February is recognized as the month of love, in that Valentine Day is celebrated on February 14. In addition, the 2nd Sunday of the 2nd month is celebrated as World Marriage Day. Sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the organization provides the following information:
World Marriage Day Purpose Statement
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.
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.
Theme of World Marriage Day
Theme– The theme for WMD has been permanently adopted as "Love One Another," the commandment given by Jesus in John 15:12. It speaks in a simple but challenging way of how God, our Father wishes us to live. Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging.
Prayer for World Marriage Day
Prayer- "Father, as we prepare for WMD, 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.
Local World Marriage Day Events
The Catholic Diocese of Columbus
The Catholic Diocese of Columbus Marriage and Family Life Office invites married couples to celebrate World Marriage Day, Sunday, February 12, 2012, by attending the office’s program, “The Lasting Promise: Nurturing Active, Life-long Love,” at St. Elizabeth Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus, from 3-5 p.m.
Presented by Tony and Donna Bonina, parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Westerville, the program is based on the book, “The Power of Commitment,” by Scott. M. Stanley. In his book, Mr. Stanley describes a spiritual approach to commitment: handling the pressures of everyday life; moving through the pain of unfulfilled hopes; overcoming attractions that might endanger a marriage; transforming "me versus you" thinking to "we" and "us;" and capturing the beauty of lifelong devotion and teamwork to build a lasting vision for the future. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the presentation.
Equip U Ministries
Apostle Eric L. Warren, founder and overseer of Equip U Ministries, 6954 Americana Parkway, Reynoldsburg, OH, has been producing a teaching series entitled “Order in Our Relationships.” The message on February 12, World Marriage Day, will be a follow-up to the message that launched the series on the first Sunday in February. The heart of the series centers on establishing a Biblical framework for healthy relationships. The non-denominational ministry also provides Couples Fellowships or cell groups that are designed to facilitate fellowship, dialogue, and discipleship for married couples. For more information, contact http://www.equipuministries.com/
Another organization supportive of World Marriage Day is Retrouvaille
What is a Retrouvaille Program?
The word Retrouvaille™ (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i.) is a French word meaning rediscovery. The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program.
The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6-12 post-weekend sessions over 3 months. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give couples the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine their lives together in a new and positive way.
For more information contact: http://www.retrouvaille.org/
Enjoy the vocal artistry of Frank Sinatra and the profoundly insightful lyrics of the popular song “Love and Marriage” found above:
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