World Marriage Day is Sunday, Feb. 12

Published: February 8, 2023

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops partners with other organizations to promote World Marriage Day each year on the second Sunday of February. This year's observance is on Sunday, Feb. 12 as a part of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14).

World Marriage Day "honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family — the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life" according to its sponsor Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME).

Consider the gift of time to strengthen your marriage this Valentine's Day, which can be far more meaningful than candy or flowers. In the Diocese of Little Rock, Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is available to help married couples focus on each other and their relationship. It is sponsored by the Family Life Office. 

WWME will be held from 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Coury House Retreat Center on the grounds of Subiaco Abbey. It is designed to help married couples spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, where they can focus on each other and their relationship and reconnect privately. Three couples and a priest lead participants through a program where they share experiences and offer tools to improve communication. There is no group discussion.

The application fee is $100 per couple with an additional donation requested during the weekend to cover costs. Apply online, email Ben or Leah Brewer at apply@arkansaswwme.org or call them at (501) 733-1235.

Weekends are also available in Spanish at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock on the same weekend. To apply, download and return the application form with fee. The cost is $175.

WWME is sponsored by the Family Life Office in the Diocese of Little Rock.