From civil union to sacred bond: California diocese celebrates marriage convalidations

For many Catholic couples who were married civilly, the desire to fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church and receive the Eucharist remains a deep longing.

In response, the Diocese of San Jose, California, led by Bishop Oscar Cantú, has launched a landmark convalidation initiative under the California bishops’ “Radiate Love” campaign, witnessing dozens of couples enter into the sacrament of matrimony over the past few months.

Originally planned as a small pilot program, the initiative received a massive swell in interest from local families seeking to place Christ at the center of their marriages. Because of the high volume of registrants, celebrations took place across multiple communal Masses presided over by diocesan bishops on July 25, Aug. 1, and Sept. 26, alongside separate private ceremonies for couples who requested them.

Members of the Radiate Love Task Force pose with Jose Soto, center-left, and Bishop Oscar Cantú, center, with task force mentors Richard and Veronica Wildanger pictured on the far right. | Credit: Oliver Tapia/Diocese of San Jose

The initiative began after the director for Adult Spirituality and Family Life for the Diocese of…