FEBRUARY 24, 2023
mississippicatholic.com
Couples celebrate World Marriage Day
JACKSON – Deacon Denzil Lobo and his wife Gina celebrate their 25th anniversary at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle on Sunday, Feb. 12 for World Marriage Day. For more pictures turn to page 6. (Photos by Tereza Ma) JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson celebrated the anniversaries of married couples from around the diocese with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. According to World Marriage Day history, the idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1981, when couples encouraged the Mayor, the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentine’s 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 in February. In 1993, St. Pope John Paul II imparted his Apostolic blessings on World Marriage Day. World Marriage Day celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.
To honor couples in 2023, the Office of Family Ministry on behalf of the Diocese of Jackson asked parishes to submit the names of couples celebrating their 60th, 50th, 25th or any significant anniversary. This year, 36 couples from throughout the diocese submitted their names in celebration of their anniversaries.
At the World Marriage Day celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, couples received an anniversary certificate blessed and signed by Bishop Kopacz. Please join us in celebrating the anniversaries of the following couples:
– Continued on page 6 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Earthquake 7 Turkey and Syria death toll continues to rise
LA Bishop death 8 Suspect arrested in LA Bishop O'Connell murder
Exchange students 13 Brazillian students visit Sacred Heart School