National Marriage Week Celebrates 'Missionary Adventure' of Matrimony

Catholic Church calls married couples to recall the grace that sustains them during the week of Feb. 7-14.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Catholic Church in Philadelphia is celebrating National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) with events and resources to help married couples reconnect with the grace of their sacrament. The head of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family describes marriage as a continual source of God's grace and the primary path to holiness for couples, encouraging them to revisit their wedding vows, pray together, and make regular date nights.

Why it matters

National Marriage Week is part of broader efforts by the Catholic Church to promote strong marriages and a culture of life, which are seen as the foundation of a society rooted in love rather than loneliness. The celebration invites couples to rediscover the spiritual power and purpose of their marriage bond.

The details

Throughout the week, couples are encouraged to mark the occasion in simple but meaningful ways, such as revisiting their wedding vows, re-reading Scripture passages from their nuptial Mass, or visiting the church where their marriage began. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a free At-Home Couples' Retreat to help spouses pray, reflect, and grow together. Parishes across the archdiocese are also hosting special events like Cana Date Night Masses, marriage enrichment conferences, and Valentine's Day celebrations to provide fellowship, prayer, and affirmation of married life.

  • National Marriage Week is celebrated annually from February 7-14.
  • World Marriage Day, which celebrates the beauty and purpose of marriage, falls on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Together in Holiness marriage enrichment conference will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Dr. Daniel Drain

Director of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family, who describes marriage as the primary path to holiness for married couples.

Pope Francis

Reminded families that marriage is not without crosses, but that suffering embraced together is not without meaning.

St. John Paul II

Articulated in his 1981 apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio that the sacrament of marriage is the specific source and original means of sanctification for Christian married couples and families.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Your marriage bond is what's going to make you a saint.”

— Dr. Daniel Drain, Director of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family (catholicphilly.com)

“The way of the cross is a fruitful way.”

— Dr. Daniel Drain, Director of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family (catholicphilly.com)

What’s next

Couples are encouraged to attend the Together in Holiness marriage enrichment conference on February 28, 2026, which will feature talks, prayer, and opportunities to connect with other married couples.

The takeaway

National Marriage Week is a call for married couples to rediscover the grace and spiritual power of their sacrament, nurturing their relationship through intentional time together and affirming the 'missionary adventure' of their married life in service to the Church and society.