At a time when long-lasting relationships seem increasingly rare, the story of Luiz Luize and Maria Luiza has moved thousands of people on social media.
He is 99 years old. She is 98. This year, the couple celebrated 80 years of marriage—a milestone very few couples reach.
In footage from the celebration, Luiz and Maria Luiza can be seen entering the church arm in arm, holding rosaries as they renew their vows. They then receive a blessing before the altar. The simple but meaningful scene touched thousands of people.
Video Credit: IG @ana.zunta
According to their family, Luiz and Maria Luiza married in 1946, when he was 19 and she was 18. Since then, they have built an entire life together, experiencing joys, hardships, and change over the past eight decades.
“We are very proud to be part of this family,” one of the couple’s great-granddaughters wrote on social media.
The post quickly went viral, receiving more than 240,000 views and hundreds of comments from people impressed by their story.
“What an incredible life story.”
“I don’t know them, but it is moving. A tear slipped out. This is truly a testimony to real love. ❤️”
“How beautiful and moving it is to see this union! A whole lifetime by each other’s side—how many stories, struggles, and triumphs they must have experienced over these decades! But today, it is a joy to see them surrounded by such a large family, and even better that their family has them as an example of a relationship built on unity. Congratulations to the whole family! May God bless you.”
Oak Anniversary
Eighty years of marriage is known as an Oak Anniversary.
The name refers to the oak tree, a symbol of strength, stability, and longevity. Just as an oak takes many years to grow and remains firm through storms, a marriage also grows stronger over time through faithfulness, forgiveness, and perseverance.
For the Catholic Church, marriage is a vocation and a path to holiness that spouses walk together.
Throughout their lives, they are called to bear witness to Christ’s faithful love for the Church. Luiz and Maria Luiza’s story is a reminder that faithfulness is built every day: through small choices, mutual care, and the commitment to remain together through every stage of life.
Faith has also been part of that journey. Today, with rosaries in their hands and at ages 99 and 98, Luiz and Maria Luiza are still together, celebrating a story that began 80 years ago and continues to inspire thousands of people.