WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Bernard M. Asuka (PhD Candidate), Prof. Mary Getui (PhD) and Dr. James Wambugu (PhD)

ABSTRACT

This study explores the congruence and divergence between Roman Catholic teachings on marriage and the lived experiences of Christian marriages in the Makadara Deanery, Kenya. This paper investigates how the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage are understood and practised by married couples within the context of contemporary Kenyan society. Given the increasing challenges married couples face, such as societal pressures, financial strains, and cultural dynamics, the study assessed whether Catholic teachings on marriage resonate with the lived realities of Christian couples in Nairobi. Formulated under the phenomenological qualitative method, this research employed questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions to collect and analyse data from 33 respondents: twelve couples, four Parish Priests, four Head Catechists and one member of staff of the Nairobi Archdiocese Marriage Tribunal. The study established that while the Catholic Church was unwavering in articulating fundamental doctrines on marriage, most of these doctrines were not fully received and implemented by the Makadara deanery couples. In the spirit of synodality, which advocates for a reciprocal listening between the Church leadership and membership, this study is a step toward promoting dialogue between faith and reason, religion and science, theory and practice, orthodoxy and orthopraxis.