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Reflections for World Marriage Day - A Note from Fr. Michael
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Reflections forWorld Marriage DayOur Church consistently invites and encourages prayer on behalf of the Vocation of Holy Matrimony, particularly in observance of World Marriage Day each February. We all have a huge stake in the Church's on-going care for those who have made ( or will make ) commitments to each other in this holy vocation of self-giving love. Catholic teaching about the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony clearly envisions a very noble ideal. The devotion and fidelity of both spouses reflect the total commitment of Christ to His Church. When a bride and groom exchange their vows together, consciously asking the Lord's blessing and the Church's prayerful support, they resolve with great hope to create something very beautiful for Christ and truly necessary for the sake of the world.We all benefit from their holy example of perseverance and generous commitment. In their daily dedication to holiness, Christian spouses share in the awesome responsibility which our Creator gives them to care for each other and for their children. Everyone - most of all their own children and grand-children - can draw confidence and inspiration from the strength of the husband and wife's resilient, enduring, and sacred bond. Nobody claims that the daily commitment to marriage is easy. It is truly a vocation that requires much hard work and constant attention by each spouse to the good of the other. To assist marriage in remaining strong, healthy, and life-giving, sacrifice is often called for from both spouses. Prayer is also an essential ally in this life-long commitment.This year, World Marriage Day will be celebrated on 11 - 12 February. Please join us in prayer for all the married couples in your own life / family and within our faith community. With us, kindly lift up those engaged to be married. May the Holy Spirit guide them to a future filled with hope and happiness. Request from our Father's generous heart a special blessing for all married hearts. May their love for each other grow deeper and stronger with the passing of each year. Ask the Lord for the healing graces needed by those spouses who face strain, pain, or trouble within their relationship. In His mercy, call upon the Risen Lord to comfort those who have experienced the heartbreak of separation or tragedy divorce. In a special way, remember the sadness of widows and widowers, who are deeply mourning the loss of their beloved and who are missing them still.May the Lord Jesus, who loves the Church and gave up His own life for the sake of our salvation, bless and strengthen all who have chosen / will choose to serve Him in the Sacramental Vocation of Holy Matrimony.