Message from Bishop John

February 2024

CATY MRAZ | THE U.P. CATHOLIC

(Top photo) Bishop John Doerfler elevates the Eucharist at the Milestone Wedding Anniversary Celebration Mass while Dcn. Terry Saunders (left) and Msgr. Michael Steber (right) look on. The Mass was held at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette on Sept. 17, 2023. (Middle left photo) A couple celebrating a milestone anniversary in attendance at the Mass hold hands. (Middle right photo) Honorees bringing up the gifts smile for a photo. (Bottom photo) Honorees of the Milestone Wedding Celebration smile as roses are handed out to the wives in attendance.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in Jesus Christ.

National Marriage Week is February 7-14, and World Marriage Day is February 12. The theme this year is “Love Beyond Words.” This theme gets to the heart of the sacredness of marriage and how important the vocation to marriage is for the Church and the world.

Let us reflect on the promises that a man and woman make to each other on their wedding day.

“I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and it health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

By these words the husband and wife promise to each other a love that is faithful (I promise to be true to you), a love that is unconditional (in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health), and a love that is permanent (all the days of my life).

This is truly a “love beyond words” for it reflects the love that Jesus Christ has for us, faithful, unconditional and everlasting love. Marriage is so important, for in God’s plan it is meant to be a sign of his love in the world.

Most of you are called to the sacred vocation of marriage. Thank you! I encourage you to celebrate National Marriage week with joy and thanksgiving for the vocation to which the Lord has called you. If you have not experienced your marriage to be what God has planned, know that he stands by you to extend his love, peace and healing.

Visit the website "For Your Marriage" for ideas to celebrate National Marriage Week and for resources to enrich your marriage: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/celebrate-national-marriage-week/

May God fill you with his love, joy and peace.

+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette

View the 2023 Milestone Wedding Anniversary Celebration album here