Every year, on the second Sunday of February, Catholics around the world celebrate World Marriage Day, a time to honour the sacred vocation of marriage and the lifelong commitment between husband and wife. Rooted in faith, this day serves as a reminder of the beauty of the sacrament of matrimony, the role of spouses in sanctifying each other, and the vital place of marriage in God’s divine plan.
As we reflect on this special day, there is no better model for Catholic marriages than Mary and Joseph. Their union was not one of wealth or status, but of faith, humility, and unwavering trust in God. In a world where marriages face challenges from every direction, Mary and Joseph stand as a beacon of hope and a guide for couples striving to build strong, faithful homes.
Let us explore the significance of World Marriage Day through the lens of Catholic teaching, the example of Mary and Joseph, and the unique challenges and blessings of married life.
The Sacredness of Marriage in Catholic Teaching
Marriage is more than just a legal contract; it is a sacrament, a sacred covenant established by God, reflecting Christ’s unbreakable bond with His Church (Ephesians 5:25). In Catholic teaching, marriage is a divine calling, where a man and a woman unite in a lifelong commitment of love, fidelity, and mutual sanctification. Unlike a mere civil agreement, a sacramental marriage is imbued with God’s grace, strengthening the couple to persevere in faith through life’s trials and joys. This vocation is not only about companionship but also about leading each other to holiness.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"By its very nature, the institution of marriage and married love is ordered to the procreation and education of the offspring, and it is in them that it finds its crowning glory." (CCC 1652)
This teaching highlights that marriage is intrinsically linked to the gift of life. Husband and wife are called to be co-creators with God, welcoming children into their family and raising them in the light of the Gospel. Their love is not meant to be self-contained but to overflow into new life, both physically in their children and spiritually in their witness to the world.
Marriage is also a path of sanctification, where spouses help each other grow closer to Christ. Through daily sacrifices, forgiveness, and acts of love, they participate in the mystery of God’s love. Saint John Paul II frequently emphasised the importance of marriage as a "school of love", where the virtues of patience, humility, and selflessness are cultivated. A strong Catholic marriage is not merely about personal happiness but about reflecting the love of God in the world.
In today’s society, where the sanctity of marriage is often challenged, Catholic couples are called to be a counter-witness to the culture of impermanence. Marital commitment is not always easy, but it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God. By remaining steadfast in your vows, even in difficulties, you proclaim the beauty of a love that endures, mirroring Christ’s own sacrificial love for His Church.
World Marriage Day serves as a powerful reminder for Catholic couples to reflect on their vocation, renew their spiritual commitment, and embrace the divine grace present in their marriage. Whether they are newly wed or have been married for years, this is a day to reaffirm their love, trust in God’s plan, and strive for holiness together. It is an opportunity to celebrate not only the love shared between husband and wife but also the profound role of marriage in building strong families, a vibrant Church, and a faithful society.
Mary and Joseph: A Model for Catholic Marriages
Though living in extraordinary circumstances, they embodied the virtues that all marriages should strive for: faith in God’s plan, self-sacrificial love, and the responsibility of raising children in faith. Their unwavering trust in God and their commitment to one another serve as an enduring model for Catholic spouses today.
Faith in God’s Plan – Faith in God’s plan was at the heart of Mary and Joseph’s marriage, a faith that embraced both sorrow and joy, trusting completely in God's providence. From the very beginning, their union was tested. Mary, with unwavering faith, accepted the angel’s message at the Annunciation, knowing that her “yes” would bring both blessings and suffering. Joseph embraced God’s will after the angel assured him, he took Mary as his wife despite the mysterious circumstances of Jesus’ conception. Their faith was not one of convenience or fleeting emotion but of deep commitment to God’s mission. They sacrificed their own security and plans, trusting that their marriage was part of something greater—the salvation of the world.
Their journey to Bethlehem was not one of comfort but of obedience, as they travelled despite Mary’s advanced pregnancy, only to find no room at the inn. Yet, rather than questioning why God’s plan led them to such hardship, they embraced it with faith, welcoming the Son of God in a humble stable (Luke 2:7). Soon after, when they presented Jesus in the Temple, they encountered Simeon’s prophecy that Mary’s heart would be pierced with sorrow (Luke 2:25-35). Still, they did not resist or despair, but faithfully accepted their role in God’s divine plan, even when it foretold suffering. When Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt, he obeyed without hesitation, uprooting their lives in the middle of the night to protect the Christ Child from Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:13-15). His immediate response was a testament to his deep trust in God’s guidance, even when it meant leaving everything behind.
After Herod’s death, Joseph again followed God’s direction, leading his family back to Israel. Yet, upon realising the dangers still present, he chose to settle in Nazareth, trusting that this was where God willed them to raise Jesus (Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:51-52). Each step of their journey was marked not by certainty but by faith in God’s providence. They bore the hardship together, focusing not on their own discomfort but in complete surrender to God’s Holy Will. Mary and Joseph did not demand to understand everything; instead, they walked in trust, believing that God’s plan, though often mysterious, was always perfect. Catholic couples today are called to the same faith—to trust that God is at work in their marriage, even in times of difficulty. A life of faith means surrendering to His will, just as Mary and Joseph did, knowing that He will provide the grace needed for every challenge.
Self-Sacrificial Love – Marriage calls for a love that mirrors the selflessness of Mary and Joseph. From the moment of the Annunciation, Mary offered herself entirely to God’s will, accepting her role as the Mother of the Saviour despite the uncertainty and suffering it would bring. She embraced not only the joys of motherhood but also the sorrows, from fleeing to Egypt to protect her child, to standing at the foot of the Cross as He suffered and died. Her life was a continuous “yes” to God, a love that gave without counting the cost. Likewise, Joseph demonstrated self-sacrificial love through his silent strength, protecting and providing for Mary and Jesus even when it meant hardship. He willingly set aside his own interests, choosing obedience to God’s call over personal comfort. Instead of seeking recognition, he laboured quietly, ensuring the safety and well-being of his family. Their love was not self-seeking but wholly directed toward God’s mission. Their love was not based on fleeting emotions but on a deep commitment to God and to one another, showing that true love is the willingness to suffer for the good of the beloved.
Likewise, Catholic spouses are called to place the good of the other above their own desires, choosing daily to serve, forgive, and love unconditionally. Marriage is not about seeking personal happiness but about giving oneself completely for the sake of the other, just as Mary and Joseph did. It requires dying to selfishness, being patient in trials, and persevering in love even when difficulties arise. In a world that often promotes self-interest and instant gratification, Christian marriage stands as a counter-witness—a call to love as Christ loves, with total self-giving and sacrifice. By imitating Mary and Joseph's example, couples can find strength in their vocation, knowing that the path of sacrificial love leads not to a loss, but to a deeper, more profound joy in Christ.
Raising Children in Faith – Mary and Joseph created a home where Jesus was nurtured in prayer, obedience, and love. They ensured that their family life was centred on God, faithfully observing Jewish traditions, and making pilgrimages to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41). Their home was not merely a shelter but a place where faith was lived out daily. Through their example, Jesus grew in wisdom and grace, learning the values of humility, compassion, and service.
In today’s increasingly secular world, Catholic parents are called to follow the example of Mary and Joseph by raising children in faith. This means fostering a home where prayer is not just an occasional act but an essential part of daily life. It means teaching children to love God, to trust in His providence, and to seek His will in all things. Parents must prioritise attending the Holy Mass together, reading Scripture, and praying together as a family, and forming their children’s consciences according to the Catholic teaching. By doing so, they create a strong foundation that will guide their children through life’s challenges.
Raising children in faith also requires parents to be living witnesses of the Gospel. Mary and Joseph did not just teach Jesus about God; they modelled faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in divine providence. Likewise, Catholic parents must demonstrate their faith through their actions—by showing kindness, making sacrifices for the good of their family, and serving others. In a world that often pulls young hearts away from God, parents must stand firm, ensuring that their children grow up knowing they are deeply loved by both their earthly family and their heavenly Father.
By looking at Mary and Joseph, Catholic couples can find strength to endure trials, joy in daily life, and grace to deepen their love for each other and for God.
Celebrating World Marriage Day in Your Home and Parish
How can married couples celebrate World Marriage Day in a meaningful way? Here are a few ideas:
Renew Your Wedding Vows: Many parishes offer a renewal of vows during Mass. If not, couples can privately renew their commitment in prayer.
Pray Together as a Couple: Recite the Holy Rosary, the Holy Family Prayer, or simply spend time thanking God for your marriage.
Attend the Holy Mass Together: Offer your marriage to God by attending the Holy Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist together as a family.
Bless Your Home and Marriage Bed: A beautiful tradition is to light a blessed candle, reminding the family of Christ as the light of the world—just as candles are blessed on Candlemas.
Spend Quality Time as a Family: In the spirit of the Holy Family, dedicate time with your spouse and children without distractions. A walk along the beach, a picnic in one of New Zealand’s stunning parks, or a simple meal together can strengthen family bonds.
A Call to Couples: Be a Light to the World
In a time when many marriages face great challenges, Catholic couples are called to be a light in the world, witnessing to the beauty and sanctity of marriage. Today, divorce rates continue to rise, and fewer people see marriage as a lifelong commitment. Many couples struggle with difficulties such as financial stress, misunderstandings, and the pressures of modern life. However, God designed marriage to be a reflection of His unbreakable love—a covenant, not just a contract. Even Jesus Himself honoured marriage by performing His first public miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This shows that marriage is not just a human institution but a sacred calling blessed by God.
God calls every married couple to build their relationship on faith, love, and self-sacrifice. A marriage rooted in Christ is not free from trials, but it is strengthened by grace. Just as Mary and Joseph endured hardships and remained faithful to God’s will, Catholic couples must remain steadfast in their vows, trusting that God will guide them through both joys and sorrows. Marriage is not merely about companionship but about helping one another reach holiness, raising children in faith, and being a witness of God’s love to the world. In a society that often devalues lifelong commitment, Catholic couples have the mission of showing that true love endures and flourishes when it is anchored in God.
On this World Marriage Day, let us entrust all married couples to the care of the Holy Family. May Saint Joseph intercede for husbands to be strong and faithful protectors, may Mary inspire wives to be loving and self-sacrificing, and may Jesus bless every home with His divine presence.
Prayer for Married Couples:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage, a sacred bond reflecting Your divine love. Bless all married couples, that they may live in faith, unity, and holiness. May the Holy Family be their guide in times of joy and difficulty. Strengthen their love, protect their families, and lead them closer to You. Amen.
Happy World Marriage Day to all Catholic couples in New Zealand and around the world! May your marriage be a light that shines brightly in our Church and society.
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