Couples all over the globe have been let in on a secret to reignite the spark they had at the beginning of their marriages, all in one weekend. It's called the Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
Originally beginning in Spain, they are celebrating 50 years of encounters. Now, couples are sharing their experiences after attending one weekend.
DIANE BAUMBACH
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
“The reason we went on our weekend is because we were having difficulty communicating and actually arguing a lot. I had told Dick that if we didn't do something to help our communication that we were going to have to split up. So it was almost a miracle, but exactly three weeks later, we were on a worldwide marriage encounter weekend.”
Even the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life promotes these weekends, which are found in nearly 100 countries.
DICK BAUMBACH
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
“Pope Francis, as you know, has spoken very strongly about helping married couples. We believe that Worldwide Marriage Encounter does that in the Catholic Church, as well as other churches across the world. How we do it is give weekends that change the lives of both.”
The secret are the 3-Rs: Restore communication, rekindle romance and renew commitment. These steps are able to address the couples' needs and remind participants of the values of matrimony within the Church.
DIANE AND DICK BAUMBACH
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
“I can truly say we wouldn't be here loving each other all these years later if it weren't for that weekend.”
“I absolutely agree with what Diane said. It has been incredible.”
WWME's anniversary celebration is taking place June 22-24 in Lombard, Illinois and is able to be live-streamed pay-per-view. That way, couples all over the world can share the same experience and renew their marriage, just like so many already have.
