February 10, 2019 - "World Marriage Sunday"

Recently I received a letter from Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia who was writing in his capacity as the Chair, Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth.  He wrote to remind us that World Marriage Sunday is celebrated on February 10, 2019.  We are also observing National Marriage Week USA from February 7-14, 2019.  Both of these are opportunities to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with promoting and defending marriage and the family.  World Marriage Day (WMD) honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society.  It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice, and joy in daily marriage life.
 
The idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1981, when couples encouraged the Mayor, the Governor, and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.”  This event was so successful that the idea was presented to and adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s National Leadership.  By 1982, forty-three governors officially proclaimed the day and celebrations spread to U.S. military bases in several foreign countries.  In 1983, the name was changed to “World Marriage Day,” designated to be celebrated each year on the second Sunday in February.  In 1993, His Holiness Pope Saint John Paul II imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day.  WMD celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions each year.
 
The theme for WMD is “Love One Another.” This phrase is the commandment given to us by Our Lord Jesus Christ in John 15:12.  It speaks to us in a simple but challenging way of how our Father wishes us to live.  Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging.
 
There is a prayer for World Marriage Day which I put here for your prayer and reflection:
 
Father, as we prepare for World Marriage Day, we thank you for the tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage.  Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy.  Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more One In Heart, Mind, and Body.  Strengthen our dialogue and help us become living signs of your love.  Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother.  Amen.  (Prayer composed by Fr. Bill Dilgen, S.M.M.)
 
National Marriage Week USA is being celebrated from February 7-14, 2019. It is part of an international event seeking to mobilize individuals, organizations, and businesses in a common purpose to strengthen marriage in communities and influence the culture. 
 
Archbishop Chaput hopes that these observances would foster an ever-deeper appreciation for the gift of marriage and the blessings of family life.  That would be my hope as well!
 
Until next week.
Fr. John