Celebrating World Marriage Day
February 10, 2008

Marriage, as the foundation for society, began in Genesis where God created Adam and Eve, equal but different, to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Gen. 1:28). In the Catholic Church, we celebrate marriage as a sacrament, as the way a man and a woman consent to an irrevocable bond of life long fidelity, mutual respect and an openness to children.  A covenant between a man and a woman, marriage is a reflection of God's love for his people.  The total giving of self, joining in "one flesh", enables couples to bring children into the world to form a family, the basic unit of society.  This vocation as lay people calls the couple to a prophetic role as witnesses to God's plan for humanity and the common good of society. 

For information and ideas on how to celebrate World Marriage Day in your community, visit: http://wmd.wwme.org


> To access practical resources for couples on caring for or preparing for their marriage, including a marriage tip of the day, monthly marriage quiz and book review, and what the Church teaches about marriage, visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' site: http://www.foryourmarriage.org