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  Family - World Marriage Day

Maine World Marriage Day Celebrations

Compiled by Ralph & Dotty Cornette

Holy Martyrs Parish, Falmouth
Below is a segment of our recent parish bulletin. This is how we celebrated World Marriage Day.

“Dear Parishioners: This Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass we will be observing in our parish World Marriage day. On this Sunday nearest St. Valentine's Day, couples observing anniversaries of their marriage which are significant to them renew their vows before the altar and receive a special blessing upon their marriage. The following couples (with their years married) have expressed their desire to participate: George & Karen Spino, 2; Sharon Leskanic & James Caldwell, 15; Matthew & Donna Sasso, 15; Chip & Cecile Cain, 22; Mike & Mary McDonough, 30; Daniel & Deborah Gallivan, 35; Deacon Dennis & Beverely Popadak, 36; Gerald & Judy Ducharme, 40; Al & Rosie Poirier, 45; Dick & Pat Traynor, 50; Bill & Ethel Brennan, 56.

I would like to share with you the World Marriage Day Prayer.” Msgr. Murphy

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 a sign of unity in the name Jesus, Our Lord and Brother. Amen.
Deb Coppinger, Parish Secretary

St. Vincent de Paul, Bucksport
We had our Annual World Marriage Day celebration that honors the lifelong commitment of husband and wife. Over 35 couples enjoyed a candlelight dinner complete with a wedding/anniversary cake. We had music and dancing for the couples with our DJ, and lots of prizes from area businesses.
Ed & Gloria Thibodeau

Sts. Bruno/Remi, Van Buren
World Marriage Day was celebrated at St Bruno-St Remi, Van Buren with a special evening Mass on Sunday, February 12. The main celebrant was Fr. Bob McDonald. As always, his words to married couples were inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting. Couples renewed their marriage vows. The oldest married couples present - 63 years and 60 years were recognized along with the youngest married couple 1 1/2 years. A presentation was made to the longest married couple.
Carmel & Lucille Castonguay

In our parish, the Liturgy Committee invited married couples to a special Mass last night, for the renewal of their vows and a blessing. I had seen most of them earlier at the regular Sunday Masses. Twenty couples came. The pastor and I concelebrated. In my homily I focused on the vocation of the Sacramental couple, and thanked them for their years of fidelity to their covenant. One couple, the organist and his wife, provided the music. One couple were the lectors. Another served at the altar, and another brought the gifts. The oldest married couple, 63 years married, received a gift of a couple (bundled up moose, with a Welcome sign behind them).

Those who came were pleased, and many lingered at the back of the church, eager to talk.
Fr. Bob McDonald, S.M.

St. Francis Xavier, Winthrop and St. Leo’s, Litchfield
Our pastor, Fr. Brian Blanchette and Fr. Roger Ouellette, led the couples present at all the Masses in the renewal of their wedding vows. At St. Leo’s, couples’ wedding pictures were on display at the front of the church.
Ralph & Dotty Cornette

The Augusta-Gardiner Catholic Community
At each of the nine weekend Masses, the Celebrant of the Mass recognized the vocation of married life with the “Blessing for Married Couples.” Pulpit talks also were presented at each Mass, inviting couples to experience a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend.
Dave & Ellie Mulcahy

St. Denis, Whitefield
I covered two Masses at St. Denis Parish in Whitefield this weekend. I preached on “God’s Plan for Marriage.” In the “Prayers of the Faithful,” we prayed for Engaged and Married couples. I concluded the Prayer of the Faithful with the “Blessing for Married Couples.”
Fr. Bert Poussard

Click here for a printable version (PDF, 11KB)