11 Couples Tie Knot in CCT Negros Group Wedding

Eleven couples said "I do" in a group wedding organized by the Center for Community Transformation (CCT)  Negros branch. Three of the couples are community partners in CCT's microfinance program, two are parents of pupils of the Visions of Hope Christian School in Bacolod, and six couples are children of microfinance community partners.

Seven of the couples had been living together outside of marriage for more than five years and decided to get married as an act of obedience to God.

The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Rene T. Bajalan and was held at the Mayfair Plaza in Bacolod on September 20.  This is the 11th mass wedding organized by CCT Negros since 2003.

14 Couples Married in CCT Negros Mass Wedding

Fourteen couples were recently married in a mass wedding organized by staff of CCT Negros.  Of the 14, five are recipients (referred to as community partners) of CCT micro finance assistance, while the rest are children or relatives of community partners. 

Amie Balboa of  CCT Negros said the decision of the community partners to become legally married after years of being common-law husbands and wives  is an indication of spiritual growth and a desire to please God by living according to His will.   

Except for one, all of the couples had been living together for several years without the benefit of marriage.  The oldest couple had been living together for nine years and already had three children. 

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Pastor Rene Bajalan.  CCT Negros has organized and held a mass wedding once a year since 2003.   

14 Couples Say 'I Do' in CCT Negros Mass Wedding

Fourteen couples exchanged wedding vows in a collective wedding ceremony organized by the staff of the Center for Community Transformation Group of Ministries in Negros. Eleven of the couples had been living together as husband and wife for more than five years  before the ceremony. 

The oldest person among those wed was a 52-year old man who married his 30-year old bride. The youngest was a 20 year old bride who married her 23-year old groom.   Seven of the brides are current micro finance partners, while the rest are children or relatives of community partners. All the couples attended three Christian marriage counselling meetings in the weeks prior to the ceremony.

The Negros staff have held a mass wedding once a year since 2003.The wedding was officiated this year by Rev. Rene Bajalan of Murcia Evangelical Church and held at the Check Inn Pension Arcade, Bacolod City.  Visions of Hope Christian School students served as flower girls and ring bearers.