The vocation of marriage (E-Pistle Message)

Last week we celebrated “Called by Name Sunday,” a day in which men and women are asked to consider God’s call to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The word vocation comes from the Latin word, vocare, which means to be called. We know that vocations come in different forms. This week, we turn our focus on another calling – the vocation of married life.

As Catholics, we are called to bear witness to the sanctity of marriage by which God unites a man and woman. This union is a communion that manifests God’s love and the gift of life to the world. Together we rejoice with newlyweds sharing the joy of their new life and also those with decades of marriage. These married couples show the beauty of lifelong love and are a witness of Christ’s love for his church. 

St. Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. On this day when stores are filled with flowers, chocolates and sentiments of love, let us remember those who have lost their loved ones through death, through divorce or those struggling through difficult relationships. Let us accompany them with a word, a gesture or an invitation to share in friendship.   

As we celebrate marriage, we remember that God is with us always and with his help and grace walks with us through life and the love we are called to share. May all married couples continue to grow in love and peace and may this sacred union always reflect the union of Christ with his church.