LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez offered a blessing to married couples during the World Marriage Day Mass he celebrated in English at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Sunday.
In prior years, the Cathedral has invited couples celebrating important anniversary milestones (50, 30, 25 years of matrimony) and their families to the special Mass. During the Mass, the couples renewed their vows and received a commemorative certificate for their testimony of love.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the certificate ceremony and registration of milestone anniversaries were adjusted to a general blessing for all couples watching remotely and for those attending in person.
Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Hollywood commemorated World Marriage Day during outdoor Masses in English and Spanish, celebrated by Rev. Juan Ochoa.
The liturgy incorporated prayers and blessings to strengthen the couples' marriage and their relationship with one another and with God.
"Even in the middle of this pandemic conjugal love needs to be cherished, strengthened, and blessed," Ochoa said.
World Marriage Day is celebrated the second Sunday of February and is the culmination of the National Marriage Week which under the theme "To have, to hold, to honor," is viewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as "an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family."
During the week and throughout February, the faithful are encouraged to pray a Rosary for couples and families.