CV NEWS FEED // The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA hosted a Catholic Marriage Enrichment Retreat for more than a dozen U.S. military couples at the Centro Ad Gentes retreat center in Nemi, Italy, October 18-20.

According to a press release from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, the weekend was aimed at strengthening the sacramental bond of marriage for those facing the challenges of military life. 

Archbishop for the Military Services Timothy P. Broglio, who is currently participating in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, took time out of his schedule to celebrate Mass both days and engage the couples in conversation and fellowship, according to the release.

The retreat marks the eighth of its kind sponsored by the AMS since 2018, with previous events held in various locations across Europe, the U.S., and Guam. Archbishop Broglio has participated in “nearly all” of the previous retreats, according to the news release.

The news release cited a 2010 quote from Archbishop Broglio, highlighting his constancy in supporting married couples in the military.

“Marriage is indeed a union most sacred and serious,” he wrote. “It is a wonderful gift to the Church and to society. Like all precious gifts it must be cared for, supported, and sustained.”

Couples attending the retreat hailed from U.S. military installations in Germany, Italy, and the U.S., including Ramstein Air Base, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Aviano Air Base, and Fort Eustis, among others, according to the news release. 

Over three days, participants engaged in prayer, group sessions, and discussions, using the REFOCCUS Marriage Enrichment Inventory developed by FOCCUS (“Facilitate Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study”) of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska.

The retreats are funded by benefactors of the Archdiocese. 

“Thanks to the generosity of donors,” said Dr. Max Moitoza, vice chancellor for evangelization, “these marriage enrichment retreats invite couples in the military to pause and reflect upon the gift of their marriage. Such encounters permit spouses to recall that marriage is a sacrament geared toward mission.”