This Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, marks World Marriage Day. Traditionally observed on the second Sunday of February, the day honors a husband and wife as the core unit of the Christian family and their faithful commitment to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
This year’s World Marriage Day theme is entitled, “Called to the Joy of Love.”
According to the United Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, “The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 13) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.”
To honor the blessed union of husbands and wives, the OC Catholic has invited three married couples within the Diocese of Orange to reflect on their wedding day and the role their Catholic faith continues to play within their marriage.
Ashley & Dylan Isaacsen | October 23, 2021 | San Francisco Solano, RSM, CA | Married 3 months
WHAT IS A FAVORITE MOMENT OF YOURS FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Aside from the exchange of coins, rings and vows, my favorite part was being able to incorporate Filipino wedding traditions such as the veil which symbolizes us being clothed in love as one and the cord which symbolizes being bound together in unity.
— Ashley
A favorite moment of mine on our wedding day was seeing our family and friends come together to make our day extra special. The exchanging of our vows to make us husband and wife after a long time of planning and preparing. Knowing that it was finally happening, and we were becoming one in the eyes of God.
—Dylan
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH PLAY IN YOUR MARRIAGE?
My faith has always been very important to me. It meant so much to me when Dylan decided to become Catholic because it meant that we could grow deeper in our faith and love together with the Lord as our guide. Him being a Catholic made our wedding feel like a true Holy Matrimony rather than just a simple wedding ceremony.
— Ashley
The Catholic faith plays a big role in our marriage and life. We are constantly wanting to do better for ourselves and those around us. We have our ups and downs each and every day like any couple does but we both know that God and faith will get us where we need to be. He has a plan for us, and we look forward to his plan.
—Dylan
WHAT IS THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE YOU RECEIVED OR CAN GIVE?
The best marriage advice I received was to remember that our marriage will never be perfect. We are going to have challenges thrown our way and the most important part will be how we approach and get through those challenges together.
— Ashley
The best marriage advice I can give someone would have to be to follow your heart and follow God and learn to lean on those around you for help. With God and your heart leading your way, and the support of your loved ones around you. You will notice how different and easier life can be if you allow yourself to be guided instead of fighting everything around you.
—Dylan
ASHLEY AND DYLAN ISAACSEN ARE PICTURED ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, OCT. 23, 2001. COURTESY OF SHAY RYAN
Katie & Tim Dawson | April 12,1980 | St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Encino,CA | Married 41 years
Katie Dawson is the Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange
WHAT IS A FAVORITE MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY?
We were delighted by some friends who recreated the bottle dance from Fiddler on the Roof – four men dancing with bottles on their head! And none of them fell. So fun!
— Katie
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH PLAY IN YOUR MARRIAGE?
Tim and I were fortunate to meet at Loyola Marymount University and both of us were very involved in campus ministry and prayer meetings. We received some excellent support as we got ready for marriage and understood our decision as part of God’s invitation and call in our lives. We also understood that remaining in love for a lifetime would require the support of a faithful community and some supernatural grace. There are not just two of us in this project of marriage Christ is the center, the foundation of it.
— Katie
WHAT IS THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED/OR CAN GIVE TO OTHERS?
When conflict arises – and it must – don’t generalize, hold grudges or punish each other. Never say “you never” or “you always” and don’t accumulate grievances and unload on the other. Compromise and communication are essential – and of course, prayer together always helps.
— Katie
KATIE AND TIM DAWSON ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, APRIL 12, 1980. COURTESY OF KATIE AND TIM DAWSON
Deacon Steve & Mary Anne Greco | December 18, 1971 | Holy Family Church, Glendale, CA | Married 50 years
Deacon Steve Greco is a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Orange. He serves at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Irvine, is the founder of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry with his wife Mary Anne and hosts a weekly Catholic radio show.
WHAT IS A FAVORITE MOMENT OF YOURS FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Most definitely having Mary Anne appear in her dress and walking down the aisle with her father. I felt tremendous amount of love for her and for the Lord Jesus for sending her to me.
— Steve
My favorite moment was seeing Steve standing at the altar waiting for me to enter. I was surprised that at the end of the day, the most precious moments were during the Mass. After all the wedding planning for the reception, it was the Mass that was the most meaningful.
— Mary Anne
WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH PLAY IN YOUR MARRIAGE?
Everything. There is no way we would have made 50 plus years without putting Jesus at the center of our marriage. There were storms that came in almost every way. We found that Jesus, the Church and sacraments carried us through. Despite the challenges, our love and faith grow stronger. We currently have a Bible study online, “The Bible
and You” that enhances our faith and love for one another.
— Steve
Our marriage has always been centered around our Catholic faith. We really became involved in volunteering at the parish level after we had children. We always felt it was important to share our faith with others and help others draw closer to Jesus Christ. We taught Religion classes, attended Bible studies and later started teaching Bible studies. Our circle of friends was centered around the Catholic Church. We attended conventions, read books and spent many hours discussing our faith with each other and sharing it with others.
— Mary Anne
WHAT IS THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE YOU RECEIVED OR CAN GIVE?
We have taught a course called “Marriage in the Lord.” That says it all. To the extent that Jesus is the center and glue of the marriage is the extent that the marriage will continue to grow in love and strength. Also, it is critical to learn how to forgive and to forget. Don’t hold on to the things that pull you apart.
— Steve
The best marriage advice I would give anyone is to center your marriage around the Lord. Make Jesus the center of your marriage. It makes all the difference. Learn to forgive and never forget how much we are forgiven by God.
— Mary Anne
DEACON STEVE AND MARY ANNE GRECO WALK DOWN THE AISLE FOLLOWING THEIR WEDDING CEREMONY ON DEC. 18, 1971. COURTESY OF DEACON STEVE GRECO