​​​TORONTO (February 11, 2016) 230 couples celebrating a collective 8,000 years of marriage will join Cardinal Thomas Collins in Toronto this Saturday. The Archbishop of Toronto will preside at a special Mass to honour couples celebrating 25th, 40th or 50+ wedding anniversaries in 2016.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a faith-based marriage enrichment program, has organized this year’s celebration, expected to draw more than 750 guests. In addition to the Celebration of Marriage Mass, each year the Archdiocese of Toronto recognizes the importance of supporting married couples through “Marriage Sunday” initiatives at local churches.

When: Saturday, February 13, 2016, 4:30 p.m.

Where: St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church - (849 Don Mills Rd., north of Eglinton Ave.)

Who:

• Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
• 230 Married Couples from more than 80 Catholic churches across the Archdiocese of Toronto, celebrating their 25th, 40th or 50+ wedding anniversaries in 2016
• Two couples celebrating anniversaries on February 13 – 50th & 60th
• Several couples married in the 1950’s, celebrating 60+ anniversaries, including one 65 year anniversary.

What: Mass, renewal of wedding vows for married couples, photographs with Cardinal Collins, reception for all attendees.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is Canada’s largest diocese, stretching from Toronto north to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga. It is home to 1.9 million Catholics and 225 churches, with Mass celebrated in more than 30 languages each week.

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Media Contact:

Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications (416) 934-3400 x 552, neilm@archtoronto.org (416) 879-2846 (cell)