Archdiocese of Bangalore Inaugurates the “Year of Married Couples 2026”

The Archdiocese of Bangalore has joyfully inaugurated the Year of Married Couples 2026, dedicating this year to honour, accompany, and strengthen married couples in their sacred vocation of love and fidelity. This special initiative also meaningfully coincides with the Universal Church’s celebration of the Year of St. Francis, drawing inspiration from the saint’s life of humility, simplicity, and total trust in God. Together, these two themes invite families to rediscover marriage not merely as a social bond, but as a holy covenant that reflects God’s faithful and enduring love.

The archdiocesan-level inauguration was held on 8 February 2026 at the historic St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Bengaluru, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration attended by priests, religious, married couples, and faithful from across the Archdiocese.

During the Holy Mass, the Archbishop reflected deeply on the vocation of marriage, describing it as a daily journey of grace shaped by love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. He reminded couples that marriage is a living sign of Christ’s relationship with the Church, a love that is patient, self-giving, and faithful even in difficult moments. He encouraged spouses to see their everyday struggles and joys as part of their shared path to holiness, saying that when couples pray together, forgive generously, and walk hand in hand with God, their homes become powerful witnesses of the Gospel.

Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. Arockiaraj Satis Kumar, in his homily, highlighted that strong marriages form the foundation of strong families and a vibrant Church. He invited couples to use this year as a time of renewal — to rediscover the beauty of their first love, to heal wounds, and to recommit themselves to one another with deeper trust. He also stressed that the Church stands beside every married couple, especially those who face challenges, assuring them that they are never alone in their journey.

Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan drew a beautiful connection between the Year of Married Couples and the spirit of St. Francis. He noted that St. Francis taught the world that holiness is found in simple, faithful living and humble service. In the same way, he said, couples grow in holiness not only through grand gestures but through small, consistent acts of love — a listening ear, a patient heart, and a willingness to serve one another each day.

A significant moment during the Eucharistic celebration was the launch of the official logo of the Year of Married Couples 2026, symbolizing unity, commitment, and God’s presence at the heart of married life. Along with this, the official prayer of the Year of Married Couples was launched and prayed. The prayers call upon God to bless married couples with grace, strengthen their bond, and help them grow in love, faith, and mutual respect.

Adding further meaning to the celebration, the Archdiocese had earlier conducted a competition to draft the official prayer for the Year of Married Couples. During the inauguration, the winners of this competition were announced and appreciated, acknowledging their creative and prayerful contribution to this important diocesan initiative. This participatory effort reflected the Archdiocese’s desire to involve the faithful actively in shaping the spiritual life of the local Church.

Following the archdiocesan inauguration, the Year of Married Couples 2026 was officially inaugurated in all parishes of the Archdiocese on 15 February 2026. Parishes marked the occasion with special Masses, blessings of couples, and moments of prayer and reflection. Many communities also announced programs such as couple enrichment sessions, family prayer gatherings, and faith-sharing groups to support married couples throughout the year.

Sharing her joy after the celebration, a parishioner said, “This year reminds us that our marriage is truly a gift from God. The Church’s prayers and encouragement give us new strength to love one another better and to walk together in faith.”

As the Archdiocese journeys through this special year, it invites all married couples and families to deepen their relationship with God and with one another, so that every Christian home may truly become a domestic church, radiating love, hope, and joy to the wider world.