NORTH PALM BEACH | The first Spanish-language Marriage Tune-Up by the Diocese of Palm Beach’s Marriage Ministry was presented March 22-23 at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. The program covers the foundational issues that ensure a happy marriage, such as making sure God and prayer are at the center and that both spouses are effectively communicating.
Sixteen couples attended overnight to gain insights from four couples comprising the leadership team, all of whom had attended previous Marriage Tune-Ups in English. The team included Lucas and Claudia Rivas, Edwin and Shirley Camelo, Alejandro and Pamela Salazar, and Mike and Wanda Maldonado. They were assisted by Deacon Louis Romero, diocesan marriage ministry coordinator, and his wife, Leona.
Some of the team members had been through the Marriage Bootcamp program for couples who need intensive help. Edwin Camelo said, “We like to think the Lord has put us in this position to help people with their marriages because he’s done the same for us. Some of us here have really been rock bottom almost, and we’ve had to come, almost like a rebirth, through all that we’ve learned and through Scripture and to get us back on track. And that’s what we’re doing now with the Hispanic community.”
Alejandro Salazar said the tune-up is for couples to work on maintaining an optimal marriage. You learn a lot, forget some of it later on, but can come back for a refresher, he said.
“Also, sharing with different couples. That’s a nice part, seeing that you’re not the only ones. I like that,” Salazar said. “Spending time just with her (wife Pamela), no kids, no distractions. That’s always helpful, too. Especially this place brings that camaraderie to everything. No TVs, nothing in the rooms. I think that’s pretty unique these days.”
A Marriage Tune-Up in English is set for Aug. 23-24, while the next Spanish version is to be announced.
For more information about the diocesan marriage ministry, visit www.diocesepb.org/ministriesoffices/ministries/marriage-family-life-faith-formation-youth-ministry/marriage-ministry/. To contact Deacon Romero, call 561-775-9557 or email lromero@diocesepb.org.
