St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Celebrates World Marriage Day

Sunday, February 12, 2017

“WORLD MARRIAGE DAY is an observance sponsored by American organization ‘Worldwide Marriage Encounter,’ associated with the ‘Catholic Marriage Encounter movement’ and observed on the second Sunday of February each year (or the Sunday closest to St. Valentine’s Day.).

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”.

Its purpose is declared to honour 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. The theme for the day is: “Love One Another”. Loving one another is a daily decision; simple but challenging.

In 1993, his Holiness, Pope John Paul ll, imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day. World Marriage Day celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.”