A centenarian couple from Brazil was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest marriage of a living couple which spans 84 years and 77 days, and counting.
The couple, Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino, now 105 and 101 years old respectively, are a true testament to the vow, “‘Til death do us part.”
Their marriage traversed and even surpassed many historical events when they tied the knot at the chapel of Boa Ventura in Ceará Brazil back in 1940. During the time, the first programmable electronic computer was still yet to be invented, and Brazil hadn’t even won a single FIFA World Cup.
The two shared a common ground of having worked in agriculture for their families which led to how they met in 1936. The first time their paths crossed was after Manoel traveled to the Almeida region in the Boa Viagem district to collect a shipment of raspaduras, a traditional Brazilian candy.
However, their relationship only started some years later in 1940. Where the two had a chance encounter and Manoel knew that he could not let Maria slip away from him the second time around. This time, Manoel was set that Maria was the girl he was bound to marry, and Maria eventually said yes.
However, their relationship had its fair share of bumps along the way when Maria’s mother was initially not in favor of their relationship. Hence, Manoel willingly earned the trust of Maria’s family. Soon after the couple was eventually allowed to settle down together.
Back then, their means of living was to cultivate rolled tobacco and sell them to support their growing family. True enough, their love and dedication for each other bore fruit with 13 children. The Dino family eventually grew with 55 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
At present, due to the couple’s old age, they mostly spend their time resting during the day. At night, Maria’s routine involved listening to the 6pm prayer of the Holy Rosary over a radio broadcast, followed by a televised mass.
Their couple and their family shared that the secret to a lasting marriage was simple, it’s a love that also prevails through time.
The prior holder of Manoel and Maria’s world record were David Jacob Hiller (b. 1789, d. 1899) and Sarah Davy Hiller (b. 1792, d. 1898), who were married for 88 years and 349 days until Sarah’s passing.
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