This Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 marks World Marriage Day. It is an observance to highlight the beauty of committed partnership. It honors the couple’s sacrifices, trust, faithfulness, and joy and to love. The couple is the foundation to a family. World Marriage Day is always the 2nd Sunday in February, a fitting month as Valentine’s Day also falls in February, AKA the month of love.
Fewer people are deciding to marry. When people do marry, they marry later in life.
The most recent US Census Bureau data reflects, women are now 28 years old while men are 30 years old when they marry. There are many benefits of a healthy marriage. While it provides companionship and emotional support, it has also shown health benefits. Married couples have decreased stress and increase physical health. Couples who file their taxes jointly may qualify for tax credits. They can also combine their funds to acquire a house and necessary furnishings.
Monsignor Bill Richardson, pastor at St. Ignatius Church in Buchanan Valley said, “Besides legal ramifications, the sacrament of matrimony gives a special Grace from God to have a successful, loving marriage and a blessed family life.” He said there are retreats, workshops, and days of Spiritual Renewal available that are geared toward helping strained marriages or enriching solid marriages. He also said, “Couples may like to have a special blessing or renewal of vows on World Marriage Day or wedding anniversaries such as 25th, 50th.”
Tim McCauslin, pastor at Blessed Hope Church of God in Mt. Holly Springs said, “As the moral situation declines some people don’t see the need for marriage.” He added, however, “It’s important to get married because the Bible states in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper that is just right for him.”” He expressed the importance of couples getting counseling prior to marriage to help set a healthy foundation. He added, “couples need to realize a good marriage isn’t 50/50 but rather 100/100. To have a successful marriage, it doesn’t take two, it takes three – the husband, wife, and Jesus Christ in the center.”
Pastor McCauslin stressed the importance of having God in the marriage. In fact, he has a bi-fold photo frame on his dresser with his wife on one side, he is on the other, and he placed an image of God in the middle. Pastor McCauslin added, “It’s important for couples to talk about how to have a strong marriage prior to getting married.”
Ways to keep your Marriage Strong
*Use the free Focus on the Family App, sign up for the free Focus on the Family magazine
*Hear uplifting marriage speakers such as actor Kirk Cameron
*Speak with a pastor or church leader
*Read 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman and know your partner’s love language to punctuate
*Dr. Eggerichs and Dr. Dobson have quality marriage books to read
*Attend a marriage retreat such as Weekend to Remember. That is held annually at the Hershey Lodge in February.
*Have ongoing, quality communication and time with your partner
*Respect your partner and be open to compromise
*Maintain regular dates with your spouse, including get-aways
*Avoid digital lures such as pornography websites
*Maintain daily, open dialogue with your spouse
*When arguments do arise, discuss matters when you and your spouse are calm
*Seek out a marriage professional or mentor with whom to talk occasionally, participate in marriage counseling when needed
*Visit the Gottman Institute website for researched based method to improve quality of life for couples, parents, and singles
*Renew your wedding vows at Gettysburg Loves Love by Mayor Rita Frealing on Sat., Feb. 15, 2025 at 1 Lincoln Square. For more information, visit: gettysburglove.org
What People who have been married over 20 years are saying
*Listen to each other, be curious about the other persons’ point of view, work toward meeting the others’ needs (Love Languages), make time for each other and show care
*Have mutual respect, be supportive, truthful, put family first, maintain family exploration and experiences ongoing, laugh A LOT
*Have fun and adventures together with a willingness to try new things, don’t hold grudges, forgive often and always
*Take your marriage vows seriously – meaning that you stick together in the good and bad times. There will be tough times but we can call upon God to provide support
While it is challenging to predict the future trends for marriage, there are many benefits of becoming married. Married people live longer have decrease stress levels. Marriage is a journey of love and growing with your partner throughout the years. Choose to love your partner everyday.
Ten years ago, just before Valentine’s Day, Pope Francis mentioned three integral words for marriage, “Please, thanks, and sorry.” Be sure to use those words in your relationship. While Love Languages and ideals among couples vary, it is universally shared to provide support and enduring love.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.