Catholic couples in Dhaka celebrate wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day (videos)
by Sumon Corraya

One of the country’s most important parishes, Tejgaon, is behind the initiative. Pastor calls for strenghtening the bonds of the sacrament. Couples often don't celebrate anniversaries because of their busy life. Catholic man says he and his wife came “with a heart full of joy”.


Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Some 60 Catholic couples celebrated their wedding anniversary at a ceremony held this morning, Valentine's Day, in the Tejgaon, Dhaka, one of Bangladesh’s most important parishes.

Fr Subrato Boniface Gomes, the parish priest, spoke to AsiaNews said about the initiative. “We decided to organise this event because many couples are unable to celebrate their silver, gold and diamond jubilies because of their busy lives. Therefore, we thought that Valentine's Day was the best opportunity to renew their marital vows.”

“Marriage,” he added, “is the sacrament of love and Valentine's Day is the feast of lovers.” For this reason, “Today we celebrated anniversaries and congratulated the couples for spending their lives with faith. They are a model for children and future generations. Let us pray that they may have good health and be well.”

Milton Rozario, his wife, and five children and grandchildren came for the occasion. One of his sons was ordained priest during Pope Francis' apostolic visit to Bangladesh in 2017.

“We thank Almighty God for having blessed our married life. Marriage is a blessed sacrament. My wife and I have been married for 41 years and we are very happy. "

Bikash Gomes also came. “My wife and I are celebrating 31 years of marriage this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate the 25th anniversary. We were very happy when we heard that the church was organising this event. We are here today with a heart full of joy.”

In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Theotonius Gomes of Dhaka, spoke to the couples. “Your married life has been successful and meaningful because you have spent long years together in the faith. You have taken care of the marriage sacrament of the Church.”

"Two minds that become one make life stronger,” he added. “I wish you with all my heart a healthy and happy life. Continue to love one another for the rest of your life. "