Back in 2006, then-Pope Benedict XVI and his brother, Fr. Georg Ratzinger, 82, were surprised to learn that their parents, Joseph and Maria, met through a singles ad their father had placed in local Catholic weekly, Liebfraubote.

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The July 1920 ad was found in the Bavarian state archives by a researcher for the tabloid Bild. According to the report, the ad read:

“Middle-ranking civil servant, single, Catholic, 43, immaculate past, from the country, is looking for a good Catholic, pure girl who can cook well, tackle all household chores, with a talent for sewing and homemaking with a view to marriage as soon as possible. Fortune desirable but not a precondition.”

Maria Peintner, 36, an illegitimate baker’s daughter and a trained cook, replied. She did not have a fortune, but they married four months later.

That’s one way to find a spouse, right?

Did you and your spouse (or your parents) meet in a funny or unique way? Share your story in the comments!

Adapted from an article originally posted on Catholic News Agency

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