Married couples stand for prayer at the start of a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward J. Burns to celebrate the Diocesan Newlywed Mass at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 2, 2023. (Ben Torres/Special Contributor)
Special to The Texas Catholic
Bishop Edward J. Burns on Dec. 2, 2023, celebrated a Mass at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in honor of all the couples who celebrated the sacrament of marriage in the last year.
A record number of couples registered for the diocesan Mass and reception, with 163 couples from 50 parishes registered. The event recognized the witness to love, fidelity, and sacrifice that these couples provide in the diocese.
The Mass was followed by a reception where many resources were shared to help the couples as they embark to live their vocation. Resources shared included spiritual guidance on prayer life as a couple, practical advice for navigating challenges in marriage, and information on parish-based marriage enrichment programs.
This beautiful event served not only as a celebration but also as a reaffirmation of the Church’s commitment to uphold the sanctity of marriage, to provide continual support to married couples, and to foster a community where the values of love, fidelity, and sacrifice are lived and cherished. This is in following the words of Pope Francis in “Amoris Laetitia,” where he highlights the beauty and joy of love in marriage and the importance of walking with families in their joys and struggles, thus building a vibrant, loving community reflective of God’s own love.
