Couples arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 8, 2025, some hand in hand, others accompanied by children and grandchildren, all gathered to celebrate the sacred bond of marriage. Laughter and quiet exchanges of affection filled the air as they took their seats to celebrate the vocation of marriage as a lifelong journey of faith at the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass sponsored by the Office of Family Life of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
Married couples from across the archdiocese came together for the special liturgy, which recognizes the joys and challenges of marriage while offering spiritual renewal and encouragement.
Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjívar, the principal celebrant for the bilingual liturgy, delivered his homily in English and Spanish and reflected on marriage as a pilgrimage of hope –a sacred journey in which two hearts unite in love, trusting in God’s divine guidance.
Pilgrims of Hope
This year’s Wedding Anniversary Mass held special significance as it was celebrated during the Jubilee Year 2025, a time of spiritual renewal in the Church. The holy year has “Pilgrims of Hope” as its theme. Bishop Menjívar reminded couples that by attending Mass at the National Shrine – an officially designated jubilee site – they had the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by fulfilling the standard conditions of Confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
“Coming to the Shrine is like going to Costco,” Bishop Menjívar said. “You go for just one thing, and you end up filling the car. Today, you will go back home filled with spiritual blessings.”
He emphasized that, like any pilgrimage, marriage is a journey filled with uncertainties, challenges, and moments of grace.
“Marriage itself is also a pilgrimage – a sacred journey toward God that two hearts united in love embark upon, trusting that God leads the way,” he said.
He continued by explaining the profound distinction between a civil and sacramental marriage, emphasizing that a religious marriage is not solely dependent on human strength but is sustained by divine grace.
“Marriage is much more than a simple legal contract or a simple human commitment; it is a pilgrimage towards God, it is a path that leads to holiness, it is a divine alliance, a call to share the mystery of God's love not only as individuals, but above all as a couple and as a family,” Bishop Menjívar said. “It is a journey into the unknown, where every step, every turn is blessed by the faithful presence of our Lord.”
“This is the difference between sacramental marriage and civil marriage,” he added. “In the civil sacrament, everything depends on your own strength. In religious marriage, you receive strength from above, from God. You just let yourself be guided by the grace of God.”
A living witness to God’s love
The Mass recognized couples at all stages of their marriage, from those recently married to those celebrating milestone anniversaries. During the liturgy, Bishop Menjívar invited all couples married for 40 years or more to stand, leading the congregation in a round of applause for their faithfulness. He then asked those married for five years or less to rise, encouraging them to learn from those who have walked the path before them.
“Newly married couples, you can gain much wisdom from those who have walked the path before you,” Bishop Menjívar said. “Older couples, you can also learn from the younger ones.”
Addressing those who had been married for many years, he added, “Perhaps those who have been married for a long time feel as if the jar of wine is running dry or as if the relationship is losing freshness and flavor. By seeing young couples in love and still believing in marriage despite the many broken promises they have witnessed – perhaps even in their own families –(that) should inspire older couples’ renewed faith and rekindle confidence in themselves and in God.”
Salt and light in the world
Reflecting on the Gospel passage from Matthew 5:13-16, Bishop Menjívar reminded couples of their call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, preserving the sanctity of marriage and witnessing God’s enduring love.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, with what will it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden,” he said, quoting Scripture.
“In our lives as Christians – and particularly in married life – it symbolizes the call to preserve the original joy of God’s creation, for without the generosity of couples and their sacrificial love for their children, God’s generation of human life will simply not be possible,” Bishop Menjívar explained.
He encouraged couples to keep their love vibrant, comparing marriage to a fine wine that deepens and grows richer over time.
“(Know) that married life is not always perfect, that conflicts and disagreements are natural, but love must prevail always – forgiveness is a daily practice in marriage, (and) that prayer strengthens marriage – a couple that prays together stays together,” he said.
Looking ahead
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington provides resources for engaged and married couples, including retreats, spiritual direction, and formation programs. For more information, visit the Office of Family Life at https://adw.org/archdiocesan-offices/office-family-life/.
As the Mass concluded, having renewed their vows before their faith community, Bishop Menjívar offered final words of encouragement to them, saying, “Let us rejoice in this sacred adventure. Let us remember that while the future may be veiled in mystery, our hearts can remain at peace knowing we have placed our trust in God. With every step taken together, we are supported by a divine presence that transforms the unknown into a realm of possibility and grace.”
