WHAT IS WORLD MARRIAGE DAY?

World Marriage Day: History, Symbol and Theme
Photo: sanluisreyparish

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 married life.

World Marriage Day, the second Sunday of February, and National Marriage Week USA (February 7 – 14) are observed annually in dioceses and parishes throughout our country as an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family, cites diocese of Trenton.

HISTORY

The idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, La., in 1981, when couples encouraged the Mayor, the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentines Day as "We Believe in Marriage Day". The event was so successful, the idea was presented to and was adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter's National Leadership.

By 1982, 43 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 John Paul II, imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day. WMD celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.

SYMBOL

Our World Marriage Day Symbol speaks readily of the role and values we proclaim. Husband and wife are symbolically seen as two candle-like figures, reminding us that married love calls us to help enlighten the world. The couple is joined by a heart, focusing on love as the power that fosters unity within the couple and generates the capacity to be life-giving and inspire others to fruitfulness and unity, cites cccathedral.

Theme

Our theme for WMD has been permanently adopted as “Love One Another.” This phrase is the commandment given us by Jesus 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. Download your World Marriage Day Clergy/Family Life Package and the Celebration Planning Package. All will provide help and ideas for you, according to worldwide marriage encounter.

A World Marriage Day Prayer

Father, as we prepare for World Marriage Day, we thank you for your 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 grow more in love with the Church so we may renew the Body of Christ. Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother. Amen. ~ Fr. Bill Dilgen, S.M.M.

Suggestions for the Prayers of the Faithful:

For all married couples, that they may continue to grow in mutual love and in friendship with God, let us pray to the Lord.

For all those who are preparing for marriage that they may be surrounded with friends and witnesses who can help them to discern and to grow in love together, let us pray to the Lord.

For all those who have been deceived and wounded in their desire for happiness and love, that they pay find peace and joy, in your love, Lord, in the service of others, let us pray to the Lord, suggests diocesemontreal.