During a 1985 Mass at which 20 Kenyan couples made their wedding vows in the presence of the Pope, the Holy Father reminded the faithful of the importance of instructing engaged couples in the faith. He noted the importance of the sacraments to married life and as well as a proper understanding of natural family planning:
Couples should be carefully instructed concerning the grace of marriage, the role of the Sacrament in the mission of the Church, and its relationship with the other Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance. Important too is a proper understanding of the nature of sexuality and responsible parenthood, including the methods of natural family planning and the reasons for its use.