World Marriage Day

My Dear Parishioners,

In preparation for our celebration of Ash Wednesday, please bring in your old palm from years past so that we may burn it to make the ashes that will be blessed and distributed on March 2^nd. The wicker basket is in the back hallway behind the church by the large crucifix. Please take the palm out of any bags and dispose of them.

This Sunday is “World Marriage Day.” World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily, married life.

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. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” The event was so successful; the idea was presented to and 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. WMD celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.

The World Marriage Day Symbol speaks 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.

The Theme for WMD 2022 is “Called to the Joy of Love.”

Prayer for Married Couples

Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God Bless You,
Fr. Bordonaro