n\u201cYes,\u201d First to the Author of Love<\/h4>\n
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After praying for all the couples, Bishop Renato<\/a><\/span> 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:\u00a0\u201cBefore 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\u2026 Close your eyes and say a prayer\u2026 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nA Special Prayer for the Singles<\/h4>\n
The Love Therapy<\/h4>\n