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Gifts of Love
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World Marriage Day/Valentine’s Day, Feb 2021
World Marriage Day is dedicated to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony on the second Sunday of February, close to Valentine’s Day. While the usual gifts of flowers and chocolate are welcome, other gifts may be even more appreciated such as the gifts of time, listening, touch, presence. Here are some simple ideas to choose from:
- Take a walk together
- Share what best memory you have of your wedding
- Verbalize what you like best about your spouse
- In spite of this past year’s difficulties explain what you have enjoyed most and why
- Read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, PhD and discuss
- Surprise your spouse with an unexpected favor
- Provide an unsolicited foot rub or shoulder massage
- Read 1 Cor 13:4-7 together out loud, holding hands
- Give a specific, sincere and timely compliment to your spouse
- Share what you are most grateful for in your relationship
- Pray together the “Prayer of a Husband and Wife” (see below)
- Make a play list of your favorite songs
- Express your thanks often and in a timely manner
Note: Remember that if some of these efforts are practiced throughout the year you will notice a remarkable and positive difference in your relationship.
Love one another as I have loved you.” -John 15:12
Prayer of a Husband and Wife
Keep us Lord from pettiness. Let us be thoughtful in word and deed.
Help us to put away pretense and face each other in trust without fear of self-pity.
Help us to guard against fault-finding and be quick to discover the best in each other and in every situation.
Guard us from ill temper and hasty judgment
Encourage us to take time for all things, to grow calm, serene and gentle.
Helps us to be generous with kind words and compliments.
Teach us to never ignore, never to hurt, never to take each other for granted.
Engrave charity and compassion on our hearts.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us.-The Columban Fathers