A Lifetime of Love: 11,137 Years of Marriage Under one Roof as 300 Couples Renew Wedding Vows

On Sunday, February 8, 2026 (Marriage Sunday in the Archdiocese of Toronto), more than 300 couples, collectively representing 11,137 years of marriage, gathered to celebrate the enduring gift of marriage at a special Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.

The milestone couples will celebrate wedding anniversaries of 25, 40, 50 and 60-plus years in 2026.  Among those in attendance were a couple who first said their “I do’s” back in 1956, marking 70 years of matrimony.  This annual event, part of the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Marriage Sunday celebrations, highlights the role of faith in sustaining an enduring commitment to marriage.  Couples had an opportunity to renew their commitment to one another as part of the liturgy.

Over 1,000 family members and friends of honoured couples attended the celebration in the downtown cathedral basilica.  The Most Rev. John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto celebrated Mass, with Auxiliary Bishop Robert Kasun concelebrating. In his homily Bishop Boissonneau spoke about the importance of the commitment to the sacrament of marriage, a shining example to the world:

“You are the light that keeps burning. You bring the light to others – for other married couples, for young people considering marriage, to the Church that sees in your love a reflection of the Lord’s relationship to the Church; for our society that is often afraid of commitment. You are the light that cannot be hidden.”

Marriage Sunday is organized by the Office of Formation for Discipleship in collaboration with parishes and marriage enrichment movements throughout the archdiocese. 1,936 couples were married in Catholic churches throughout the archdiocese in 2024 (most recent statistics available).

We thank all those involved in planning this joyful celebration as we continue to pray for married couples and all those preparing for marriage. May your love continue to be a beacon of hope and an example of fidelity and commitment to your family, friends and all those you encounter each day.