“Love one Another,” taken from Jesus’ commandment in John 14, is the theme permanently adopted for WMD. It’s simple but challenging; it’s a daily decision. At all our parish Masses next weekend, we will bless all married couples and offer petitions for them as well as for the engaged, for widows and widowers, those suffering separation or divorce and for a greater respect for the dignity of marriage and family in our nation and society. Here is a prayer for married couples to recite at home during Valentine’s observance: “Father, we thank you for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more one in heart, mind, and body. Strengthen our communication and help us become living signs of your love. Make us grow more in love with the church so we may renew the Body of Christ. Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother. Amen.”
