WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER (WWME)

Abstract

Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is a movement of couples,
priests and religious in the Church which aims to renew and enrich
marriage, the ministerial priesthood and the religious life.
Following Vatican II and in response to Evangelii Nuntiandi of Paul
VI, Fr. Gabriel Calvo of Spain conceptualized and laid the
groundwork for “Encuentro Conjugal,” a seminar renewal method
for strengthening marriages. Owing to its success, the method was
introduced in the United States in the late 60’s. Fr. Chuck Gallagher,
SJ, seeing its vast potential, developed it further to include renewal of
the ministerial priesthood and the consecrated religious life. Together
with three couples, he launched it into a worldwide movement which
today is known as the Worldwide Marriage Encounter. While the
movement is Catholic in expression and intention it is open to all
married couples regardless of religion, race, culture, education or
social status. Today WWME is in 92 countries, 12 of which are in
Asia, namely, India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Sri Lanka, Philippines,
Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, UAE/Dubai and China.