Kuala Lumpur, November 8-9, 2025 – The WWME Malaysia 45th Anniversary National Convention gathered participants throughout Malaysia from both the English and Mandarin communities for two days that blended structured sessions, pilgrimage and fellowship. Hosted at the JPII Hall of the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA), the convention marked a meaningful milestone for the Marriage Encounter (ME) community, offering the opportunity to connect, commit and celebrate together.
Close to 100 participants were present, including the State Ecclesial Teams from the states of Selangor/Wilayah, Penang, Perak, and Johor. There were couples coming from Kota Kinabalu and Melaka as well. Parish Priest Fr. Paul Cheong OFM, Cap, Fr. Gerard Theraviam, Father Andrew Wong CDD and Deacon Paul Kang were also present.
On the first day, the program opened with a fun ice-breaker that set a gentle rhythm for the day. A special jubilee visit with the SFA church team followed, underscoring the convention’s ties to the exemplary spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.
Three core sessions anchored the program led by the National Ecclesial Team, Ivan and Jenny Ngoh, and Friar Joe Matthews OFM, Cap.
The sessions built on the encounter from the Weekend, continuing the process of a lifelong conversion – from surface changes to deep shifts in beliefs, values, and hearts aligned with God. The presenters reframed seven limiting “locks” such as perceiving feelings as weakness with experiential “keys” and new beliefs such as feelings as gifts.
The session deepened with an outline of the relationship stages from romance to power struggle to matured love, with participants reminded that what couples fight for are connection, priority and respect.
The sessions also highlighted the spiritual dimension of conflict – the importance of recognising God as the third partner – while encouraging couples to nurture a “couple bubble.” Community is portrayed as seed-bearing support that sustains fidelity, with authenticity fostering healing and belonging. Matrimonial spirituality is cast as a shared Emmaus road where we become living sacraments, radiating Christ’s love through daily tenderness, commitment, and practical apology steps.
There were moments throughout the day that allowed for listening, sharing, and spiritual grounding, strengthening the attendees’ bonds with their partners, their faith, and the wider Marriage Encounter family.
In the evening, participants gathered for Mass at the chapel, renewing their marriage vows and venerated the parish’s relics. After which, reconvening for a sumptuous and entertaining dinner back at JPII Hall.
One participant said: “I appreciated learning about the third phase in a relationship when we become interdependent as a couple. It is inspiring to know that it is possible to move from the power struggle for independence into matured love. We can look forward to a stage of romance once again – and we got a live example of this through Martin and Rose.”
Another participant said: “The best part was during the small group sharing when the couples shared so openly and vulnerably with one another. Their stories were relatable and reminders that we are not alone. It is beautiful how we have created a space of trust and belonging in this community.”
From the warm welcome in the morning to the communal dinner in the evening, the convention carried the hallmarks of ME with a focus on honest reflection, dialogue and ongoing community support that continues to enrich couples, priests and religious year after year.
The day ended with a fun and engaging Gala Dinner themed: “Warm Hugs & Grateful Hearts” where old friends are rekindled and new friendships were forged. The NET welcomed and thanked all who have gone before them, who bravely laid the groundwork for WWME in Malaysia and all who have contributed in little and big ways with a touching video /song in a tribute.
The night was full of laughter and joy, with various entertainment provided by the state teams taking turns, awarding of the longest married and ordained and lucky draw prizes up for grabs.
Even Fr Gerard Theraviam & Fr Joe Matthews put their talents up for show, paying the piano and singing.
A special surprise announcing the recognition of WWME as an International Association of The Faithful by the Vatican by non other than the ex- International Ecclesial Team Couple Daniel & Shelley from Singapore was most unexpected.
Then, Ivan & Jenny invited all the teams to come forward, together with the National Board launched the New National WWME website (wwme.org.my) which was beautifully designed and generously sponsored by Edwin & Clarence Yin from one of the mandarin presenting teams.
The second day continued with a formation “ from First Love to Lasting Fire” to put minds and hearts in the right place and to listen to the Holy Spirit promptings. Then the teams proceeded to discern their new leaders for the term 2026-2027.
The new National Coordinating Couple is Jeffery & Agnes from Johor and the 3 couples for Board positions are Ivan & Jenny, James & Mandy from Selangor and Joseph & Christine from Penang.
