Is it possible to know you’ve found your match by looking at one picture?
When Jose first came across Maria’s profile on CatholicMatch, it was a simple picture of her rocking in a swing that made him fall in love. Jose, 64 from Puerto Rico, knew exactly what he was looking for. Having been both widowed and divorced then annulled previously, he was eager to find someone who shared his desire for a Christ-centered marriage.
On her 54th birthday, Maria received a message from Jose. She too was drawn to a photo of Jose from his profile—one of him playing the bongo, which was fitting since she herself is also a musician. Maria, never married, was a member of CatholicMatch for a year and a half before meeting Jose. She reluctantly subscribed for the site at the urging of her sister, but admittedly had her doubts. Surprisingly, Maria was impressed right away by Jose’s communication with her. His demeanor and gentlemanly behavior, plus his interest and concern for the political unrest in her home country of Venezuela, intrigued her.
Frequent communication between the two followed: a mix of online messages, phone calls, and video chat. Their first time video-chatting, Maria remarks, was “a magical moment full of nerves when we could see each other through the computer monitor.” Finally, 10 months later, Jose took the long trip to Venezuela to meet Maria in person.
By then, they had already determined that they were meant to marry each other.
That first—and to this day, only—in person visit was full of memories. “It was a first date that was like many dates at the same time,” Jose remembers. Maria made a dinner in her home for Jose—a very special moment for the two, even bringing tears to Jose's eyes. Since it was Christmastime, Jose got to meet many of Maria’s family members and friends at various events and gatherings. They enjoyed going to Holy Mass together, visiting some tourist spots, holding hands, and sharing their first kiss. By the end of the visit, they were “betrothed," making plans for a wedding in the future.
15 days came and went too quickly, and Jose returned home. To this day, that in person visit was the only one in their two-and-a-half year relationship. The social and political crisis in Venezuela, on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, prevents them from advancing their wedding plans or making more visits to one another. Despite these obstacles, Jose and Maria’s relationship flourishes through technology: daily communication via email, apps, and video chats round up a succession of dates for them, as it is the sole tool they have for their courtship.
A long-distance relationship for the books.
Jose and Maria don’t let distance and space limit their love. “We have celebrated betrothal anniversaries, birthdays, good and bad news, etc,” says Maria. Every night, the couple calls each other to say good night and share a time of prayer: a rosary for their relationship, for each of their countries, and for couples like them from CatholicMatch that are far away and would like to see each other but, like them, cannot.
Even when phone and internet service is not always reliable, their dedication remains constant. “Both of us have persevered in our fidelity and mutual respect,” says Jose. “Our communication has never failed even with the problems of power and internet that have been constant.” Fondly referring to each other as “half husband and half wife,” due to how long their betrothal remains on hold, distance doesn’t stop them from knowing the ins and outs of each other’s daily lives. It is evident that this relationship is built on the grace of God. “We trust each other. We respect each other’s space,” Maria assures.
Maria shares her favorite characteristics of Jose: his good heart, constancy, and dedication, his fighting spirit against adversity, his morals and respect for God, and his patience and respect towards her. Their story gives a valuable lesson to all couples facing a long-distance relationship: love can grow and flourish despite physical distance. We pray for Jose and Maria’s perseverance as they await the day they are united again!
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