Family
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History of World Marriage Day
Gary & Marcia Daigle and Fr. Gene Egan
History of World Marriage Day
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.
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.
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.
Year 2004 World Marriage Day National Team
Gary & Marcia Daigle and Fr. Gene Egan
e-mail:
For more information, visit the World
Marriage Day web page.
Click
here for a printable page (PDF, 50KB)
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