Secret to wedded bliss revealed by world record breaking couple

In a world where lifelong commitment can sometimes feel elusive, one Brazilian couple has defied the odds, proving that true love only deepens with time. And perhaps their love story can inspire others.

Manoel Angelim Dino, 105, and his wife, Maria de Sousa Dino, 101, recently set a remarkable record — 84 years of marriage, making them the longest-married living couple, as verified by LongeviQuest, an organization dedicated to tracking longevity milestones.

Their love story is not just an inspiring testament to faithfulness but also a beautiful reminder of the endurance of sacramental marriage.

Hailing from the rural town of Boa Viagem in Brazil’s northeastern state of Ceará, Manoel and Maria first met in the 1930s while working in agriculture. Their paths initially crossed when Manoel traveled to the Almeida region to collect rapaduras, a traditional Brazilian sweet, according to People.

While a young Manoel fell instantly in love, Maria's mother resisted the union. However, Manoel, determined and devoted, patiently won her over. By 1940, the two had fallen deeply in love and exchanged vows — Manoel was 21, and Maria was just 17.

Together, Manoel and Maria dedicated themselves to working the land, primarily cultivating rolled tobacco. But their greatest legacy isn’t found in their hard manual work -- more their labor of family love.

Over the decades, they welcomed 13 children (nine of whom are still living), and their lineage now includes 55 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Their story is a living testament to the beauty of family life and the countless blessings that come with a love that endures.

Asked about the key to their lasting marriage, Maria’s response was refreshingly simple: love. In a world often searching for complex formulas to relationship success, the Dinos offer a profound truth — love, patience, and faithfulness are the foundation of a lasting union.

Now in their twilight years, the couple enjoys a peaceful life together. Though Manoel spends much of his time resting, every evening he rises to sit beside Maria, where they listen to the Rosary on the radio and watch Mass on television. Their nightly ritual reflects a shared faith that has undoubtedly strengthened their bond through the decades.

While Manoel and Maria hold the current record, history has seen other extraordinary marriages. The longest-ever recorded marriage was between David Jacob Hiller and Sarah Davy Hiller, who were wed for an astonishing 88 years, while the American couple Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher previously held the record for the longest-living marriage at 86 years. These stories remind us that deep, abiding love is possible — and that the commitment made on a wedding day can last a lifetime and beyond.

Our prayers and congratulations to the Dinos and their family!