Along with other members of Marriage Encounter, Vince and Hilma, who have been married since 1999 and now have two children, joined Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in proclaming Feb. 13 as World Marriage Day.
Sponsored by Marriage Encounter, the proclamation signing was held at the diocese of Mt. Carmel Cathedral yesterday.
Vince Castro said marriage is something that cannot be downplayed.
“We have to continue loving one another as families,” he said, adding that celebrating marriage is a way to strengthen families.
The family, he added, is the basic unit of community, and that is the message of the marriage celebration every year.
“It reminds us that marriage is a very important part of the life. It is a sacrament,” he said.
The idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1981 when couples encouraged the mayor, the governor and the bishop to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” The event was so successful, the idea spread to other communities.
According to Marriage Encounter, “A couple, seen symbolically as two candle-like figures, reminds us that married love calls us to help enlighten the world.”
The governor said he likes the group’s message.
