ISLAND WEDDING
Destiny’s gentle call brings two hearts together
Bishop Norman Nunes and Dr Elaine McCarthy embrace love in perfect timing
Published:Tuesday | March 4, 2025 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
On January 18, the serene chapel at The University of the West Indies, Mona, in St Andrew, became the stage for a wedding that celebrated not just the union of two devoted souls, but also a testament to destiny and renewal. Bishop Norman Nunes of the Holiness Born Again Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic, and Dr Elaine McCarthy, a distinguished elder and the first woman to lead the influential Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, are both in their late 60s and have long been admired for their contributions to Jamaica’s spiritual, civic, and professional life. The two have now embarked on a new chapter that is as thoughtfully timed as it is heartwarming.
Nunes shepherds 12 churches across the island and carries with him the tender memories of his late wife. After her passing in April 2021, he navigated the difficult path of loss with the steadfast support of his three sons – Shane, Oneil and Jordan. In heartfelt discussions that spanned many evenings, his family encouraged him to open his heart once again, paving the way for this joyous occasion.
For 15 years, Norman and Elaine worked side by side on various committees, maintaining a strictly professional relationship built on mutual respect and dedication. It wasn’t until 2023, two and a half years after his wife’s passing, that their interest in each other began to blossom.
Elaine, stepping into marriage for the first time, brings a legacy of service and leadership to the union. As a respected elder and a key member of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, her dedication to public service and her warm, gentle spirit have long marked her as a beacon of hope and integrity in the community.
Over the years, she has waited patiently for a love that resonated with her soul.
“Her attitude, her dedication, and her humility stood out. Working alongside her on the Pentecostal Union Board showed me her commitment. I also heard that people were having visions and revelations about us being together,” Norman said.
Friends and close acquaintances, moved by a series of recurring dreams in which they saw the two together, gently nudged destiny along. Elaine, too, had dreams that seemed to affirm their connection.
“I had a few dreams that confirmed our connection. In one dream, I was descending slowly in a precarious manner, and I saw him there, extending his hand to support me. In another, I dreamed that he came looking for me and said he’d go away but would return. These dreams assured me that he was the one for me,” she told Island Wedding.
The couple never really had an extended courting period. It was more of a gradual, quiet realisation. In fact, Elaine said that outside of the many matchmakers who felt the need to join them together, she was drawn to Norman’s quiet, respectful nature.
“I heard from peers, both his equals and younger individuals, speaking highly of his integrity and commitment. He’s not loud, and I appreciated that,” she added.
Known for her dignified and measured approach to life, she says she welcomed the opportunity for genuine connection.
The wedding was graced by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, whose presence highlighted the national significance of the celebration. The gathering of esteemed leaders, clergy, and community members further demonstrated the couple’s far-reaching influence and respect.
THE BIG DAY
The wedding itself was a blend of reverence and celebration. After the formal ceremony, the newly-weds went on a honeymoon along Jamaica’s picturesque north coast. Elaine later shared, “The only place I would want to spend my honeymoon is right here in Jamaica, because others vacation where I live,”
In addition to the intimate moments of the ceremony and honeymoon, the celebration continued with a gracious function held by the church in Belfield, Manchester. Amid heartfelt speeches and jubilant celebrations from friends, leaders, and community members, staged what turned out to be a second ceremony.
“Over 100 guests were in attendance. It was another wedding ceremony with toasts and all,” said Elaine, obviously enamoured by the outpouring of love from her husband’s church members.
Norman and Elaine’s journey is a reminder that true love does not rush, it waits for the perfect moment. Their story –marked by perfect timing, unwavering support, and destiny’s gentle nudge – reminds us that love, whenever it arrives, is always worth embracing.