Hidden away deep in the Balkan mountains, in the small country of Bosnia-Herzegovina, there is a little village called Siroki-Brijeg that is unlike any other place in the world.
While many other countries in Europe have faced falling marriage rates and climbing divorce rates, Siroki-Brijeg has upheld the strong tradition of marriage, all while keeping its divorce rate at 0%.
How does this little town defy the odds? Well, they have a beautiful marriage tradition that they believe holds the key.
Before we let you in on this secret, here is some quick context on Siroki-Brijeg.
Siroki-Brijeg is a small town in lower Herzegovina and its population is mostly Catholic. From their deep-rooted faith, the people of Siroki-Brijeg have developed several beautiful traditions, including one they credit with protecting their marriages: The Marriage Crucifix.
The Marriage Crucifix quite literally makes Christ the center of marriage. During the wedding ceremony, the couple approaches the altar and the priest greets them with these words:
“You have found your cross. And it is a cross to be loved, to be carried, a cross not to be thrown away, but cherished.”
The crucifix is then blessed. During the vows, the groom holds the crucifix in his right hand and the bride rests her right hand upon it. The couple is thus physically placing the crucifix as the fulcrum of their marriage.
The couple unites themselves on the Cross, and recite their vows over the image of Love Himself.
Before they kiss one another, the couple humbly kisses the crucifix, the source of their love.
Although we may never be able to pinpoint the exact cause of Siroki-Brijeg’s 0% divorce rate, it is safe to say that by centering their marriages from the outset on Christ’s loving sacrifice on the Cross, these couples are creating a strong foundation.
You may not have been married in Siroki-Brijeg but you are still called to a strong and holy marriage. In Manual for Marriage, authors Dan and Danielle Bean pull from the Church’s teachings, the wisdom of the saints, and experiences from their own 25-year marriage to create a powerful guide for the newly-married and the long-married. Filled with reflections, prayers, practical tips, and good humor, this manual makes the perfect gift for those upcoming spring and summer weddings! Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
