“Do not let resentment grow; learn to forgive with a clean heart, as Christ taught us,” the Local Ordinary of Maputo said, and emphasized, “Forgiveness restores relationships and heals the wounds of the heart.”
He underscored the need to practice forgiveness repeatedly, as it is not “one-time act but an ongoing decision to choose love over pride.”
The Mozambican Catholic Archbishop faulted the tendency to disregard forgiveness and to consider it a demonstration of weakness. “Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength,” he said, adding, “It demands humility, a willingness to let go of hurts, and the courage to seek reconciliation.”
“When we refuse to forgive, we carry a burden of pain that prevents us from living fully. Forgiveness liberates, heals our souls, and restores peace between spouses,” he said.
Reflecting on the value of fostering communion with God in marriage, the Local Ordinary of Maputo, who doubles as Vice President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) called upon spouses to “make family prayer a daily habit.”
“Prayer must be at the centre of marriage. When couples pray together, they invite God into their lives and build a stronger spiritual foundation. The Lord must be present in all stages of marriage. Without prayer, disharmony can take root,” he said, and appealed, “Make family prayer a daily habit.”
Archbishop Nunes invited spouses to draw inspiration from God’s forgiveness, which he described as “inexhaustible” and “the model we must follow in marriage.”
“As Christ forgives us incessantly, so too must we forgive our spouse. Forgiveness in marriage opens the door to healing, peace, and the renewal of love,” he said.
The Mozambican Catholic Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in July 2011 as Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo advocated for sacrificial love.
“Marriage is not just the union of bodies but of souls. It is a daily commitment that must be nurtured by God’s grace and mutual dedication. By learning to forgive, couples can grow spiritually and emotionally, creating a solid foundation for their relationship,” he said.
